My Pre broken in practce chanter

[OC Richard]

Somebody new to it all doesn't have a stored up memory of what different practice chanters and reeds sound like... it's an undiscovered country for a newbie.

You eventually get a feel for what's above average, what's average, and what's below average.

With a practice chanter one expects a certain degree of efficiency, that is, getting the right amount of output (volume and tone) for the amount of input (the quantity of air, and force of air).

One expects a certain quality of tone. One expects a certain accuracy of intonation. A practice chanter isn't ever going to approach the tonal qualities of the actual bagpipes, but it can be pleasant in its own way.

Gibson long practice chanters are particularly efficient and pleasant-sounding. Here's what two ordinary Gibson practice chanters (with Gibson reeds) sound like when played together

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4lw8-3Jf9w

Here's a long McCallum practice chanter with the McCallum reed. Your chanter should sound like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MLHJh009bU

[Macman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4lw8-3Jf9w

Very cool, Richard. That's quite the bag cover!

[crash]

Well, a couple of things...My teacher always says "slow and clean" play slow and clean, speed will come later.
You can get most anything you need from Kineard https://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com/ , they're in Saskatchewan, including many choices for practice chanter reeds. Last but not least we'll see you at The Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville Ontario first weekend in August and any other PPBSO games you choose to attend. Good luck and have fun, I'm not that far ahead of you. ha ha

[BobsYourUncle]

Every post in this thread is great advice. I didn't start trying to learn the pipes until I was almost 50 years old. I was just given a band kilt by the Pipe Major of the band with which I take lessons--this is sort of like a Private graduating from Boot Camp--now the real learning can begin.

Beg borrow or steal to get yourself individual lessons, but also beg, borrow or steal to get into the instructional program of a good pipe band local to you. Learning to play with others is essential, even if your heart's desire is solo competition--there is much to be learned about playing that you cannot learn without the opportunity to play with others. Not to mention that you will have access to many more experiences and brains concerning bagpipe maintenance, which is as much an art as the actual playing, and maintenance can bring you down even if your technique and musicianship are otherwise perfect.

It is a great journey. I have loved every minute of it! The learning never stops! Yours Aye,