Trusted Bagpipe Suppliers for Practice Chanters

What Is a Practice Chanter?

The practice chanter is a smaller, quieter instrument used by all beginners to learn the bagpipes. It has the same fingering as the full pipes but uses a simple reed and does not require blowing a bag. This makes it the perfect tool for developing finger technique, memorizing tunes, and practicing daily without the volume of a full set of pipes.

Buying Advice

Always choose trusted brands like McCallum, R.G. Hardie, Walsh, Dunbar, Gibson, or Pipers’ Choice. These chanters are well-made, tune correctly, and will last for years. Avoid “rosewood” or knock-off chanters sold on online marketplaces — they are often poorly bored, hard to tune, and can make learning frustrating.

Practice Chanter sizes: finger spacing is the same across 'short' 'regular' and 'long' chanters. Adults above 5'6" (168cm) usually prefer 'long' chanters.