our famous stained glass window
House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
TEL: 301-270-9090
FAX: 301-270-3010
email

HOURS: 11 am - 7 pm
Tuesday through Saturday
11 am - 5 pm Sunday & Monday

home page
instruments
accessories
books
recordings
mail orders
contact us

rentals repairs music lessons concerts about HMT
Catalog > Wind Instruments > Panflutes updated February 28, 2011
    Andean pan pipes Panflutes and panpipes consist of a series of straight tubes, closed at one end, that are bound together either in a straight line or in a curve, concave from the player's viewpoint. They do not have fingering holes like most flutes, rather, different pitches are obtained from using pipes of varying lengths. There are two main categories of panpipes: Andean (straight; single or double-row) and European (curved single row). Straight versions are also found in other parts of the world besides Latin America.

    South American Style Panpipes European Style Panflutes


Andean Panpipes

Andean panpipes come in many forms and go by many local names including Siku, Ankara, Rondador, Zampona, etc. and can be diatonic or pentatonic. Alto, Tenor, and Baritone double-row Siku panflutes have 2 octaves -- the wide range tenor either has 21 or 23 pipes, so it has either 1 note less or 1 note more than 3 octaves. Siku pipes are bound together in 2 rows -- some are bound in such a way that you can take the 2 rows apart and play 1 row at a time. They are mostly pitched in what you would call E minor. All of the pipes are made of reed cane (which looks similar to bamboo).

The arrangement of notes on the double-row Andean Reed Panpipes is as follows: There are 2 rows of pipes that are NOT 2 octaves bound together. To play the scale you alternate between the 2 rows, playing them in a zigzag pattern. Accidentals are achieved by changing the embouchure -- tipping the pipe towards or away from your lips.

Panpipes from Bolivia

  • tuned in E minor
  • natural cane with black binding
  • includes cloth case
  • imported from Bolivia
Chromatic 3-row -- $50.00
2 rows are in diatonic G tuning. The 3rd row has the other sharp/flat notes.
Chromatic 2-row -- $50.00
Scale alternates between the 2 rows. (C-C#-D-D#, etc.)
11/12: 2 rows, 11 tubes and 12 tubes -- $40.00
7/8: 2 rows, 7 tubes and 8 tubes -- $32.00
6/7; 2 rows, 6 tubes and 7 tubes -- $28.00
Chuly: small 13-note diatonic -- $20.00
Curved, 1 row -- $44.00
Antara: straight, 1 row -- $50.00
Rondador: large 21-note -- $28.00
Rondador -- small 17-note: $20.00


European Curved Style Panflutes

Romanian style single row curved and bound panpipes, traditionally made of hardwoods, with a round and haunting tone. This instrument was popularized by Rumanian virtuoso recording artist Zamfir. Most European handbuilt wooden instruments seem to sell in the $500 and up range. G or C are the traditional keys.

We do not currently have a regular supplier for this style of pan flute, but may occasionally get these in on a used basis. Please contact us to inquire about current stock.

Yuta Pan Flutes by C.M. Winston

  • curved panflute
  • plastic with corked ends
  • tubes vary in diameter
  • plays a C scale
  • 3 sizes