Getting Started: Bagpipes

Parramatta Caledonian Pipe Band can assist you in selecting the equipment needed to get you started.

You will need a Practice Chanter. These come in polypenco (plastic) or African Blackwood, and as you begin your journey, we strongly recommend a polypenco. A practice chanter reed is also necessary.

We highly recommend that you do not attempt to purchase any unbranded bagpipe material from Amazon or other stores, because they are often not quality made. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Hint: if it has white plastic on a light shaded wood, it is probably fake and will sound terrible. See the example at the bottom.

A couple of good reputable brands include McCallum, RG Hardie, Shepherd, Walsh, Niall, G1, Pipers Choice, Henderson and are the way to go.


This is an example of a poorly made chanter. Avoid at all costs!

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