Pipe (flue pipe)
Basic form of a sound-producing wind instrument: an air stream is split at a flue and sets an air column sounding.
What it means
The pipe is the basic form of a sound-producing wind instrument. An air stream is guided through a narrow slit and split at a sharp edge; the air column in the tube is thereby set vibrating and sounds. The length of the tube determines the pitch: the longer the pipe, the lower the note. This principle is called a flue or labial pipe.
Musical use
The principle is found in flutes, whistles, organ pipes and in the recorder. Pipes can be built open or stopped; stopped pipes sound an octave lower and darker. In the organ, pipes are grouped in stops, and each pipe produces only one note. Beside them stand reed pipes, in which a vibrating metal tongue produces the sound.
The pipe should be distinguished from the reed pipe, whose sound arises through a reed, and from the whistle in everyday sense, the signalling device with only one note.
Performance practice
When you play a pipe or flute, pay attention to even air stream and angle; even small changes alter speech and pitch. In blowing it is less a matter of force than of control.