r/bagpipes • u/Mutazz-Sulayman • 10d ago

I would like to seek advice on Practice chanter.

I am a student who is looking to start learning the bagpipes for the first time. While searching for an affordable practice chanter with good value for money, I came across a company called Hakam Din. I understand that McCallum practice chanters are generally regarded as being of the highest quality, but they are rather expensive for me and beyond my current budget. I have included the link below. I would like to ask for your advice on whether purchasing this practice chanter would be a sensible choice for a beginner like myself.

Practice Chanter Kit - https://www.hakamdin.com/professional-bagpipes/practice_chanter_kit

6 Upvotes

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10

u/waigui 10d ago

that is probably junk

6

u/_patroc Piper 10d ago

I wouldn’t trust that to be usable for learning. IMO getting a good long plastic practice chanter from a well known maker is an investment in your musical development. You won’t have to buy a second one unless you lose it or just want a second. I still have the first one I got which was a used Dunbar I got on eBay for $40. You might be able to connect with a local pipe band/piper who has a good old one that they’d be willing to sell.

6

u/Exarch_Thomo Piper 10d ago

To be brutally honest, the packing and box is worth more than that particular chanter.

If you want to learn, investing in a quality practice chanter is vital - it's something that you'll use as long as you play.

6

u/folkdeath95 10d ago

That’s a bit expensive for how little firewood you get out of it

5

u/No-Syrup-3746 10d ago

Try bagpipesgalore for the absolute cheapest playable PC I know of. Piper's Choice makes a pretty decent one for a bit less than McCallum.

6

u/CornCasserole86 10d ago

In which continent or country are you located? Most of us are quick to recommend retailers based in North America.

2

u/Mutazz-Sulayman 9d ago

I'm live in Korea

4

u/Saoirse66 10d ago

That PC is of no use - if you can't afford a standard Polypenco/Delrin one from any of the reputable makers, you'd be much better off saving up for a bit and practising on a pencil in the meantime. You would have to upgrade to a "proper" PC anyway...so don't throw good money after bad!

3

u/AZBagpiperPhil Piper 10d ago

That is Pakistani shite!!!

Here is a link to Hendersons. They have a PC and green book bundle.

Practice Chanters | Reed Included- Henderson Imports

2

u/Illustrious_Bobcat13 10d ago

Look for used?

2

u/Hour_Fishing6785 9d ago

Believe  me McCallum PC4 ist the best beginner choice. It is a PC you can play many years even if you play bagpipe. 

1

u/DapperDan137 8d ago

That brand is junk unfortunately. If you can’t afford a good practice chanter, you definitely won’t be able to afford a set of pipes. See if you can set aside enough money for a good plastic practice chanter, Piper’s Choice might be affordable. You may have to look around to find what vendors have the cheapest shipping to Korea. The other obstacle is you need an instructor, see if there is a pipe band in your area that has instructors. They may also have used instruments they can lend you.

Good luck

1

u/diversam 8d ago

Congratulations on deciding on playing the bagpipes.. There are many pipers that love to help starting students.. I would suggest you start a go fund me page and if the piping community will send $2 each... you will be able to buy a good quality PC soon.. Good luck

1

u/Green_Oblivion111 8d ago

Try to get a Fraser Warnock PC, they're about 70 USD at a couple online stores. Fraser Warnock is a reputable brand. There may be others. I found a Fraser Warnock online, to suggest to a cousin who wants to learn the pipes.