Question about Bagpipe Practice Chanters

**Nick Sweeney** · 22nd February 15, 08:01 AM

My son and I are about to start taking bagpipe lessons and we were directed towards the long McCallum plastic chanter. My questions, for those that know about these things, are these: Are they a quality chanter? Are there any that you would recommend? Are there good, economic chanters that you would recommend?

Thank you in advance for any advice

**Destin_scot** · 22nd February 15, 08:10 AM

Yes, they are quality practice chanters.

But, if you are taking lessons from a local pipe band, I'd see what they are using for practice chanters before you purchase your own.

Same can be said for private lessons, see what the pipe major, (instructor) recommends before you purchase them.

**Nick Sweeney** · 22nd February 15, 08:13 AM

The McCallum plastic chanter was what the instructor recommended.

**Nick Sweeney** · 22nd February 15, 09:20 AM

One more question. Is there that much of a difference between regular and long chanters?

**vmac3205** · 22nd February 15, 09:37 AM

McCallum's plastic chanter is a good economic chanter.

Originally Posted by Nick Sweeney

My son and I are about to start taking bagpipe lessons and we were directed towards the long McCallum plastic chanter. My questions, for those that know about these things, are these: Are they a quality chanter? Are there any that you would recommend? Are there good, economic chanters that you would recommend?

Thank you in advance for any advice

**416 Rigby** · 22nd February 15, 10:00 AM

First lesson: listen to your teacher.

All the major brands are good. I play a Gibson regular length. Long or regular doesn't really matter.

Welcome to the obsession!

**YOJiMBO20** · 22nd February 15, 10:39 AM

The difference between a long and a regular PC is the finger spacing. On a regular length PC, the finger holes are roughly evenly spaced, on a long PC, the finger holes are spaced wider and match (the same maker's) pipe chanter. This makes the transition to the pipes a little easier as your fingers already know where to go.

**416 Rigby** · 22nd February 15, 11:08 AM

The holes on the Gibsons are recessed and spaced like a pipe chanter, the main reason I chose it.

**Mike S** · 22nd February 15, 11:10 AM

Agreed. If your son is of the age where his hands can comfortably span the spacing of the long practice chanter (and thus the pipe chanter), that is the way to go.

We are truly spoiled for choices these days in terms of quality pipe makers. Further, the prices they charge for beautifully turned and mounted sets is cheap as chips compared to the other top of the line woodwind instruments, trust me.