Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I recently received this Brian Boru smallpipe chanter. Unlike most chanters for commonly played pipes, this chanter has keys to extend its range up and down. This is the first time I've played anything using keys on bagpipes. They certainly add some limitations on embellishments and reorient the scale, but they also expand the range and chromatic capabilities of the instrument. This classic tune - Auld Land Syne - is not properly playable on Scottish bagpipes, which typically do not have keys or the range necessary to get the complete melody. However, by extending the range of the chanter with a few keys, one can now play this tune which was not properly playable before. This chanter has been adapted to play with my MacLellan small pipe drones tuned to A-flat bass, E-flat baritone, and E-flat Tenor.
I recently received this Brian Boru smallpipe chanter. Unlike most chanters for commonly played pipes, this chanter has keys to extend its range up and down. This is the first time I've played anything using keys on bagpipes. They certainly add some limitations on embellishments and reorient the scale, but they also expand the range and chromatic capabilities of the instrument. This classic tune - Auld Land Syne - is not properly playable on Scottish bagpipes, which typically do not have keys or the range necessary to get the complete melody. However, by extending the range of the chanter with a few keys, one can now play this tune which was not properly playable before. This chanter has been adapted to play with my MacLellan small pipe drones tuned to A-flat bass, E-flat baritone, and E-flat Tenor.
