Chanter questions

[haukehaien]

I have a question about practice chanters; I've heard that Dunbar polypenco practice chanters can be considered a little difficult to play properly.

This is the type of PC I'm starting with and I've never tried another as of yet. Can anyone here tell me if this is true (that being the Dunbar's are a tad difficult) or just a myth?

I'd say it's a myth. I've had three chanters - a cheap Asian one that was awful, a Gibson and a Dunbar polypenco. The Dunbar and the Gibson were very comparable in terms of ease of playing.

Are you having difficulty with something?

[kypnkilt]

In my opinion the Dunbar Poly Long is one of the best all-around PC one can have. Gibson PC's are just as good from my experience. I have always recommended Dunbar Long PC's to other seeking to learn the GHB. I use my Dunbar all the time learning new tunes and brushing up on embellishments. The long PC is usually perferable over the standard since the hole spacing is pretty close to an actual GHB chanter. Reason is I have heard from many students that going from a standard to a long can "screw-up" fingering technique and prolong the learning process.

Of course there will be some folks that do not like the Dunbar PC, but then again how do they have it set up. One recommendation I make to those that have a Dunbar PC is to pop a Abbott PC reed in it. Has a deeper/fuller tone that compliments the Dunbar.

[Derek Conley]

Are you having difficulty with something?

Nothing outside of the scope of every beginner!

I'd just read that the Dunbar's could be slightly difficult; I haven't had an issue but also just didn't know any better due to not knowing the difference.

One recommendation I make to those that have a Dunbar PC is to pop a Abbott PC reed in it. Has a deeper/fuller tone that compliments the Dunbar.

I'll try this out; thanks for the advice!