I saw that. I was just goint to use the top of my current chanter but in retrospect I was very glad that I was outbid. I jumped the gun and almost wasted money! My chanter top might not have fit.

So...if I see those holes again I shouldn't freak about it.

Is this feature a mark of a good chanter?

I've noticed that the counter-sunk holes tend to be seen on nicer chanters.

Maybe one or some of our experienced pipers can start a sticky thread titled "Your Practise Chanter and You"?