I thought it made it look a little funkier! And still make visual comparisons. If people really dont like it I’ll redo it again without the superhero look. Thanks for commenting though, good call.
one item not covered: The Blair has Midi notes in and out connectivity and adjustments for midi gracenotes. So you can record your midi notes or use the blair as soundengine. Deger and fagerstrom has not.
I’m thinking of getting one in a couple of months time. I used to have an electronic pipe chanter made by Nail. It was a good one too. It had a wire coming from the bottom of the sole and into the hard case that it fitted into. I sold it for not a lot, to a school. I haven’t seen one like it since.
I've been learning pipes for over 10 years. Finger practice and memory work never stops being a big part, made all the more difficult by how loud even a practice chanter can be, let alone full on Great Highland Bagpipes! Electronic chanters provide a full spectrum of chanter, small pipes and GHB pipes sound. They produce beautiful sound through earbuds, headphones or speakers in a compact size with features like built in metronomes, recorders and midi output. Perfect for quiet practice watching TV, travelling in a plane or lunch at the office. I review the top three choices, with lots of sound comparisons, features and overall value. If you just want to head right to the summary page go to 16'45''.
Thanks for the review! Have been traveling a lot for work and this kills my practice habits. Have been looking to get an electronic chanter. This was very helpful.
The Warbl is probable the best choice now because it uses light sensors to see if the holes are covered or open and anywhere in between. It's also very cheap.
Thank you so much for this detailed review. I spent $300 or so last year on ES Session Practice Chanter, and I love that. But I travel so much for work, and work long hours when I'm away, so there is no easy way to work with the Practice Chanter in a Hotel late at night when I have a niche of time to practice. So I was kicking myself for not buying the FagerStrom. Just placed an order.
Thanks! It has been brought to my attention I missed a couple of other, lesser known electronic chanters. I hope this video provides some comparative aspects that will help evaluate ANY chanter, even if I missed it. You are right about the travel aspects. Although I looked a bit “out there” on the flights, I could learn a tune by the time I landed and it’s a great way to while away the time.
Having played the 'Piob Beag' for the last few years, an electronic chanter made in Inverness Scotland (similar to the Ross with the built in speaker) i recently acquired the Deger Pipes 2, i like it a lot, though it would benefit from an lcd screen, especially to view which key i was in. The Blair looks temptingly interesting, but pricy, mabye sometime later this year. + A nice review NorthOlbo. Cheers. Donnie (Scotland)
Donald, how have you been going with the Deger Pipes 2. I'm looking at it or the TechnoChanter and at present due to it's price £150, whereas the Deger II would set me back £375. I realise the Deger II has more options with it and more like an actual chanter, but do you think the version 2 has pulled Deger back into contention via the BlairPipes. Any advice or comments would be most appreciated.
I didnt read their explanation, but most remote mikes work on a similar principal to bluetooth, dont see why a thousand dollar chanter couldn’t have something similar.
WTF! I'm jealous to DEATH of you!!!!! I once had a first generation Deger and it DIED on me! I love the Technopipe but it's COMPLETELY OUT OF TUNE! But I've been working with Fagerstrom to come out with a better release. The only reason why I like the Deger is because it's perfectly tuned. I never had a problem with dry skin, and the pitch is adjustable over a bigger range than the TP. Plus there is a High B on the frickin' DEGER! Too frickin' bad it costs the whole world to ship the Deger pipes to Germany!
Michael, have you looked at the 2nd generation Deger II that came out (not the old one, but the latest one). I've been looking at either the 2nd gen TechnoChanter as can be had for a very good price (I can get it for £150), and the 2nd gen Deger II, but this is pricier at £375, which is a big jump over the TecnoChanter (more than double). Have you seen the 2nd generation Deger II, and if so any thoughts on it over the TechnoChanter?
Thank you so much for this video! It's obvious you have experience, and it was good to see these 3 pieces of equipment evaluated side by side. I'm just starting to learn, about 10 hours total with a cheap wooden chanter from Amazon. I've learned enough that it's obvious that I need a better tool. Do you think that Fagerstrom Technopipe would be a good tool to learn on? I can buy a new one for $350 off eBay. Thanks again for your expertise!
Hi, Sorry, but just a little correction... You sampled practice chanter sound first, then small pipes and lastly great Highland bagpipes. Great instrument. Own one myself. Now many more 'voices'. Amazing. A must have if you are a serious Piper and enjoy jamming sessions and the odd ceilidh. All the best, Wm.
Have you seen or used the Glencoe electronic chanter? I'm just starting to learn how to play (only about 4 lessons in) But I'm finding it extremely hard to practice using the practice chanter since its pretty loud on its own. I've modified a reed but its not a great solution, so I'm looking for an electronic practice chanter and the Glencoe seems like the best value but Its still a bit expensive without being able to find any reviews for it.
I have never seen or used a Glencoe. Try putting a small elastic band on the mid/upper part of the plastic practice chanter reed, it will quieten it done a lot. Try EBay, or Pipes/Drums magazine, or local second hand websites like Craigslist (you may have to really widen the Craigslist search!) for a second hand e-chanter. They are pretty much unbreakable and really help a learning piper.
I have dreamed of playing the bagpipes since I was a kid, but I live in a tiny house, and my wife would kill me. :p Heard about the Blair electronic chanter last year, but it's out of my price range. Figured I would give the hunt another try tonight, and came across your video. The Fagerstrom looks like it would be perfect for me. I don't care what it looks like, as long as it sounds nice and has correct fingering. After watching your video, I started shopping for one. It seems that there are two versions, one electronic chanter, and then one called Techno Pipes. I want the one that sounds like what you are playing in this video. Is there a difference in sound, or does one just have more features than the other? The electronic chanter is under $300, which would be great, but the sound quality is very important to me. Will the cheaper model sound like the one you are playing in this video? Thanks for your help, and a great video. :)
I think the Fagerstrom Technochanter is a less featured and cheaper variation of the Technopipes, which is what I show in the video. There is a black and clear version, mine is clear as it looks less threatening going through airport security as it is an odd X-ray shape, There is a new chapter called the Glencoe from Scotland which has a decent sound but lacks a few of the features. But it’s price is by far the lowest so is worth checking out too, maybe as a second chanter for leaving in your car or office. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, good practicing!
@@NorthOlbo I checked out the Glencoe, but it looks like it sounds like a standard chanter. I want one that sounds like actual bagpipes. I watched your video again, and yours sounded like that at the start and end of the review for that chanter, but sounded different in the middle section. Did you use two different chanters, or can it be programmed to sound differently?
Captain Westicle i dont think I changed anything but I’m not sure now! None of the chanters are100% GHB but Blair is very close, and a lot has to do with the output device, ie earbuds are thin, the little speaker I used was fairly bad, over the ear headphones are very good and amplified speakers are the best. Give a listen to Redpipes sound files if you can. Expensive, but the gold standard for synthesized bagpipes.
@@NorthOlbo I can't afford the Blair one. But I still think the Fagerstrom is gonna work for me. www.pipeline-bagpipes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PCT&Product_Code=TechPipes&Category_Code=ElectronicBagpipes This is what I was gonna buy. They do have the electronic chanter as well, but this one says that it sounds like authentic bagpipes, while the other one says it just sounds like a standard chanter. Is this one in the link the same as the one you used in this video?
Ive never seen these for sale in Canada, but they look interesting. Cost with accessories is on the high end. I really liked the built in Bluetooth but in the “FAQ” section of their website they say it cant be used with Bluetooth headphones and requires the add on of a Bluetooth adapter, and then the whole latency issues. There was some issue with linking to a Mac as well. Using it as a “real” chanter on actual bagpipes is interesting, but for me the point of this device is for travel and personal practice, not dragging around bagpipes. They look similar in engineering to the Blair chanter as they are optically driven. And Spanish Gaita pipes as an output choice is fun too. I’m still waiting for Blair to provide a new sound option as their website claims they’ll do. Thanks for the info on this chanter!
Oops...good catch! Neither one is a “perfect” capture of the sound (there are many varieties of small pipes, nothing is “official” and the big sound of the GHB is a full body experience) but that was a mistake on my part. Thanks!
![เป็นไปได้ไหม - WanMai [Performance Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Eh5hItD4Mr0/mqdefault.jpg)
What's with the filter? Really defeats your attempts to show us the details of the different chanters.
I thought it made it look a little funkier! And still make visual comparisons. If people really dont like it I’ll redo it again without the superhero look. Thanks for commenting though, good call.
It's fine with me.
mandosandradios Thanks! Its all about the sound and function anyway...better than your average youtube video in any case
one item not covered: The Blair has Midi notes in and out connectivity and adjustments for midi gracenotes. So you can record your midi notes or use the blair as soundengine. Deger and fagerstrom has not.
I’m thinking of getting one in a couple of months time. I used to have an electronic pipe chanter made by Nail. It was a good one too. It had a wire coming from the bottom of the sole and into the hard case that it fitted into. I sold it for not a lot, to a school. I haven’t seen one like it since.
I've been learning pipes for over 10 years. Finger practice and memory work never stops being a big part, made all the more difficult by how loud even a practice chanter can be, let alone full on Great Highland Bagpipes! Electronic chanters provide a full spectrum of chanter, small pipes and GHB pipes sound. They produce beautiful sound through earbuds, headphones or speakers in a compact size with features like built in metronomes, recorders and midi output. Perfect for quiet practice watching TV, travelling in a plane or lunch at the office. I review the top three choices, with lots of sound comparisons, features and overall value. If you just want to head right to the summary page go to 16'45''.
Great video!
Thanks!
Thanks for the review! Have been traveling a lot for work and this kills my practice habits. Have been looking to get an electronic chanter. This was very helpful.
I tried the bluetooth speaker as well and maddening is a good way of describing it, same problem you had
The Warbl is probable the best choice now because it uses light sensors to see if the holes are covered or open and anywhere in between. It's also very cheap.
Thank you so much for this detailed review. I spent $300 or so last year on ES Session Practice Chanter, and I love that. But I travel so much for work, and work long hours when I'm away, so there is no easy way to work with the Practice Chanter in a Hotel late at night when I have a niche of time to practice. So I was kicking myself for not buying the FagerStrom. Just placed an order.
Thanks! It has been brought to my attention I missed a couple of other, lesser known electronic chanters. I hope this video provides some comparative aspects that will help evaluate ANY chanter, even if I missed it. You are right about the travel aspects. Although I looked a bit “out there” on the flights, I could learn a tune by the time I landed and it’s a great way to while away the time.
Having played the 'Piob Beag' for the last few years, an electronic chanter made in Inverness Scotland (similar to the Ross with the built in speaker) i recently acquired the Deger Pipes 2, i like it a lot, though it would benefit from an lcd screen, especially to view which key i was in. The Blair looks temptingly interesting, but pricy, mabye sometime later this year. + A nice review NorthOlbo.
Cheers. Donnie (Scotland)
Donald, how have you been going with the Deger Pipes 2. I'm looking at it or the TechnoChanter and at present due to it's price £150, whereas the Deger II would set me back £375. I realise the Deger II has more options with it and more like an actual chanter, but do you think the version 2 has pulled Deger back into contention via the BlairPipes.
Any advice or comments would be most appreciated.
Blair has an excellent explanation why Bluetooth isn’t feasible for any electronic Chanter.
I didnt read their explanation, but most remote mikes work on a similar principal to bluetooth, dont see why a thousand dollar chanter couldn’t have something similar.
Why tf that filter l, just keep the normal stuff
WTF! I'm jealous to DEATH of you!!!!! I once had a first generation Deger and it DIED on me! I love the Technopipe but it's COMPLETELY OUT OF TUNE! But I've been working with Fagerstrom to come out with a better release. The only reason why I like the Deger is because it's perfectly tuned. I never had a problem with dry skin, and the pitch is adjustable over a bigger range than the TP. Plus there is a High B on the frickin' DEGER! Too frickin' bad it costs the whole world to ship the Deger pipes to Germany!
Michael, have you looked at the 2nd generation Deger II that came out (not the old one, but the latest one). I've been looking at either the 2nd gen TechnoChanter as can be had for a very good price (I can get it for £150), and the 2nd gen Deger II, but this is pricier at £375, which is a big jump over the TecnoChanter (more than double).
Have you seen the 2nd generation Deger II, and if so any thoughts on it over the TechnoChanter?
Thank you so much for this video! It's obvious you have experience, and it was good to see these 3 pieces of equipment evaluated side by side. I'm just starting to learn, about 10 hours total with a cheap wooden chanter from Amazon. I've learned enough that it's obvious that I need a better tool. Do you think that Fagerstrom Technopipe would be a good tool to learn on? I can buy a new one for $350 off eBay. Thanks again for your expertise!
Hi,
Sorry, but just a little correction... You sampled practice chanter sound first, then small pipes and lastly great Highland bagpipes. Great instrument. Own one myself. Now many more 'voices'. Amazing. A must have if you are a serious Piper and enjoy jamming sessions and the odd ceilidh.
All the best,
Wm.
Have you seen or used the Glencoe electronic chanter? I'm just starting to learn how to play (only about 4 lessons in) But I'm finding it extremely hard to practice using the practice chanter since its pretty loud on its own. I've modified a reed but its not a great solution, so I'm looking for an electronic practice chanter and the Glencoe seems like the best value but Its still a bit expensive without being able to find any reviews for it.
I have never seen or used a Glencoe. Try putting a small elastic band on the mid/upper part of the plastic practice chanter reed, it will quieten it done a lot. Try EBay, or Pipes/Drums magazine, or local second hand websites like Craigslist (you may have to really widen the Craigslist search!) for a second hand e-chanter. They are pretty much unbreakable and really help a learning piper.
Its touch and go on its contacts. Had one for 12 mths. Wouldnt recommend it.
I have dreamed of playing the bagpipes since I was a kid, but I live in a tiny house, and my wife would kill me. :p Heard about the Blair electronic chanter last year, but it's out of my price range. Figured I would give the hunt another try tonight, and came across your video. The Fagerstrom looks like it would be perfect for me. I don't care what it looks like, as long as it sounds nice and has correct fingering. After watching your video, I started shopping for one. It seems that there are two versions, one electronic chanter, and then one called Techno Pipes. I want the one that sounds like what you are playing in this video. Is there a difference in sound, or does one just have more features than the other? The electronic chanter is under $300, which would be great, but the sound quality is very important to me. Will the cheaper model sound like the one you are playing in this video? Thanks for your help, and a great video. :)
I think the Fagerstrom Technochanter is a less featured and cheaper variation of the Technopipes, which is what I show in the video. There is a black and clear version, mine is clear as it looks less threatening going through airport security as it is an odd X-ray shape, There is a new chapter called the Glencoe from Scotland which has a decent sound but lacks a few of the features. But it’s price is by far the lowest so is worth checking out too, maybe as a second chanter for leaving in your car or office. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, good practicing!
@@NorthOlbo I checked out the Glencoe, but it looks like it sounds like a standard chanter. I want one that sounds like actual bagpipes. I watched your video again, and yours sounded like that at the start and end of the review for that chanter, but sounded different in the middle section. Did you use two different chanters, or can it be programmed to sound differently?
Captain Westicle i dont think I changed anything but I’m not sure now! None of the chanters are100% GHB but Blair is very close, and a lot has to do with the output device, ie earbuds are thin, the little speaker I used was fairly bad, over the ear headphones are very good and amplified speakers are the best. Give a listen to Redpipes sound files if you can. Expensive, but the gold standard for synthesized bagpipes.
@@NorthOlbo I can't afford the Blair one. But I still think the Fagerstrom is gonna work for me. www.pipeline-bagpipes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PCT&Product_Code=TechPipes&Category_Code=ElectronicBagpipes
This is what I was gonna buy. They do have the electronic chanter as well, but this one says that it sounds like authentic bagpipes, while the other one says it just sounds like a standard chanter. Is this one in the link the same as the one you used in this video?
There is also a-pipes from france...
Ive never seen these for sale in Canada, but they look interesting. Cost with accessories is on the high end. I really liked the built in Bluetooth but in the “FAQ” section of their website they say it cant be used with Bluetooth headphones and requires the add on of a Bluetooth adapter, and then the whole latency issues. There was some issue with linking to a Mac as well. Using it as a “real” chanter on actual bagpipes is interesting, but for me the point of this device is for travel and personal practice, not dragging around bagpipes. They look similar in engineering to the Blair chanter as they are optically driven. And Spanish Gaita pipes as an output choice is fun too. I’m still waiting for Blair to provide a new sound option as their website claims they’ll do. Thanks for the info on this chanter!
Smallpipes & GHB labels are interchanged in the video!!
Oops...good catch! Neither one is a “perfect” capture of the sound (there are many varieties of small pipes, nothing is “official” and the big sound of the GHB is a full body experience) but that was a mistake on my part. Thanks!