Chanter help

[Iolaus]

Yep, just getting the same sound as the reed out of the chanter- with a bit more depth!!! It's not the finest manufacturing so it's probably a case of you get what you pay for but I would have thought I should be able to get notes out whatever?
Phil

If you're getting sound out of the chanter then about the only things I can think of would be either a huge crack in the body (which you would've noticed, so thats not it) or you're not getting a perfect seal over the tone holes.

Do you at least have an instruction book? If not, and if you don't know wind instruments, (if you do, this will be insulting) remember the basic concept: you change tones by making the tube longer and shorter; you do this by closing and opening holes. That means, in order to get a certain note, all holes between the reed and the last hole covered must be sealed. There are exceptions such as half-tones and higher registers, but that's what you need to know to get started.

[Phil Wright]

Thanks all. I think I've finally got it. I managed to find a few sites to explain the rudiments as I only had a simple music book. My wife managed to come in tonight and say "What's that noise- You're not getting into bagpipes are you?" so it must be at least recognisable!!!
Phil

[Mike S]

Hi Phil,
Sorry I didn't see your post sooner, as I might be of some help. I am a Grade II piper, and would be more than willing to answer your questions as they come up. The "Green Book" people are referring to is the College of Piping Tutor #1, which together with Logan's Tutor are two of the most common tutor books in use. I would also suggest that you look at Award Winning John Cairn's new series of tutor books/dvds, as this is a fantastic series to learn from.
It goes without saying that you will need to find a tutor to teach you the pipes, sooner rather than later. If you are at all serious about learning the pipes, it will be absolutely essential for you to have a proper teacher. The Great Highland Bagpipe isn't an instrument that one can successfully teach one's self. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to email me or PM me and I would be more than happy to help. Cheers.
Michael S.