Practice chanters are invaluable for every piper. When just starting out, they are used to learn proper fingering and basic tunes. After moving on to pipes, they are used to learn new tunes as well as for practicing when a full set of pipes is impractical. When selecting a practice chanter, there are many things to consider: Size, Material, Make, and Cost.

Size- This will depend on the age of the student. Children with small hands will not be able to reach the required finger spacing on a full sized practice chanter, but can still learn basic fingering on a shorter chanter with spacing closer together. A regular length practice chanter is most commonly used for youth pipers or pipers with smaller hands. Hole spacing is slightly different than that of a pipe chanter. The long practice chanter has the same finger spacing as a pipe chanter, so the transition between the two is much easier. This is recommended for most adults.

Material- Wooden practice chanters offer a high quality sound, but may be prone to cracking due to moisture. Practice chanters with a plastic mouthpiece and wooden chanter body will reduce this issue. Plastic practice chanters are very durable and offer good tone. You do not have to worry about cracking.

Make- Each manufacturer is different. Some offer counter-sunk holes to make it easier to feel where the holes are. They also feel larger which is similar to the bagpipe chanter. Some chanters are quieter than others, and some offer water traps.

Cost- This is dependant on the material of the practice chanter as well as any ornamentation. Imitation Ivory and Nickle engraved soles and ferrules will add to your cost. Plastic practice chanters start around $60 and go up to around $129 depending on ornamentation. A wood/plastic combination is around $225. For an all wood practice chanter, you are looking at over $300.