Thinking of Taking Up The Bagpipe

[Captain Karrot]

Does anyone know where I can get a practice chanter - not too expensive? I am thinking of taking up the Bagpipe. I know I should start with a practice chanter, but don't want to drop a couple hundred dollars (what I have seen in my brief search) for something that I may decide I am really not into.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Keith

[george7]

Do not be tempted into anything that has to Pakistan and Bagpipes in the same sentence (paragraph, page, book, epic, encyclopedia). Get yourself a Gibson (or other famous Scottish pipe maker) practice chanter. Buy polypenco to save money. Get an instructor.

[McMurdo]

I would suggest looking here

http://www.bobdunsire.com/ubbthreads...s.php/ubb/cfrm

And getting an instructor is the only way to go.

[george7]

and look here http://www.bagpipejourney.com/

[davidlpope]

I highly recommend the Dunbar "long" practice chanter. It's made of Delrin, virtually indestructable, and the spacing of the finger holes will be close to the spacing on a real set of pipes. You should be able to poke around on the internet and find the best deal. Even if you decide you don't want to stick with it you could resell a good practice chanter like this on ebay or to a local bagpipe band (there are always new students looking for a PC) and recoup some of your money.

On that note, take advantage of any local pipe bands in your area. My experience has shown that trying to learn the pipes by yourself, even with a video or cd tutor will likely be unsuccessful. Even if you do manage to learn the rudiments of a couple tunes, you'll likely pick up many bad habits without a tutor. Most pipe bands offer free beginner's lessons to recruit new band members.

Cordially,

David

[turpin]

A Walsh Long PC should run you about $80.

[JS Sanders]

In this order:
1. Secure an instructor.
2. He'll tell you what to purchase.

Deviating from this will cause you more aggravation than you can imagine.

steve

[zeeew]

I agree on an instructor. Bagpipe music has alot of things all its own.

As far as a practice chanter, a long will have more accurate finger spacing compared to a short. Bob Dunsire forums previously mentioned can answer pretty much most questions, its a great website.
I found a new McCallum long poly for 60 recently, if you decide you dont want to play pipes you can get almost all your money back from a pc on Ebay.

[SteveB]

I have a McCallum long poly, as recommended by the piper across the street from me. Now I need a tutor, which seems to be scarce here in Boston. I haven't found any through the telephone listings, or local music outlets yet. My neighbour's work schedule will not permit our getting together very much. He has guided me in the use of some published tutorials, and some practice exercises. I am old and expect to take about two or three years before tackling the Bagpipes themselves. I torture my neighbours at least one hour every day with the practice.
Slainte

[Macman]

I have the long poly McCallum, recommended by my instructor, and a long Dunbar for backup. I like them both. I wouldn't buy a wood one for your first one.
That said, Steve is right. Get your instructor first, and do what he/she says.
Good luck and have fun!