Bagpipe chanter
2
Alternative TitleBagpipe chanter. |
InstrumentBagpipe |
Instrument FamilyWind |
MakerRobert Millar; John Cameron |
Date MadeCirca 1836 |
DescriptionBagpipe chanterwith bell-end horn and 6 keys ('invention' by Robert Millar described in Edinburgh Evening Courant 4 February 1836)., Technical description: Bagpipe chanter with 6 keys and horn bell. Conical bore. Studs between finger-holes to guide fingers. Brass keys with square, flat heads on wood block mounts and leaf springs. Seventh finger-hole lined in metal. Silver band wrapped around joint where the horn bell attaches to the wood body. Ivory ring at bottom of the bell with brass lining at the bell opening. Bone bulb and bone ferrule on stock. Stock has comb and bead decoration.Measurements: chanter length c 415, bore beginning at 5.2 and ending at 20.5. Repair History: The chanter shows signs of repair.Additional Comments: The chanter is listed as the `invention' by Robert Millar in the Edinburgh Evening Courant, 4 February 1836, but according to Keith Sanger (2008) the chanter was probably made by another maker, most probably John Cameron of Dundee. The description of the chanter is as follows from the newspaper: "HIGHLAND BAGPIPE Mr Robert Millar of Montrose, the celebrated performer on the Northumbrian, Union, and Great Highland Bagpipes, now in Dundee, has made an improvement on our noble national instrument, the bagpipe, well worthy of public notice. He has added a horn to the lower end of the chanter and by perforating various holes which he works by means of keys, he has added three notes to the diatonic scale - one above and two below. He has also introduced semitones which render the instrument so harmonious that it has been accompanied by a violin and violincello with excellent effect." |
NotesSarah Deters Richardson, 15.4.13. |
ProvenanceFormerly owned by Robert Millar (1789-1861).; On loan to the Collection. |
CollectionMIMEd |
Accession Number6026 |