Review of Video

1. Parts of the Practice Chanter

• Top section – includes ferrule at bottom end of the top section.

• Bottom section – includes sole (may come off on older chanters).

• Reed seat – where reed is inserted.

• Practice chanter reed – plastic, with hemp wrap at base.

• Hemp – waxed or unwaxed thread used for sealing and adjusting fit.

2. Taking the Chanter Apart

• Hold like handlebars – one hand near top, one near bottom.

• Twist, don’t pull – gently rotate sections to loosen.

• Be careful not to damage the reed.

• Analogy: like the game Operation — precision matters.

3. Removing the Reed

• Avoid unless necessary.

• Twist reed gently before lifting out — do not pull straight.

• Hold low on the black base, away from the blade area.

• Check for blockages:

• Look through reed toward a light — clear passage.

• Ensure no hemp covers the bottom hole.

• Inspect reed seat for loose hemp pieces.

4. Reassembling the Chanter

• Insert reed into reed seat until snug — twist slightly to secure.

• Align top section carefully over reed — insert straight, avoid hitting reed edges.

• Use a knee or arm as support for stability.

• Twist top and bottom sections together gently.

5. Adjusting the Fit

• If loose:

• Wrap additional waxed hemp around reed base:

• Start at top edge of existing hemp.

• Hold end in place, wrap once around itself, then spiral downward (corkscrew motion).

• Optional: wrap back upward for extra snugness.

• Trim excess hemp.

• If too tight: remove small amounts of hemp.

Key Handling Tips

• Always twist parts instead of pulling.

• Avoid touching reed blades.

• Check for clear airflow before playing.

• Use waxed hemp (or waxed dental floss in a pinch) for sealing and tightening.

0:00 – 0:08 | Introduction

• Welcome to Day 1 of your bagpipe journey.

• Focus: Practice chanter setup.

0:09 – 0:21 | Assembled Chanter Overview

• Chanter may arrive pre-assembled or in parts.

• Look at assembled chanter and familiarize yourself with its parts.

0:22 – 0:35 | Taking the Chanter Apart Safely

• Chanter splits into bottom section and top section.

• Older chanters may have a ferrule or sole that come off.

• Hold one part like a bicycle grip and twist gently, don’t pull straight.

0:36 – 1:34 | Removing the Reed

• Twist the reed gently to loosen, then lift out.

• Only touch the black part of the reed, avoid the blades.

• Check for hemp on the bottom; ensure reed seat is clear.

1:35 – 2:58 | Inspecting Chanter for Obstructions

• Look through the chanter at a light; remove any leftover hemp.

• Can use a needle or small screwdriver or brush to clear debris if needed.

• If shipped in three parts, place reed in reed seat snugly, twist slightly.

2:59 – 4:09 | Assembling the Top Section

• Align top section over reed carefully.

• Hold close to edges to avoid damage.

• Slide in slowly, like placing a shuttle or in Operation game analogy.

4:10 – 4:27 | Adjusting Fit

• Chanter may feel loose if it’s old or hasn’t been used.

• Check snugness before proceeding.

4:28 – 5:58 | Tightening with Hemp

• Use waxed or unwaxed hemp, or floss temporarily if necessary.

• Place hemp at top edge of the joint.

• Wrap around one full rotation downward in corkscrew motion.

• Adjust the last edge at the top for a snug fit.

5:59 – 6:15 | Final Assembly Check

• Place top section over bottom; hemp should give snug fit.

• If too tight, remove some hemp.

• Chanter is now ready for playing.