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!

[navysqueaker]

When I was home this past week i dug up my pc. don't remember who made it, it's a black two piece plastic with a white band around the base of the mouth piece. couldn't find my music book though, Anyone know of a good book that has all the embelishments and maybe a good song book too. I suprised myself and i can still play amazing grace minus some of the embelishments, it's been over three years since i last played.

[haukehaien]

Anyone know of a good book that has all the embelishments and maybe a good song book too.

The College of Piping Green Book
http://www.college-of-piping.co.uk/a...tor_Books.html

[Mr. Woolery]

I've never heard anything agains Dunbar chanters. My dad has a couple he plays regularly and I've tried them. Good chanters. I just prefer the sound of my blackwood chanter, but part of this is probably snob appeal.

-Patrick

[beerbecue]

I've never heard anything agains Dunbar chanters.

I've played a few that were quite off.... top hand sharp on one, bottom sharp on the other...

Granted, a PC doesn't need to be perfect... but.....

I have a McCallum long poly right now, very inexpensive, sounds great, takes all kinds of reeds.....

[Derek Conley]

I have a McCallum long poly right now, very inexpensive, sounds great, takes all kinds of reeds.....

I have one on order currently...

[Jack Daw]

The College of Piping Green Book
http://www.college-of-piping.co.uk/a...tor_Books.html

Yes, a good book with good tunes.

[SteveB]

As I have posted elsewhere, I have the good fortune to have a tutor, and am enjoying the learning process.
I have a McCallum Long practice chanter in polypenco (plastic). With a large selection of reeds in my collection, we found the Cabareed P/c reed to give us the best tone and ease of blow. I started with this chanter and keep it with me as I travel in my car, and practice at traffic lights. (Throws on D at the present time).
For sessions with my tutor and at home I am using a Dunbar Deluxe Long Practice Chanter. It has a water trap and is African Blackwood. The reed of choice is Abbott. The two supplied by Dunbar Bagpipes with the chanter provide a deep rich tone. The sound is awesome. The Dunbar is a joy to practice with, as the spacing is a little bit further spread then the McCallum, but is spot on with the Sheppard Bagpipe chanter that the band uses. In about two years I hope to be truly ready to be learning the GHB. I am more interested in perfecting my technique, and interpretation of the music, for which the practice chanter is the only tool of beginner or experienced piper.
I now am using the same chanter as my tutor. This makes learning the techniques, and posture easier on both the tutor and myself. We are watching each others fingers a lot at this stage. I appreciate the tutor helping me with proper finger movement and placing.

You should work with your tutor on the ins and outs of the practice chanter. Your tutor wants to put the package together that is going to make your transition to piping both enjoyable, and with quality.
Slainte
Steve