Download my free guide - How to Achieve a World-Class Bagpipe Sound: link.bagpipelessons.com/worldclasssound Get your Infinity chanter today! bagpipelessons.com/infinity Video Chapters 00:00 Introduction: My personal quest to find the perfect bagpipe chanter 01:00 My first set of pipes 01:30 Does you pipe chanter does not need to match your drones? 02:25 The reasons bagpipes sound so much better today 03:11 The problem with pipe chanters with bigger holes 03:50 Cold weather and smaller hands makes things even worse 04:49 Older pipe chanters don’t sound good and don’t work with modern reeds 05:19 My request for a custom made chanter was rejected 05:34 Promising news from R. G. Hardie & Co. 05:47 My first experience with the new chanter 06:43 Introducing the Infinity chanter from R. G. Hardie & Co. 07:15 Available in Blackwood and Poly (plastic) 07:38 Up close with the Blackwood model 08:30 Up close with the Poly model 09:05 Band discounts are available 09:32 Works at a wide range of pitches from 470 to 490 Hz 09:43 A special third model for playing with other instruments in Concert B flat pitch 09:55 The Infinity chanter is the choice of bands and soloists 10:30 Made by R. G. Hardie & Co. means quality is top notch 11:11 Get your Infinity chanter today BagpipeLessons.com/infinity 11:31 Wrap up and thank you Follow BagpipeLessons.com: facebook.com/bagpipelessons instagram.com/bagpipelessons BagpipeLessons.com Inner Circle Membership: bagpipelessons.com/membership/
I agree 100% with this review, it helped me to decide to get the Infinity Bb Poly chanter, what a difference, my fingers fit the hole placements and the sound is crisp and bright . I love this chanter.
I have played with Bob Weir a few times! Most recently in fall of 2022. www.jambase.com/article/bob-weir-wolf-bros-bagpipes-jori-chisholm-seattle-setlist-audio
Thanks @SouthernPiper! Glad you liked the video. My new InTune Mic has been a very popular innovation. Check out my video here called Getting Started with the InTune Mic for Faster & Easier Bagpipe Tuning. th-cam.com/video/MdI2Ria8kZE/w-d-xo.html
I bought the Infinity recently and compared it to my wooden Niall chanter. Infinity seems very close to it but I find the top hand more comfortable. Do you have any advice for reeds suited for the poly version to arrive around 474Hz pitch which I prefer for solos?
My favorite reed is the reed I helped design... The Foundation Reed. It is the result of over over three years of research and development. Ever reed is crafted to meet my standards for specific tonal qualities, stability, and performance. Every reed is hand picked for you by me at the strength you want. bagpipelessons.com/foundation
I guess I'm a persuadable person, because I bought one after watching this. I had an early 1990s Naill that I have been using years that I love, but I figured I'd try the Infinity to see what it's all about. It just arrived today, and I only have about 30 minutes of playing on it. can't say that I noticed the smaller holes, but it feels really good. It really took to the first reed I put in there (Shepherd), and I got it settled in around 479 Hz (using the Braw tuner app and Jori's In-Tune Mic... did I mention I'm easily persuadable?). Needed a spot of tape on only three notes (as opposed to EVERY note on my Naill), and then it was bang on. The top hand especially is nice and clear and stable, and the piobaireachd high G is delightful. Looking forward to bringing back some tunes I shelved because of an unstable high G. It's still early, but I'm extremely pleased with my purchase so far and can't wait to get more time on it.
Thanks Nathan! I'm glad you like your Infinity! I agree 100% the top hand and the High G are incredibly stable. It sure makes playing so much easier and tuning much quicker when the note is just there. The stability makes it easy to tune and get it dialed right in. I agree on the InTune Mic - you can see how stable it really is. intunemic.com Good luck with the piping this summer.
Did you know I have a special custom reed available on my BagpipeLessons.com Shop? It's called the Foundation Reed. It is the result of over over three years of research and development, aimed at solving the common frustrations pipers face with reeds on the market. Each reed is crafted to meet my standards for specific tonal qualities, stability, and performance. Every reed is hand picked for you by me at the strength you want. Check it out: bagpipelessons.com/foundation
My 1890's ebony pipes play a modern b-flat by Kyo at 466hz. Big fan of lower pitch. My Kyo pipes run at 476hz or modern band pitch. I can't match either with older chanters.
Good review on pipe chanters. I have the opposite trial. Am 6 ‘4” with large hands and some chanters designed for WEE pipers with small hands and feet are not easy to play given hand and finger width. What chanters do u recommend that are designed for us larger economy sized pipers?
The Infinity Chanter has been designed with comfort and playability in mind for all hand sizes. Its hole spacing is close and comfortable, which might seem counterintuitive for someone with larger hands. However, many pipers with large hands have found it to be a great fit because the more compact design allows for smoother transitions and more efficient fingering. So, I wouldn't worry about the chanter being too small. In fact, I believe the comfort and closer spacing provided by the Infinity Chanter will improve your playing experience.
I’m very new to bag pipe playing normally playing, allegedly, sax, these use a read. 50% approx of reeds coming out of the box, no matter how much you pay, will be useless. It’s because they are a natural material. Getting fed up this plus the fact that sax reeds don’t last long, the hat humid breath, I switched to Fibrocell a synthetic material that mimics reeds, they give a consistent performance. Are these not available for bagpipes?
Thanks for your story. There are no good non-cane reeds for bagpipe chanters. We do have synthetic drone reeds, but not for the chanter. I doubt if we ever will.
Im searching far and wide for a chanter that plays a low A at 440... Ive bought a couple that really suck and are unplayable. Too squealy... Especially the McCallum. I'll pay anything for one that plays well.
Both are great chanters, but the Infinity is better in my opinion. In addition to the smaller holes and closer spacing the Infinity chanter is VERY resistant to chirping.
Today's standards...for pipe bands, no? Doesn't all this come from pipe bands chasing their tails looking for some edge, trying to keep up with HTS drum technology? All these bagpipe moves we do, from crunluaths to birls are absolutely easier to do on chanters with smaller holes...that is what they were designed for, no? The shoehorning of the bagpipe into a band instrument is probably a double-edged sword at best...
Download my free guide - How to Achieve a World-Class Bagpipe Sound: link.bagpipelessons.com/worldclasssound
Get your Infinity chanter today! bagpipelessons.com/infinity
Video Chapters
00:00 Introduction: My personal quest to find the perfect bagpipe chanter
01:00 My first set of pipes
01:30 Does you pipe chanter does not need to match your drones?
02:25 The reasons bagpipes sound so much better today
03:11 The problem with pipe chanters with bigger holes
03:50 Cold weather and smaller hands makes things even worse
04:49 Older pipe chanters don’t sound good and don’t work with modern reeds
05:19 My request for a custom made chanter was rejected
05:34 Promising news from R. G. Hardie & Co.
05:47 My first experience with the new chanter
06:43 Introducing the Infinity chanter from R. G. Hardie & Co.
07:15 Available in Blackwood and Poly (plastic)
07:38 Up close with the Blackwood model
08:30 Up close with the Poly model
09:05 Band discounts are available
09:32 Works at a wide range of pitches from 470 to 490 Hz
09:43 A special third model for playing with other instruments in Concert B flat pitch
09:55 The Infinity chanter is the choice of bands and soloists
10:30 Made by R. G. Hardie & Co. means quality is top notch
11:11 Get your Infinity chanter today BagpipeLessons.com/infinity
11:31 Wrap up and thank you
Follow BagpipeLessons.com:
facebook.com/bagpipelessons
instagram.com/bagpipelessons
BagpipeLessons.com Inner Circle Membership: bagpipelessons.com/membership/
I agree 100% with this review, it helped me to decide to get the Infinity Bb Poly chanter, what a difference, my fingers fit the hole placements and the sound is crisp and bright . I love this chanter.
Thanks James! I'm so glad you like the Infinity chanter. Check out some of the other videos on my channel. th-cam.com/users/bagpipelessons
I have an important question: where did that photo of the Ratdog and Grateful Dead equipment case come from?
I have played with Bob Weir a few times! Most recently in fall of 2022. www.jambase.com/article/bob-weir-wolf-bros-bagpipes-jori-chisholm-seattle-setlist-audio
Holy cow! Thank you. Going to check that out.
Great review. Thanks. Which reed did you use?
Thank you! My favorite reed is the Foundation Reed: bagpipelessons.com/shop/product/foundation-pipe-chanter-reed/
Thanks for sharing this. Definitely going to check this chanter out! Great to see these types of innovations happening 🎶
Thanks @SouthernPiper! Glad you liked the video. My new InTune Mic has been a very popular innovation. Check out my video here called Getting Started with the InTune Mic for Faster & Easier Bagpipe Tuning. th-cam.com/video/MdI2Ria8kZE/w-d-xo.html
Jori, do you know if the holes are also more closely spaced?
I bought the Infinity recently and compared it to my wooden Niall chanter. Infinity seems very close to it but I find the top hand more comfortable.
Do you have any advice for reeds suited for the poly version to arrive around 474Hz pitch which I prefer for solos?
My favorite reed is the reed I helped design... The Foundation Reed. It is the result of over over three years of research and development. Ever reed is crafted to meet my standards for specific tonal qualities, stability, and performance. Every reed is hand picked for you by me at the strength you want. bagpipelessons.com/foundation
Thanks for posting this very informative review.
I guess I'm a persuadable person, because I bought one after watching this. I had an early 1990s Naill that I have been using years that I love, but I figured I'd try the Infinity to see what it's all about. It just arrived today, and I only have about 30 minutes of playing on it. can't say that I noticed the smaller holes, but it feels really good. It really took to the first reed I put in there (Shepherd), and I got it settled in around 479 Hz (using the Braw tuner app and Jori's In-Tune Mic... did I mention I'm easily persuadable?). Needed a spot of tape on only three notes (as opposed to EVERY note on my Naill), and then it was bang on. The top hand especially is nice and clear and stable, and the piobaireachd high G is delightful. Looking forward to bringing back some tunes I shelved because of an unstable high G. It's still early, but I'm extremely pleased with my purchase so far and can't wait to get more time on it.
Thanks Nathan! I'm glad you like your Infinity! I agree 100% the top hand and the High G are incredibly stable. It sure makes playing so much easier and tuning much quicker when the note is just there. The stability makes it easy to tune and get it dialed right in. I agree on the InTune Mic - you can see how stable it really is. intunemic.com
Good luck with the piping this summer.
What reeds are best for this chanter for easy medium.
Did you know I have a special custom reed available on my BagpipeLessons.com Shop? It's called the Foundation Reed. It is the result of over over three years of research and development, aimed at solving the common frustrations pipers face with reeds on the market. Each reed is crafted to meet my standards for specific tonal qualities, stability, and performance.
Every reed is hand picked for you by me at the strength you want. Check it out: bagpipelessons.com/foundation
Does the infinity chanter have a threaded reed hole?
Yes! And it makes tuning the reed in the reed seat very easy! Thanks and please let me know if you have more questions.
My 1890's ebony pipes play a modern b-flat by Kyo at 466hz. Big fan of lower pitch. My Kyo pipes run at 476hz or modern band pitch.
I can't match either with older chanters.
How big is the low G hole in mm. I have short fingers so it could help . For just the sound the McC2 is my favorite.
Poly Infinity is 8.70 mm diameter. You will love this chanter! bagpipelessons.com/infinity
Good review on pipe chanters. I have the opposite trial. Am 6 ‘4” with large hands and some chanters designed for WEE pipers with small hands and feet are not easy to play given hand and finger width. What chanters do u recommend that are designed for us larger economy sized pipers?
The Infinity Chanter has been designed with comfort and playability in mind for all hand sizes. Its hole spacing is close and comfortable, which might seem counterintuitive for someone with larger hands. However, many pipers with large hands have found it to be a great fit because the more compact design allows for smoother transitions and more efficient fingering.
So, I wouldn't worry about the chanter being too small. In fact, I believe the comfort and closer spacing provided by the Infinity Chanter will improve your playing experience.
I’m very new to bag pipe playing normally playing, allegedly, sax, these use a read. 50% approx of reeds coming out of the box, no matter how much you pay, will be useless. It’s because they are a natural material. Getting fed up this plus the fact that sax reeds don’t last long, the hat humid breath, I switched to Fibrocell a synthetic material that mimics reeds, they give a consistent performance. Are these not available for bagpipes?
Thanks for your story. There are no good non-cane reeds for bagpipe chanters. We do have synthetic drone reeds, but not for the chanter. I doubt if we ever will.
Could I use it in McCallum bagpipe ?
Absolutely! It’s very common for pipers to upgrade their chanter while keeping their drones the same. So mix and matching is great!
You're not going to give us a sample as to the sound? Maybe a Flett from Flotta or a Brose & Butter?
Here's a recent video with me playing the Infinity chanter: th-cam.com/video/kHhe-sNBhJE/w-d-xo.html
@@bagpipelessons nice, thank you.
Im searching far and wide for a chanter that plays a low A at 440... Ive bought a couple that really suck and are unplayable. Too squealy... Especially the McCallum. I'll pay anything for one that plays well.
I have some suggestions. Can you please email me directly through my website: bagpipelessons.com/contact
McHarg A-440 The Wee Piper - I have one in cocobolo.
Yes, great chanters, but I do not change my McCallum wooden “Gandy” and McC2 SOLO for nothing.
Both are great chanters, but the Infinity is better in my opinion. In addition to the smaller holes and closer spacing the Infinity chanter is VERY resistant to chirping.
@@bagpipelessons Thank you so much indeed for your words.
The best chanter in the world is Colin KYO poly or wood made by Murray HUGGINS
Hmmm... can't say I agree!
Today's standards...for pipe bands, no? Doesn't all this come from pipe bands chasing their tails looking for some edge, trying to keep up with HTS drum technology? All these bagpipe moves we do, from crunluaths to birls are absolutely easier to do on chanters with smaller holes...that is what they were designed for, no? The shoehorning of the bagpipe into a band instrument is probably a double-edged sword at best...