Hi pipers:
Which is the difference among chanters with the air connection at the top, and chanters with lateral air connection? It influences perhaps in the comfort, mobility, expression, when you’re playing? Influences in the tone or reed stability?
I am seeing that many pipe makers that did chanters with connection at the side now they opt for connection at the top. Maybe fashionable question?
Thank you!
(top and side air inlet chanters by Sloan http://www.raysloan.com )
GalegoDude…Man…,
Some people reckon that top-fed inlet tubes provide more stable air flow and thus more stable reeds or something like that, but I think it’s all a bit of an unfounded opinion. The jury’s still out, as they say. So just an aesthetic thing. I, for some reason, prefer side-fed inlet although flat chanters more often than not are top-fed.
Cheers,
DavidG
I think David’s got it there. It’s pretty much an aesthetics thing. I tend to prefer the top down ‘swan neck’ piping myself, as I really like the graceful curve it offers. Also, it feels more sturdy to me than the metal on metal soldered together (often improperly) as my Daye chanters horridly timed failure in concert would show. The side inlet types can be done correctly with brazing etc. when using brass, but it seems that few makers take the time to do it right. Never hurts to ask your maker what method they use, and see if it suits your tastes.
Aye, I agree entireley. the most important thing being what comes out at the bottom (of the chanter… 
) coupled together with personal taste in looks 
I can imagine there could be strength issues with a tacked on side-fed arrangement, although I have no personal experience of failure. My Roberts chanter is a side-fed pipe but I have no way of knowing if air flow is any better or worse than top-fed.
I think the top-feeding swan-neck looks better, imho.
j.i.
Do the present Gallagher D chanters have the inlet at the top of the chanter-top as per the website ? (there is a picture of Gay McKeon playing a C chanter which is different)
You can choose how you want the inlet to be.
I see from your avatar you’ve trimmed that unsightly body hair again, Joseph!
You must give me the name of your barber.
j.i.