Medium Quiet "Penny-Chanter" Dimensions

Copyright 2000-2002 David C. Daye, all text, image and sound files presented here.

Upper Bore Correction Jan 2002
Reed Dimension Correction February 2001
Working Version December 2000

Overview

This model is a concert D Penny-Chanter following the same main taper as the original. The tubes are one size smaller so there is a slightly different set of lengths to make the brass core fit the same inside the CPVC plastic outer shell. The finger holes are in the same places but they are considerably smaller. A different reed must be used, shorter overall, narrower and with a shorter, narrower staple.

Special Features for Learners and Home Builders

  1. Easy-build staple uses 3/16" o.d. brass thinwall hobby-tube with simple modification
  2. Mellow tone and quiet volume: better for apartments and learning to play sessiuns with others
  3. Chanter is very easy to fit with reed according to preference for pitch, strength and loudness

Table of Main Bore Tubing Sizes

Notes:

  • Tubing is sold according to its *OUTSIDE* diameter so the *OUTSIDE* diameters are now given in this table.
  • The largest tube size does not extend down to the bell, it merely covers the joint between the plastic shell exterior and the region of the F# and E holes to increase thickness for tuning purposes.
  • Overall Length: 360 mm.
    • O.D. 
    (Inches)     		 Tube 
    Length 
    (mm)     		 Distances 
    BetweenTops 
    and Bell (mm)     		 Distances 
    Between 
    Bottoms & 
    Bell (mm) 
    9/32  100  360  260
    5/16 142  360  218 
    11/32 176.5  360  183.5 
    181.5 ??
    3/8  131  280  149 
    13/32 165  280  115 
    7/16  203.5  280  76.5 
    15/32  227  280  53 
    1/2  87  105  18 
    17/32  105  105  0 
    9/16  105  105  0 
    19/32 105  105  0 
    5/82  105  105  0 
    21/32 90 133 43
    1/2" I.D. 
    CPVC Plastic    		 255 360 105
    3/8" I.D. 
    Butyl or  
    Polyethelene 
    Plastic    		 30 360 330

    Tapered Upper Bore

    Table of Throat and Upper Bore Tubing

    Tube Name   Construction   Diameter  Cylinder Length   Tail Length   Taper Type  Location of Top 
    Throat Tube 
    (no internal
    constriction
    needed     		 Tube   7/32"  OD 5 mm  39-35 mm 
    ( 30 min)     		 Slight 
    Concave    		 345 mm 
    Upper Bore Tube   Tube   1/4"  OD 60 mm  37-40 mm  Slight 
    Concave     		 360 mm 

    Finger Holes

    Notes:

  • "Distance" is measured from bell to the center of the hole.
  • Diameters and positions are both critical.

    • Table of Finger-Hole Dimensions

    Note 
    Name     		 Distance from 
    Bell (mm)     		 Diameter 
    (inches)     		 Hole Under- 
    Cutting 
    NOT TESTED 
    11/00
    E-  56  15/64" . 
    E  84  11/64" . 
    F#  117  19/64"  . 
    G  148  13/64"  .
    A  186  9/32" .
    B  218.5  15/64"  .
    [ C' ]  [rear] 236  5/32" . 
    C  249  3/16"  Some upwards 
    D'  [rear] 268  15/64"  Some upwards

    Reed

    Click here for diagram of tested reed. Uses 3/16" o.d. straight hobby tube with tuning wire insert in top end. Corrected February 2001.

    Tuning wires replicate the acoustics of taper of hand-rolled staple, help keep upper 2nd octave from going sharp and allow more stable back D.

    End of Medium-Quiet Penny-Chanter Page
    Return to Make a Penny-Chanter Page
    Return to David Daye's Bagpipe Page