How to Choose Your First Practice Chanter - 3 Main Points
Before we start it is worthwhile to point out that practice chanters cannot be used to play the actual Bagpipe instrument. They are strictly for practicing, experimenting, learning new tunes, and polishing up your skills. Because of these reasons, a practice chanter is considered a useful and necessary tool to all pipers through all stages of their career.
In this article we will cover the basics of practice chanters and help you pick your first (or second) practice chanter. For additional useful information on chanters, refer to my other blogs where I cover additional relevant topics. Going over things like counter-sunk holes, rubber grommet joints versus hemp wrapping, reeds, cleaning, tuning and more!
Intro:
Choosing your first practice chanter is quite simple, don’t over think it. As with all good marketing pitches, it may seem like there are a ton of differences in practice chanters - but it really boils down to only a few main differences that you will need to consider. Some tutors and instructors may have a preference in what chanter you should start with, so it’s a good idea to consult with your instructor if you have one. If you do not have an instructor, this guide will help you in your search by narrowing down key options to focus on.
#1 - Name Brand:
The first point is the number one most important! Buying a name brand quality made chanter is essential to your bagpiping. If you have spent any time at all searching for practice chanters online you’ve likely come across what I call “knock-offs”. These are found mostly on Ebay, Amazon, and music stores that do not have a Scottish emphasis. These chanters generally range from $15 to $45 depending on who is selling it. They are almost always made of rosewood which is a dead give away. Rosewood is not a common wood used in making Scottish made practice chanters. These chanters may look nice but they will not suffice for your learning. I would liken it to this to learning to play the harmonica that was purchased from a toy store. The same idea applies here. Stick with one made in Scotland, USA, England, or Canada as long as it has a name brand.
A list of most trusted and authentic chanters come from: McCallum, R.G. Hardie, Peter Henderson, Shepherd, Dunbar, Gibson, Wallace, D. Naill.
This is what you'll find when you type in "Scottish Practice Chanter" in Google. These are not name brand chanters.
# 2 - Size:
Size is another important factor. Most people are not aware but there are 2 sizes for adults and one size for kids. Youth size chanters should be used for anyone 12 and under.
For adults, the 2 sizes are called “Standard” and “Long”. The long practice chanter is nearly identical to the sizing and hole spacing of a pipe chanter but the standard size is not far off.
Question: If the long size is closest in size and feel to the actual pipe chanter, why use a standard size? The standard size is a little easier to reach and cover all the holes especially for beginners. Its compact size makes for easier posture while sitting at a table and playing.
Most pipers find zero difficulty in transitioning from a standard size practice chanter to playing the actual bagpipe. This is all about preference. I personally learned on a standard size and my hands would not be described as large, therefore I am partial to the standard size.
Another important tip is that the long chanters tend to cost a little more and also are a bit louder; so keep that in mind. Your spouse/family will thank you for choosing a quiet chanter in the learning stages.
This is a side by side comparison showing the difference in length between long and standard size practice chanters. Both are McCallum brand.
# 3 - Wood or Plastic:
Don’t think of the word ‘plastic’ as being a bad thing, the plastic (called acetal) used in chanter making is ultra high quality, very dense, non brittle, and is nearly indestructible. These days almost all practice chanters are made of plastic. You may hear the term “Delrin” or “Polypenco” which are simply name brand acetal companies. Up until about 30 years ago almost all practice chanters were made from African Blackwood and only some were plastic. You can still buy a wooden (name brand) chanter but they are quite expensive and they run the risk of cracking especially if the top portion is wood. In theory wood does have a more mellow sound to it but I do believe it is very difficult for most people to tell the difference in sound between wood and plastic practice chanters.
So how do I choose?
1. We have already discussed that name brand is most important so be sure to buy from a trusted bagpipe shop not a music store that sells guitars and keyboards.
2. Beyond brand, price is usually the biggest factor. If your budget is less than $100 go with plastic. If you have a $175-$325 in your budget then wood is an option for you however, I would strongly suggest that your very first chanter should be plastic. Be patient, go big and buy a nice wooden chanter after you have discovered that you love the hobby and you are ready for your second chanter.
3. If you have large hands or are super tall, you might consider a long size, if you are average height and have medium to small size hands, go with a standard size. And remember, your chanter purchase should come included with a reed that is suited for that chanter. If it doesn’t, shop around.
Until next time!
All content and photography by Wheaton McClanathan.