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-rowed) 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 one note less or
one note more than three octaves. Siku pipes are bound together
in two rows -- some are bound in such a way that you can take
the two rows apart and play one 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 two rows of pipes that are NOT two octaves
bound together. To play the scale you alternate between the two
rows, playing them in a zigzag pattern. Accidentals are achieved
by changing the embouchure -- tipping the pipe towards or away from your lips.
Pan Pipes from Bolivia
- tuned in E minor
- natural cane with black binding
- includes cloth case
- imported from Bolivia
 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.
Winston Pan Flutes
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