Do people make chanters in Eb? I know there are a few modern records of Irish music with the tunes tuned up half a step but I’m not sure of a piper playing on a recording tuned up to Eb. I imagine with the flat sets being fairly common that it would be possible to make a chanter in Eb. The holes would be a little closer together but probably not enough to make it unplayable.
Is there a physical reason not to make one? Or is it just not in enough demand? Or very possible, have I just not Googled enough?
I have some nice Eb 14 inch chanters. There are a few sets out there too, like Crowley, etc., but most people will say they are D, rather than admit Eb. People are afraid to embrace Eb, but it’s a lovely key to play in. I’d be so happy to get a full set going, and I’d wager there are more Eb sets trying to play in D out there than proper Eb sets.
I imagine it will fall back into fashion in the future (as things often do with piping). Those 1970s sped-up recordings you mention, where the instruments are playing in E or Eb, sound incredible if a little speedy.
Eb appears to be the rage in Ireland these days. The spoken intent is that it “cuts through the noise”. But it also kicks us fixed-pitched instruments to the sidelines.
There are is a groundswell to do these Eb snobs one better: we’re going to play in Ebb. Haha! Take that!
for the GHB crowd. The next step is likely a pair of vice (sic) grip pliers up the kilt. 
