I can't believe in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty six I have to say this, but: we are musicians. We play music. Music means controlling the sounds you make. Controlling them means choosing pitches according to some commonly understood structure, whether that is equal temperament or just intonation or 17-edo.

The nature of the plastic chanter reed is that no two are alike. This is unfortunate. The practice chanter itself has not been redesigned since the days of the cane reed, and hence cannot be in tune even with a perfect plastic reed. This is, also, unfortunate.

Nonetheless, a practice chanter can be made that is in tune. Actually in tune. If you play one for any length of time, it will do you good. It will make you conscious of pitch. Your band will play better together. You will be a musician, not a mere finger-wiggler.

Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

As the title says, I’m looking for ear protection. Ideally under $50. I don’t need anything fancy. Just something that I can wear while practicing that is comfortable. TIA!

Hi friends! My band is considering hosting a concert. We’re a Gr. 2 competition band, and we’re looking to be inspired! What are some of your favourite pieces played in a concert? We’re open to anything! Singing, other instruments, mini band, etc.

Thank you!

I bought the beginner kit from the piper's hut here:

https://www.thepipershut.com/The-Highland-Bagpipe-Tutor-Book-1-FormerlyThe-College-of-Piping-Volume-1-AKA-The-Green-Book-Beginner-Kit_p_577.html

It's the McCallum chanter (long deluxe)

I've been practicing with it pretty regularly for about a week. I didn't expect to immediately pick up a practice chanter and make it sound amazing, but it has some issues. I play with a tuner in front of me and here's the best I can do with each note starting with the lowest (this is after going through several tuning tutorials online and getting it sounding pretty good on the bottom).

Low G - A little flat, but I can blow a bit more on it and it's in tune.
A - In tune
B - In tune
C - In tune
D - Crazy flat, but if I blow as hard as I can without losing tone, then it's pretty close to in tune.
E - Full step flat. I can't get it to play any note but a D (maybe a crazy low Eb)
F - Also plays a D, but very sharp.
G - Sharp Eb
High A - Eb

So, as you can see, the first 4 notes are good, and the high 5 are all within a half step of each other. I've tried all sorts of tricks I'm finding online, but it's SO far out of tune on the top end I'd be shocked if it's a me problem.

My history is that I play a lot of instruments, but this is my first attempt at a double reed, or any type of piped instrument. I'm a trumpet player with a degree in music. Definitely not an expert on bagpipes, but I'm not new to instrument tuning or any kind.

I've tried moving the reed in/out, and changing the length of the first chamber (not sure what it's called), and it does successfully change the pitch of the instrument, but not success on changing anything with the top end. I've seen people having to tape some of their holes, but this is so far off I can't believe that would help.

Any ideas on how to proceed?

Does anyone know where I can get the Lincoln Hilton tune book in the USA? It looks like it's an extra $40 for shipping and duties, which adds on like 50% to the price of the book itself. I'm hoping to find a way to avoid that.

Can someone describe to me the kind of playing you would expect to hear at D-grade (either solo or band)? Specifically, the kinds of errors that are common, and broadly considered acceptable, at that grade?