buying a chanter kit

[RakesOfMallow]

Celtic Medic,

If it's $20 then it's most likely garbage. McCallum and Naill poly chanters are 2 that I have worked with and found very dependable. I recommend the Naill, it uses O-rings to separate the top from the bottom so no hemp is needed for a tight seal. This means you don't have to worry about changing hemp, wet hemp, or a stuck chanter. Some guys really like black wood chanters, however I do not subscribe to spending upwards of $100 on a practice instrument that only myself and instructor are going to hear. Save your money and put it towards a good set of pipes (used or new). That being said, you can pick up a poly (plastic) Naill chanter for around $70 if you know where to look.

Best of Luck!

Tom