Review! The Infinity Chanter by R.G. Hardie & Co. - Matt Willis Bagpiper

[@tntferrari]

I've had the infinity chanter for a couple of months now. You commented on how nice the birls are, and I've noticed that as well. Birls are something I've alway struggled with, but they seem easier and better with this chanter. I give it 2 thumbs up!

[@kolyaboo8835]

I got mine when I ordered my pipes and I'm glad because my pinkie will fall into a normal chanter hole. Love it!

[@people-jn5wz]

This guy is great. He gives us bagpipe reviews AND whiskey reviews Incredible

[@glenkiely4182]

I have not searched in vain for the low A hole since getting the Poly & ABW chanters!! ABW definately a lot mellower to the ears. A great review. My dogs leg shaped pinky agrees.

[@markmichel6802]

Glad I found this video. Been thinking of getting a set of Hardie poly pipes with the Infinaty chanter.

[@matthewdenty7760]

Might be my ears but the Sheppard was my like.. sounded crisp And you put my foot In my mouth again with the Reed tunner , never knew it existed before now lol.. thanks once again 👍

[@gordonpeden6234]

agree!!

[@daviddebroux4708]

I must say, when I got this as part of a trade with a friend of mine (also a fellow bandmate), I got the blackwood version, and I was instantaneously impressed with how it held up with a G1 Platinum reed, so far. I'm still working on a few more kinks with this chanter (including finding out how the low G should be tuned) and get to know it a little more, and while this may have been sanded on the low A hole by the previous owner, I can safely say that this chanter is able to comfortably accommodate to my needs: smaller holes, able to pull off birls and other movements without much of a struggle, pitch at least to 478 - 480Hz, and reeds very well. (Though I only did it with a G1 Platinum, since that is my go-to at the moment. I might consider other reeds, at some point.) As for tonality, I'm still trying to figure it out: I have a number of other chanters, one of which including my plastic band chanter (which is a solid chanter IMO).

[@mikegilbert119]

Hi just received my infinity chanter. Nice holes which made clean playing easier. My tuning is all over the place with my go to reeds. Ill keep trying to find a good reed match.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

What reed are you using?

[@mikegilbert119]

@@MattWillisBagpiper sorry not sure. Two different ones that I've had good luck using. I have a nice g1 platinum I was going to try next. It has been living in my campbell tunable... :)

[@larrydean2626]

Thanks again for another good review. i have been considering the Infinity for some time. I have arthritis in my hands and my fingers don't stretch as well as they once did :-) Your review has won me over. My order is on the way :-)

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Hope it works out for you!

[@johnnickpappanastos3382]

Great review, I will be getting one of these for sure!

[@musomaster9027]

Fantastic as always. I’d love some more uilleann pipe videos too! Maybe tips/tricks, tuning, a tour of your uilleann pipes...

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

There'll be a full tour of my uilleann pipes soon... :)

[@jnwahlgren]

I tried the infinity chanter a year or so ago, and decided it's not for me. I found that my grips and throws didn't have the same pop as they did on my go-to solo chanter (a blackwood Naill from about 1990), and the tone is nice and bright but I prefer the lower and mellower tone of the older chanter. My drones are 1940s Hendersons, and the lower pitch of the older chanter produces richer harmonics. I think the Infinity is a good chanter, but not my favorite in my current setup.

[@Katholícă]

I've been wanting this chanter. My fingers are really long but really skinny. My band chanter holes are so large my pinky will not even totally cover the low G. I hate it. Made me realize that people with skinny fingers have to be far more accurate with finger placement over people with big sausage fingers that can cover the holes with no problem. My current solo is an Inveran, the holes are not too bad.

[@scottcampbell5536]

I liked the Chesney Reed sound - much brighter.

[@bullthewinklesfmoose8709]

Matt--you are costing me a fortune in pipe gear with your great helpful reviews and having to just go and get what you recommend! For this chanter, is this one better for pipers with wee hands and fingers or will his work on us larger Texas sized large Army pipers? Some of the other great chanters on the market especially with round holes, are just too close in hole space. G1 Elite, MacCallum oval are both great size. Thanks Matt!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I would probably stay away from the Infinity chanter if you have larger hands. They make an Omega chanter for those with larger hands (I likely won't review, as I have rather small hands)

[@bullthewinklesfmoose8709]

@@MattWillisBagpiper This is VERY helpful Matt thank you, Milan !! The only thing you have not added to my piping budget is the whiskey but when I try and memorize your new chart on embellishments and where you want to place the beats I will need your stronger proof stock.

[@geryallan6441]

Nice review - thanks! Have you tried the Colin Kyo chanter? It also has smaller holes and a bit tighter spacing like the Hardie Infinity. I've heard good things about it.

[@cynthiamillangue6088]

I’d be interested in a comparison between the two.

[@jazzman1626]

I remember a good few years ago, having a go on someone’s pipes and they had a Warnock chanter on them and I remember thinking what a comfortable chanter it was to play. I was so fed up with chanters that have a manhole sized low a hole and spaced out too far for my wee fingers. Years later, I got a half sized MacMurchie pipe chanter and that has been fine. My pipes came with an old Robertson chanter which became difficult to find reeds for because of the move toward tin whistle pitch in comparison lol. The spacing on the old Robertson was spot on for comfort. Out of curiosity, I looked for an old Laurie chanter once, because my pipes are Laurie’s but the holes were like grand canyons! It’s all part of the fun of piping, though 😁. Now though, I have very little puff and I worry that my heart could fail me which is why I now have my Blair chanter. I’d like to get a set up with my stopped drones and bag with my Blair! A video about it would be fantastic.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Blair has their own bag you can attach their digital chanter to and I don't think you even have to blow into it! Look it up! :) :)

[@jazzman1626]

Matt Willis Bagpiper Yes, I was thinking about that. There are actually two. One with a little valve/stopper you inflate like a balloon, and the other is like one of those memory foam pillows you just stick under your arm. I think the air bag would feel the more realistic of the two. My thinking behind having my old pipes set up with the Blair may not be as good an idea as I first thought, now I think of it. There would be no sound coming from the drones, so they’d feel too false and probably start to irritate me after a while lol. Oh well, the Blair air bag it is, then.

[@gordonpeden6234]

Hi Matt, First of all I'd like to thank you for your tutorials, I've been off base for a couple of years (Medical reasons) Just got back on point after a couple of months practice. I play a Warmac 1988 African Blackwood Bagpipe chanter. The other one I play (and It sounds beautiful) is an AG Hardie Silver soled African Blackwood chanter with the hall marks PN (Peter Nicholas) Birmingham (Anchor) Lion rampart (London assay mark) and date S?? can you help me regarding the dating of the RG Hardie ?? And the RT Shepherd reed sounds brighter.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you found the channel! don’t know anything offhand about hallmarking, but there’s a lot of info online if you want to go down that rabbit hole...

[@thebaron5206]

You may already have answered your own question but dependent on the vintage of your chanter the sole will have been assayed in 1967 or 1992, the shape of the cartouche in which the S date letter sits is the guide, if it is a top and bottom edge fluted edge cartouche then it’s 1967, if it’s a more plain square then it 1992. The anchor is the assay office mark for Birmingham, the lion mark has no relevance to London Assay. You say the maker mark is PN, have another look, could it be DN? As this would be Dalman and Narborough who made most of the silver mounts for Hardies, certainly around 1967.

[@user-zv9um9pb6w]

I assume its a blackwood chanter? Didn't catch you mentioning which it was. Im curious as to the difference between the two practically... If you have a video on that feel free to say rtfm i did didn't see one.

[@user-zv9um9pb6w]

Nm you said it was a poly.

[@nielsbraunstein1191]

Hi. I need some advice about a suitable reed for the Infinity. I have tried a lot - Caldwell, G1, MacLellan - Chesney - Shepherd. I have no problem when reeding G1 or Shepherd chanters. But the Infinity!!! I tune the Infinity to low A 481 HZ and the high A in tune, but B to High G are mostly too Sharp or way too sharp.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I don't play an Infinity chanter myself (that was a student's I was reviewing). Have you tried Melvin reeds? Both his regular and B♭ reed seem to go well if I recall....

[@nielsbraunstein1191]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thank you for the advice. Kilts & More, Germany, can suply the Melvins R.G. Hardie is able to do too, but is expensive because of the Brexit.

[@michaelkelly9439]

Matt, I am thinking of purchasing a RG Hardie infinity Pipe chanter (Poypenco). Our band has RT Shepherd Classic 3 Polypenco chanters. would the infinity chanter sync with the Shepherd at 476hz?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

It’s likely to be quite a bit sharper than those older Shepherds.

[@PiperUsmc]

Nice video Matt. Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Glad you liked it!

[@larixdecidua8099]

Hi Matt, I love your channel and with it you are helping me a lot with learning since I am new with piping. I am now in the process of choosing my first set of GHP, and would like to get a RG Hardie Infinity chanter given my really skinny and bony fingers. I was wondering if it would fit in a McCallum bagpipe, or if there would be any issue with the sound producted due to the different brand? Should I buy a RG Hardie bagpipe instead of a McCallum? Thanks!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Pipe chanters are made to be interchangeable between brands. You may have to add or remove some string on the joint to make it fit, but the infinity chanter will work great with a McCallum bagpipe.

[@larixdecidua8099]

@@MattWillisBagpiper thank you!

[@gibraltarik]

Matt - I have a blackwood Infinity chanter and I can't fault it. I've used Donald MacPhee and RT Shepherd reeds in it and echo your comments about the birls, they're effortless. It tunes at 480-482 without any issues, likewise for my David Naill chanter with MacPhee reed. However, I can't get my Shepherd blackwood chanter to tune at 480 no matter what, it's always flatter between 475-477 with a Shepherd reed. Any tips?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The Shepherd is an older chanter designed to pitch lower. You could try clipping a bit off the corners of the reed (just a tiny bit diagonally on each side). I've seen this bring the pitch up a few hertz, but it could (obviously) destroy the reed...

[@gibraltarik]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Thanks, Matt. I thought so, was hoping there might've been another way that doesn't involve playing with the reed to that extent! The band currently uses Shepherd Classic 480 poly chanters which are reliable but I find them very muted, particularly against a G1. I'm torn between replacing them with G1s or Infinity chanters. What's your opinion?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I don't have experience with any G1 chanters, so... The Infinity is very good, though I still prefer my Campbell tunable chanter for band use (it's what my band plays and we love them). The Infinity is slightly quieter with the same reed versus the Campbell.

[@BGillPiper]

Hi. I own both. The G1 plat pitches similar (480-483) in the Midwest US. I like the smaller holes on both.

[@ryank1273]

Seeing that no one made the joke yet... Was this the chanter that Thanos used. Can't really say anything yet because I'm only beginning to learn on the practice chanter!

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Ha! I have also wondered how long it would take. You win!

[@ryank1273]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Sadly I never got to watch both of the movies, hoping to see both of them though.

[@gapdragon01]

Any chance you can recommend your reed vendor(s)? You probably have in other videos, but I'm currently finding self searching for chanter reeds.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

My go-to reeds have been Melvins or Shepherds for awhile now.

[@mikegilbert119]

Hi Matt! I'm curious.. it always seems like my high g is the only note sharp on an otherwise balanced chanter. Do you have a fix? Thanks

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Many, man chanters need tape on High G to bring it into tune. Wish this wasn't the case, but alas...

[@mikegilbert119]

@Matt Willis Bagpiper just ordered an infinity chanter thanks for the review.

[@sivvitytech3118]

I just wanted to ask you I know you have to start with a practice chanter but do you know if they actually make ones that actually sounds like the ones that come out of the bagpipe because since I won’t be able to play the actual pipe I will be able to play it like that way. Author this is one of my favorite things to talk about. Could you and I chat over FaceTime? Because I’ve always wanted to talk to another bagpiper. This is been an interest I’ve had for a long time.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

1. Pipe chanters and practice chanters have different internal boring and use different reeds. For a practice chanter to sound like a pipe chanter, it would need the same bore and reed, and welp, then you have a pipe chanter, though perhaps one with a top to blow in to. But it would be as loud and difficult to mouth blow as a pipe chanter (which really does need the assistance of your arm). 2. You are welcome schedule lesson time with me if you wanted to discuss bagpipes (I don't do that for free!). More info: www.mattpiper.com/site/lessons/ or email at [e-mail]

[@sivvitytech3118]

@@MattWillisBagpiper do you know how I can actually make one like that? Because I like the sound of practice versions but I like the sound of the bagpipes one a little bit better. Like if you think there’s a way that I could actually do that let me know.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

The full pipe chanter is too hard to blow by mouth for prolonged periods of time without injuring yourself. There'a a reason we use a practice chanter (and we it's designed differently) before heading to the full pipes.

[@sivvitytech3118]

@@MattWillisBagpiper so wait how did you get that chanter to sound like a bagpipe Chancer? Because that’s actually pretty cool.

[@levelsenderhomestation255]

Matt, I’ve read that the Infinity is often referred to as a solo chanter. Would the poly Infinity be a suitable band chanter in non-competitive playing? Perhaps a future video on the differences between solo vs band chanters? BTW you might find Tomatin 12 YO Scotch a nice dram.

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Tomatin 12 is a great whisky! I think the poly Infinity chanter would be a fine band chanter. It has perhaps a bit less "punch" than a larger holed chanter, but only slightly so. Pretty sure I've seen order of Infinity poly chanters going to some pipe bands...

[@WootTootZoot]

I just received one of the Infinity chanters. I'm not overly thrilled, but it is ok. I was wondering what you thought about easing the sharp edges of the holes, ever so lightly, with some super fine sandpaper? Would that affect the performance of the chanter ?

[@rabidrooster6525]

i got a poly on order, im assuming you did too as I good a blackwood and the holes are rounded. I bought a poly cause i really like the blackwood and wanted a poly for my beater pipes. What is it that you dislike?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'm sure sanding a bit wouldn't hurt, but I'd try to spend a few days getting used to it first.

[@WootTootZoot]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Ok, so it's been a year, I'm a fan of this chanter, I didn't alter the holes any, but I love the "play-ability" of the chanter. I recommend them.

[@lextrueno]

As a new Grade 4 competitor looking for a dedicated chanter for solo work, would you recommend this for light music?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Indeed! The relatively close finger spacing and small holes makes it almost feel like a practice chanter (in a good way)

[@lextrueno]

@@MattWillisBagpiper is there any other chanter you would recommend if not this one? If only there was a pipe chanter rental service to try before you buy hahaha I am 95% sold on this chanter because I like RG Hardie (have their practice chanter). Just trying to pick a dedicated one since chanters are always an investment

[@GolfFoxtrotCharlie-gfc]

Matt or anyone else, how is the low G on this chanter if you have a shorter, skinnier pinky that normal? I have no problems with any of my other fingers except for my pinky on the low G (McCallum chanter), I can hardly cover it, and where I cover it is right on the first knuckle so air is always leaking out unless I have a death grip on my chanter. Would this chanter help with that at all?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yes, I very much think this chanter would help with that. It feels more like a practice chanter under my fingers when it comes to low hand embellishments.

[@GolfFoxtrotCharlie-gfc]

@@MattWillisBagpiper Awesome thank you! I'm definitely going to have to pick one up then! Sounds like it might be able to break me past my brick wall of a dumpy pinky. Lol

[@balintkiss2273]

The blackwood one has the same pitch , a bit sweeter tone and quieter than the poly of course , really the poly is rather for the bands , blackwood for solo players.

[@didyoureallyexpectaname5551]

Anyone got tips for preparing my bagpipes for colder and hotter temperatures? Are there any risks when playing in the cold?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Limit tuning timer as much as possible (I try to get in tune in under a minute) and limit the time you have to play outdoors. If it's that cold, no one really wants to be standing out in it anyway,

[@didyoureallyexpectaname5551]

@@MattWillisBagpiper any risks of the wood cracking in the cold, is there a "temperature limit"?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

I'm sure there is, but I'm not certain what the lower limit would be. I have played in 10°F weather, and was miserable and only got about 4 tunes out before my fingers were freezing up and the pipes were very, very wet. But they didn't crack... I did take them home and immediately take them apart to dry out.

[@zacharyrowe8395]

I liked it better with the chessney reed. That's just my opinion but what do i know lol

[@vladislav_aleksandrov2761]

Will this chanter fit on a McCallum stock?

[@MattWillisBagpiper]

Yep!

[@vladislav_aleksandrov2761]

@@MattWillisBagpiper great thanks))

[@julianmcgee5741]

Those tapered reeds don't sound that great.