The pan flute can be used to produce melodious sounds by simply blowing horizontally through an open end towards the sharp inner edges of the pipes. Each pipe can be tuned to your desired keynote known as the fundamental keynote. By increasing the tension of your lips with an increase in the pressure of breathing, old harmonic notes are produced. The pipes of the Roman pan flute are arranged in a curvy manner, allowing the player to reach all notes without much hassle.
This type of instrument can also play flats and sharps, with a unique technique of both jaw movement and tilting of the pipes to reduce the size of the pipe’s opening to produce different pitch. There are two basic kinds of vibrators popularly in use; breath vibrato and hand vibrato.
When playing the hand vibrato, the player cautiously applies a calm motion to a specific end or point of the pan flute in the same manner the violin vibrato is manipulated. Breath vibrato technique is similar to playing the flute or any other woodwind, mainly with the use of your diaphragm.
What are the Best Pan Flute/Panpipe to Buy?
Generally, it is advisable to go for a smaller sized pan flute if you are beginner. The most crucial thing about playing this instrument is to have the proper angel while playing, it is important to master half notes. A smaller pan flute will basically come with a light weight, making it easy to maneuver for beginners.
Purchase a pan flute with less than or equal to two octaves (about 13 to 15), to help you understand the movement between pipes without stress. Using a pan flute with two octaves will help you know the functionality of each note and improve your skills with great speed. Otherwise, it becomes really complex for a learner.
Learning to play this instrument doesn’t require too much like many people believe today. The real and only true secret of playing the pan flute can be summarized in three words – practice, practice, and more practice.
The outcome of your training will be as a result of the effort and time you are able to invest in this instrument. Nowadays, there are different varieties of pan flutes to purchase both online and in the local markets. This has resulted to a high level of skepticism during purchases especially for the new comers.
The pan flute is also referred to as syrinx or panpipes. They belong to a group of musical devices basically on the concept of closed tube. They consist of multiple pipes in a step wise manner. These pipes are traditionally made out of giant cane, local reeds, and bamboo. However, other common materials include ivory, metal, plastic, wood.
18 Best Pan Flute Reviews (Best Pan Flute for Beginners & Advanced Player)
Here is a list of 18 pan flutes and their distinctive characteristics
1) Peru Treasure Pan Flute 15 Pipes Tunable Bamboo
This pan flute pipe made from natural bamboo measures about 7.1 inches in length and 7 inches width. The shortest pipe of this 15 pipe pan flute is 2 inches. The Peru treasure pan flute is compacted with a tuneable feature for easy manipulation of sound. They are generally great for starters and anyone ready for a steady experience from a novice level to an expert.
They are produced with the finest quality of woodland materials around. For a consistent and maximum tuning accuracy, the frame of the Peru Treasure comes with distinctive pipe channels.
The Peru treasure pan flutes are tuned to the key of C with a frequency of 440Hz and weight of 3.2 ounces. These pan flutes can be used in different indoor and outdoor activities such as scouting, camping, in schools, and other small gatherings. They have nice tone and are also easy to play.
2) InkaTumi Peruvian Motives 13 Pipes
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With this special bamboo pan flute, you can always play and practice the rudiments of organizing good sound from the wood pipe instruments in general. The InkaTumi Bamboo Pan Flute can be very easy to learn because of its simple nature. The features that accompany this product will have you master the instrument in a short period of time and with less stress.
The InkaTumi flute is tuned to the key of G major, with a frequency of 440Hz. Every InkaTumi flute has been crafted with the very best of amazonic bamboos with a length of 5½ inches and 1¾ in width. Due to it’s smooth and attractive nature, every tuning brings you closer to the music.
The sound that is produced from the InkaTumi Bamboo Pan Flute is of high quality, always producing nice melody. It is also possible to use this pan flute in solo concerts. For a perfect sound production, it can be played along other good instruments to produce a better sound.
3) Cusco QT-21 3-Octave Panpipes
This 3-Octave Panpipe is an authentic piece of woodwind instrument that brings an everlasting rhythm to your home. It is one among many other pan flutes that are able to produce the real folk music back in South America.
The Cusco QT-21 3-Octave Panpipe is an instrument originally hand-crafted by the Peruvians with same techniques and materials passed down through centuries. It is a curved style of pan pipe with just 3-octave range as the name implies.
There are 23 canes of graduated length with a curve size of 17(1/4)-inch in length and measuring 12-inch in width. These windpipe instruments possess a refined, pleasant, and artistic symmetry which is uncommon with other similar instruments within the same price range.
From the traditionally hand-crafted colored ribbons to the classic and evergreen patina from the cane creeds, you can easily sense the pride and the quality in this beautiful masterpiece.
4) Ramos Professional Peru Treasure–Standard Size Curved Antara Pan Flute With 13 Pipes
Generally, they are made from a refined bamboo crop. The Ramos pan woodwind device is the major instruments used to perform in the Andes over decades ago. This ancient pan flute comes with 13 pipes, with an increasing length bound together to form one pan flute. Each pipe of the Ramos Professional Peru Treasure is tuned from one note to another for creating different types of sound.
Typically, the windpipe instrument has occurred in many forms and shapes during the different season of development. The Ramos Professional Peru Treasure is tuned in E minor and measures about 11.5-inch length and 8 inches in width. They are commonly known as the zamponia or antara and many other names from different indigenous tribes from the Amazonian forest.
The pan pipes of the Ramos Professional Peru Treasure are perhaps a universal instrument of excellence from the old times, developed in every culture from the four corners of the planet Earth.
5) Peru Treasure– Small Peruvian Tunable Angara Pan Flute
The Peruvian treasure pan flute comes in small sizes with a total of 13 pipes. As an added advantage, it comes with a manual that teaches you the basics of playing the pan flute.
They are tuned in the key of E (E minor), however, it can be tuned to any key by inserting a stick or pen at the adjustable end. The small Peruvian adjustable Angara pan flute measures about 6¼ inches in length with a 6½ inches coverage. The shortest is just 2 inches long.
With this unique musical instrument from Peru, you can always recreate the sounds of the “mystical Inca”. The Peru treasure pan flute offers an exclusively handcrafted pan pipe by wonderful artisans from Peru and other handicrafts.
They are crafted with durable and fine materials from the woodlands. For a better and consistent experience in tuning, the framework of the Peruvian treasure pipe channels is distinctively arranged.
6) Fenglv 16 Pipes Eco-friendly Resin Pan Flute
These are nice little flutes that may serve as a fun instrument for someone just starting the pan flute practice. It was designed generally for learners who have the intention of eventually climbing up into the advanced realm of creating melodic sound from pan flutes. The shortest pipe of this instrument is measuring 6cm, the longest pipe measures about 26cm, while the width is measured to be 23cm.
This beautiful ivory pan flute with an environmentally friendly and non-toxic resin material is coupled with 16 pipes. They are built on the key of C, weighing 240g. Learning the eco-friendly Resin Pan Flute is a lot easier than other kinds of the pan flute.
This easy learning pan flute are not so expensive, and they come with a fantastic pronunciation and weighs about 9.1 ounces. It also comes with a wonderfully finished edge, rounded side-to-side and designed in a way to align closely together.
7) Peruvian Motifs 13 Pipes Bamboo Pan Flute
The Peruvian Motifs with 13 Pipes of high class crafted bamboo Flute and a classic hand-made South American musical instrument with a difference due to the nature of it make up. The instrument is basically made from bamboo consisting of cane pipes of different sizes ranging from the smallest to the largest; B6 A6 G6 F#6 E6 D6 C6 B5 A5 G5 F#5 E5 and D5.
This instrument is bound together with the ribbon held together by wax or cord.
They have an inbuilt Inka motifs design with a major key known of G. Peruvian motifs is 144 millimeters long and 136 inches wide. This instrument has its roots among the South American people.
It’s basically designed not for learners or starters but requires a player who has been thoroughly taught in special playing skills with Peruvian Motifs 13 Pipes Bamboo Pan Flute. The uniqueness of this instrument is seen in the way it is being played and handled with a rhythmic tune from its distinct notes.
8) Moon Angel 25 Pipes Flute Chinese Musical Instrument Pan Pipes
Moon Angel – 25 is another ancient musical instrument common among the Chinese people. This instrument is unique because it is easy to learn and also suitable for children and adults. Hence, it is both for beginners and instrumentalist who already have an idea.
Moon Angel pan flute is a high quality brown colored musical instrument designed with 25 pipes, this quality instrument is hand-made bamboo flute which basically weighs 3.06 pounds with varying sizes and instrument key C.
This traditional Chinese instrument is not only used during cultural activities among the Chinese people but is also used during sporting activities and in the entertainment industry.
The fact that the instrument is easy to learn by both young and old, attracts more learners when compared to other contemporary musical instruments not only among the Chinese but globally. The sounds from this traditional pan pipe are thrilling, danceable and give fun.
9) Sanyork– Zampona Panflute – Traditional Design
This traditional hand crafted Pan flute is a product extracted from Peru fair trade and guarantees a great and attractive sound. They are great for the younger ones to play especially for those who desire to understand the fundamentals before advancing to the next level.
The Zampona Panflute is made of Andean bamboo and comes with a 13 pipe-channel of gradually increasing length and are very charming to look upon.
They come with beautifully finished edges, with pipes designed to fit closely together. It is also a good piece for music in fundraising, churches, camps, scouts and other smaller ceremonial events.
The Zampona Panflute is an ancient instrument for music which is based on the concept of the closed tube. They have been popular for a very long time as one of the best folk instruments and pipes are traditionally constructed with a giant cane.
10) Alii of Hawaii Bamboo Pan Flute
This instrument is produced from a genuine bamboo material with a distinguishing glossy finish. It consists of 8 pipes in which the players blow through to produce a rhythmic and beautiful sound.
The Alii of Hawai bamboo pan flute is a curved wooden handmade wind musical instrument that originated from Indonesia. The uniqueness of this instrument, when compared to other contemporary musical instruments, is that it is not keyed to any particular note.
This bamboo pan flute does not produce much sound because of its makeup. It is not a professionally used musical instrument because it’s used on some few occasions and does not require any expertise.
The product is more like a toy or souvenir. Alii of Hawai bamboo pan flute is a novelty pan flute, not meant for serious use. The size of this instrument is not specific but varies, weighing 0.32 ounces with a dimension of 5.9 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches.
11) Woodstock Chimes Bright Blue Pan Flute
Among many musical instruments, Woodstock Chimes Bright Blue Pan Flute stands out as a unique musical instrument and are generally easy and fun to play. The instrument Woodstock Chime’s about 5.6 ounces with a dimension of 5.5 x 5.5 x 6.8 inches. As a unique musical instrument, it is a perfect product for starters and/or children. They are affordable, attractive, and playable.
This instrument makes a lot of melodious sounds, full of life and it easily fit in the palm of the players’ hand. It produces a distinctive, beautiful and safe sound as regards to the level of intonation.
The Woodstock Chime product is made of a reddish plastic material with just eight whistle note. As one of the oldest musical instruments, Pan Flute has its root in Greek mythology. The record from mythology shows that god pan designed and played the flute he made from cane to remind himself of his lost lover.
12) Peru Treasure–Pan Flute 15 Pipes Tunable Natural Bamboo
This pan flute pipe made from natural bamboo and measures about 7.1 inches in length and 7 inches width. The shortest pipe of this attractive pan flute is 2 inches. The Peru treasure pan flute is designed along with a tuneable feature for easy modulation of sound. They are generally great for starters and anyone ready for a steady experience from a beginner’s level to a pro.
The Peru treasure pan flutes are tuned to the key of C with a frequency of 440Hz and weight of 3.2 ounces. These pan flutes can also be used in different indoor and outdoor activities such as scouting, camping, in schools, and other small gatherings. They have nice tone and are also readily easy to play.
They are produced with the finest quality of woodland materials you could possibly find around. For a consistent and maximum tuning accuracy, the frame of the Peru Treasure comes with distinctive pipe channels.
13) InkaTumi Bamboo Pan Flute– For Beginners
With this bamboo panpipe instrument, you can play and teach yourself the rudiments of producing good and attractive sound. The InkaTumi Bamboo Pan Flute can be very easy to learn for those with little idea on music. The features that come with this product will have you manipulate the instrument in no time and with less stress.
The sound produced from the InkaTumi Bamboo Pan Flute has some level of quality in it. It is also capable of performing in open or solo concerts. They can be integrated with other sound instruments to produce some classic and high-level sounds.
The InkaTumi flute is tuned to the key of C major, with a frequency of 4.40Hz. Every InkaTumi flute has been crafted specially with amazonic bamboos with a length of 179mm and 150mm in width. Due to it’s sleek and smooth nature, every tuning and playing brings you closer to your music world.
14) Q’awary 15 Pipes Bamboo Tunable Pan Flute
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This brand of pan flute offers a range of dynamic sound intonation with a tuneable feature for easy manipulation of sound. They are tuned to the key of G major, ranging from G4 to G6.
The Q’awary brand has a dimension of 10¼ inches in length and a width of 8¾ inches. They are made with the best quality of bamboo you can probably find anywhere. They don’t cost too much but do offer a better quality. It is also a wonderful instrument to begin with or to keep as an extra instrument in another range.
The sound of bamboo and wood are different, and they are readily capable of for solo concerts. However, they are suitable for coordinated playing with other instruments and for understanding techniques and know-how. The Q’awary pan flute is a quality musical instrument for making harmonic sound especially for those with basic skills in music.
15) Concert Series Pan Flute – 12-note diatonic scale, A to E
As the title suggests, the Concert Series Pan Flute comes with a 12 note diatonic scale from A to E. They are built and finished with the best quality of wood link materials you could ever think of.
The curved frame of this pan flute comes with individual channels to ensure a maximum and stable tunning accuracy. The Concert Series Pan Flute also comes with an average weight of 7.2 ounces.
The tunning of the head allows a faster and a comfortable style of operation. They seem to be stronger than other pan flutes, this could be as a result of the strong material used and the tough process of making it.
The Concert Series Pan Flute is expected to cost more because of its quality and durability. It comes with a smooth, creamy, and a more consistent appearance which does not affect the sound quality.
16) L’MS Panflute Plastic Panpipes Percussion Woodwind Instrument (Plastic-Black)
For those who are just starting out in the journey of music wonders with the pan flute, this will be a good starting point. It was designed basically for the beginners who are ready to grow from intermediate to a pro.
The L’MS Panflute Plastic Panpipes is great for every music loving person. This pan flute is very easy to learn as sometimes, you do not require the assistance of a tutor to put you though. The tone of this pan flute is very nice, and forms the basis of other advance music sounds. The average weight of this pan flute is about 2.72 ounces, with a plastic-black color to go with.
Another special feature of this pan flute is that it comes with a fine Chinese knot. The L’MS Panflute Plastic Panpipes can be suitable for use in camps, scouts, churches, schools, and every other place that needs to be lighted up with such fine sounds.
17) Jive Panflute
The Jive pan flute is a recognized brand with trademark office and US patent. They are specially handcrafted to produce the best sounds possible, and you don’t have to break the bank to get one.
This masterpiece is perfect for all music lovers who wish to gain insight into the rudiments of pipe instruments. It can also be played by an intermediate or advanced learner. The Jive pan flute made from the best quality of bamboo is weighing an average of 6.4 ounces.
With a dimension of about 11 inches in length and 9 inches width, the edges are designed to give a perfect balance while playing. The tribal design and color may be slightly different according to the inspiration of the artist crafting each piece.
Some discoloration may also be observed, but this is one of the characteristics of bamboo. This slight change in color also adds character to the product.
18) Raan Pan Muang–Crafted Wooden Bamboo Pan Pipe Syrinx
Raan Pan Muang is an ancient musical instrument made from a readily available local material; Bamboo. This musical instrument was first used by ancient Greeks, which was most commonly played by shepherds.
Syrinx, is more of a wind instrument consisting of bendable cane pipes of varying sizes tied in the bundle held together by wax or cord (which could either be a metal, clay, wood, and plastic instruments are likewise produced) and this instrument is usually closed at the bottom.
Raan PanMuang is usually played by blowing across the top of the pipe, each providing a distinct note. Raan PanMuang–Crafted Wooden Bamboo Pan Pipe Syrinx is more of a precision musical instrument than a decorative piece, it consists of 8 Notes which gives a distinct and melodious tune in response to change of notes by its players’. This pan pipe syrinx weighs 0.8 ounces with a dimension of 6.7 x 4.8 x 1.6 inches.
Choosing the Best Pan Flute or Panpipe from the Best Pan Flute Brands
If you are excited about mastering this instrument, you will have to know some basic skills. Some of these skills include lungs potency for blowing the pipes, dexterity and passion to learn new techniques, and coordination for moving between two pipes.
It is also essential to learn about the fundamentals of music to produce a truly touching and unique sound. If you are planning to acquire a pan flute for yourself, you do not necessarily have to buy an expensive one, especially if you are a beginner and you aren’t well vast in the world of music. If you are thinking about practicing how to play the pan flute yourself, you do not have to spend all your money purchasing it.
The capacity for some pan flutes to be tuned into your desired keynote makes it more useful if the player can use it very well. You can always adjust the tuning frequency to rhyme with the piece or song you are working on.
However, if you are using a tunable pan flute, the tuning can get out of place if care is not taken, it can become hard to reset unless with the help of a luthier or a pro player. There are two common tunings for a tunable pan flute, the G major and the C major.
The G major scale has always been the most popular (classic Romanian). The C major is also a common tuning for the pan flute. You may want to start with a curvy pan flute because of its ergonomic and natural setting. The other straight variations of this instrument may not be really advisable for beginners.