More commonly known as the panpipes, pan flutes are a bundle of pipes of varying lengths (and therefore pitch), each of which is blown through - much like a flute. The longer the pipe, the lower the pitch of the note it produces, and since the pipes are arranged from high-pitched to low-pitched, entire songs can be played. Still a mainstay of folk music in South-America and South-East Europe, this ancient instrument has an immediately familiar and atmospheric sound.
The Panpipes: Bamboo
The pan flute or panpipes were named after the Greek god, Pan. As the legend goes, Pan was pursuing the affections of the nymph Syrinx, who really wasn't interested, so prayed to the gods that she might remain a virgin. In true Greek-God style, they responded by transforming Syrinx into a reed, which Pan then turned into a flute. Aeons later, the most well-known panpipes come from South-America and are commonly made from bamboo, giving them a warm and rich sound. However, panpipes can be made of an array of different woods, or even plastic, glass or metal, and can be pretty much any size.
A Global Instrument
The panpipes are still a popular instrument across South-America, especially in Peru and Bolivia and are also part of folk music in Eastern-European countries like Romania. Since it is a relatively simple instrument, it probably has a pretty ancient and widespread history. Tenth-century European Vikings played a very similar instrument, and going even further back, there are records of a panpipe-like instruments being played in ancient Mesopotamia and India. There's even evidence indicating that the panpipes predated Mayan and Inca civilisations.
Well-Known Panpipe Players
In the seventies, the Romanian musician Gheorghe Zamfir planted the panpipes on the map when he played on 'The Lonely Shepherd' by James Last. The sound of panpipes in a mainstream pop song was revolutionary at the time, and in 2003, the song was introduced to an entirely new generation when Quentin Tarantino included it on the Kill Bill: Volume I soundtrack. Matthijs Koene is another boundary-breaking panpipe player who, through his expressive approach to the instrument, managed to introduce this humble wind instrument to the world of classical music. Beyond that, the panpipes have a special place in popular culture: everyone will remember the episode of South Park (Pandemic), in which giant angry guinea pigs were held at bay by the sound of panpipes.
Beginner-Friendly Panpipes
At Bax Music, we have a full range of panpipes available, including budget and beginner-friendly plastic models, which aren't just cheap, but are easy to clean and care for. More experienced musicians looking for a more authentic panpipe sound are more likely to prefer a more expensive bamboo model. Also, it's not just the material that determines the price of a set of panpipes, but the number of pipes - so the note range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pan Flutes
How do panpipes work?
Panpipes are bundles of pipes of varying lengths. By blowing through each pipe in the same way you would a flute, a note is produced, and since the pipes are arranged in order of length (the longer the pipe, the lower the pitch) they can be used to play any song.
What are the best panpipes for me?
When picking out panpipes, your skill level plays an important role. Beginners are generally best off with 8 to 12-pipe panpipes. It’s also worth knowing that the material largely determines the sound and price. Plastic panpipes are cheaper than bamboo panpipes, but bamboo panpipes shape warmer sound.
Which tuning should I go for?
Panpipes in G-major are the most commonly played panpipes, especially in Latin music. If you’re going to be playing mainly classical or European music, then a pan flute in C is the better choice. Experienced players in need of maximum tonal range may opt for chromatic panpipes.
How do I tune panpipes?
The most common way to tune panpipes is inserting (or clearing away) beeswax or candle wax into the pipes. Since temperature differences can affect the sound, you should always tune your panpipes at room temperature.
Is it hard to play the panpipes?
In terms of blowing technique, playing the panpipes is very similar to playing the flute. What takes more practice is learning the note arrangement and breath control required to play melodies.
How much does a good pan flute cost?
The price of any panpipes will depend on the material they're made of, the number of notes (pipes) and the finish. A good entry-level set of pipes can cost around £40, while professional models can cost hundreds or more.
Where do the panpipes come from?
When and where the panpipes came from and who invented them is unknown, What we do know is that the panpipes are a really ancient instrument and has been found all over the world. The panpipes are so old, there's even evidence suggesting that they existed before Mayan and Inca civilisations.
Where can I get some panpipes?
At Bax Music you'll find a full range of different panpipes, including cheaper plastic models as well as professional models made of bamboo.
