Pilili
 Pilili | |
| Woodwind instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | single-reed aerophone |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 422.211.2 (single reed instrument with cylindrical bore and fingerholes) |
| Related instruments | |
|
zummara | |
Pilili is a reed wind instrument in Adjara, west Georgia. It is a pipe of 25-30cm in length with 5-7 keys.[1]
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Instruments from Russian Turkestan, 1869-1872...from left:ghoshmeh, tas. The unknown reed-tipped pipe bears close resemblance to the Pilili. -
Troop of Tajik or Uzbek musicians from Russian Turkestan. Musician on far left has pilili-like instrument.
Description
The main parts of the pilili are the trunk and the mouthpiece. The stem or trunk is a tube about 25-30 cm long, on which 5-7 holes are made.[1] The mouthpiece is a small tube, the length of which depends on the desired sound. It has a split it its sidewall, creating a reed that makes sound when a musician blows through the top tip.
The stem of the pilili is made from Tkemli (Prunus cerasifera plum tree) or Didgula (Sambucus nigra) wood.[1] In ancient times, tsipil (the tip) was also made from didgula wood, but today is made from bamboo.[1] The tone of the pilili is diatonic, and it has a chromatic range of one octave.[1]
References
"Musical Instruments". International Research Center for Traditional Polyphony of Tbilisi State Conservatory.