Dragonfly Professional Panflutes and Panpipes.
"Dragonfly" Panflutes are professional
instruments made using the finest quality materials. The tubes are made
from the highest quality and meticulously selected bamboo. The bases are made from
beautiful hardwoods such as Bubinga. Construction standards are of the very highest order
yet the prices are very reasonable..
Dragonfly Panflutes are made at the workshop of
David Pighills in Bingley, Yorkshire, England. David Pighills has travelled Europe visiting
professional Panflute workshops and professional musicians and has evolved his building techniques
over a number of years.
!
The following models of Dragonfly
Professional Panflutes are available. They are traditionally tuned in G major but custom-built models are available on request.
Alto (22 Tubes G1 to G4)
Tenor (25 Tubes D1 to G4)
Bass (22 Tubes G to G3)
Contrabass (26 Tubes low C to G3)
Alto
The traditional "
"Standard" classical Romanian Panflute of 22 Tubes G1 to G4 tuned in G Major..
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Above is a shot
showing the base and back detail of Preda panpipes. The above
models are (top to bottom) Sopran-alto , Tenor , Concert &
Contrabass.
By comparison with
Ulitza and Kuettner , the Preda instruments have slightly wider
upper tubes with thicker walls. The lower tubes are a little narrower
than Ulitza , Kuettner and Dajoeri. Preda tubes are pre-coated
internally with a propolis solution and thus do not need oiling.
The degree of curvature of the tube alignment is slightly less
accute than the other makes.
Above - The Preda
base pattern.
Above - the Preda Hallmark
Kuettner
Steffen Kuettner
, who is based in Fischach , Germany , makes beautiful panpipes
which are superbly constructed from Taiwanese Bamboo. The "Master"
models (made to exacting standards) are available in flamed bamboo
(heat treated for improved sound) and come with a Walnut base
with or without a pattern. Steffen will build a flute to your
specification and does not charge excessively either. These panpipes
tend to be lighter than Preda and Dajoeri and have a tighter curve.
The upper registers are narrow walled and have narrower tubes
, whereas the lower registers are relatively wide tubes. The tubes
do need regular oiling to keep them in pristine condition.
Above - three Kuettner
flutes. Top is G1 to G4 (flamed bamboo) , middle is C1 to G4 (unflamed
bamboo) , bottom is G to G3 -bass (flamed bamboo).
Above - Kuettner
22 tube sopran-alto flute in flamed bamboo. Note the slightly
tighter curve and differing tube widths to the Preda.
Above - a Kuettner
flute showing the beeswax used for fine-tuning.
Above - the Kuettner
base pattern.
Ulitza
These flutes are
exquisitely made by the great German virtuoso Ulrich Herkenhoff.
They are made in a variety of configurations from fine Taiwanese
bamboo or from turned wood if preferred. Again , compared with
Preda and Djoeri , the top tubes are relatively narrow in diameter.These
flutes also need oiling.
Above - the Ulitza
base and back. This instrument is made from lightly flamed bamboo.
The base is Cherry.
Above - Ulitza high
tubes
Dajoeri
This Swiss company
is a relatively large concern with a very wide range of panpipes
available of differing quality and prices. The top "Master"
model is made from Tonkin bamboo. The lower tubes are wider and
thicker walled than all the other makes and the upper tubes are
about the same in width and wall thickness as the Predas. The
finish (external coat) is superb and the base is differently constructed
on the "Master" model. Tubes are internally coated and
do not need oiling.
Above - Dajoeri
Master Panflute , G1 to G4 with Rosewood base.
(Price including
case and VAT and postage about £1000.00....they do have
cheaper models!)
Above - the Dajoeri
base and back.
The Dajoeri hallmark
Special Features
Tube Tops!!!!
The way in which
panpipes tube tops are shaped affects the tonal quliaties of the
instrument. On most makes , there is a bevel on both sides of
the tube , player's side and audience side. The latter provides
for enhancing the way the tube speaks (how quickly the note is
sounded).
The great Gheorghe
Zamfir plays instruments (made by himslef) which are only bevelled
on the player's side. This contributes to the famous "Zamfir
Sound". The panpipes below are prepared "Zamfir Style".
Above - Zamfir style
tube tops.
Very large (double
bass) panpipes can benefit from an insert to the tubes on the
audience side to assist in tonal quality on the very low registers.
See this below on
a contrabass panpipes.
Above - Special
tube inserts on a contrabass flute (Preda).
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