ABOUT THE JORVIK PANPIPE
The Jorvik panpipe is a 1000-year-old Viking instrument discovered during the famous historical Copperfield dig at York in the UK, where a massive trove of tens of thousands of artifacts was unearthed, giving archeologists and researchers an unprecedented look into the everyday lives of people living during the Viking era. Only one of these panpipes was ever discovered, but the artifact was so well preserved that even after 1000 years buried in a peat bog it was found almost completely intact and nearly fully playable! The original panpipe was made from a slab of well-aged European boxwood, discovered with 5 tubes bored into the body (with 4 tubes remaining undamaged). The original tuning is roughly to the key of A5-E6, however based on analysis of the tube lengths the historical tuning is not the same as the modern intervals used today, and as a result, would most likely sound “out of tune”, though still derived from a minor key of A.
ABOUT THE BRETTI MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS REPLICA
In replicating the Jorvik panpipe, I wanted to create a very accurate model reflecting the actual features and details of the authentic historical artifact. While there is unfortunately very little information published about the original artifact, the dimensions are known and published, and very accurate historical reference drawings can be found from the original study, which can be found both online and in the book “The Viking Dig: Excavations at York” by Richard Hall. By using the known dimensions and accurately scaling the drawings, I could create very accurate templates for my design based on the original artifact.
As a result, I have taken great care in reproducing all of the subtle nuances of the artifact – from slight curves on the sides and bottom, to the triangular cut tapered top of the blowing edge, to the bevels in the carrying strap hole, and even replicating the broken side of the found artifact as it was theorized to have looked from the original dig site notes. Because of the attention to these nuanced details, as far as I am aware this model is currently the most accurate reproduction of the Jorvik panpipe on the market. This adds much more time and effort to the crafting process, but makes for a much more historically informed model.
In regards to tuning, because the historical tuning of the original artifact would generally not appeal to most modern ears, I have decided to offer three different models of tuning for customers to explore: a modern A-minor tuned model reflecting the spirit of the original design, a modern A-major tuned model for those who would like the option to explore variations in songs with a more upbeat feel, and upon special request, an authentic historical tuned model, in which I replicate the actual bore depths to reflect the genuine tuning of the historical artifact for those who would like to explore the original model and potential of the instrument as it was originally made. Because the historical tuning may be seen as more limited due to the note intervals and require more musical skill to play (in addition to be more complex in crafting), the historical tuned model will generally be available through custom requests only. However, both the major and minor models are in fact capable of playing the original historical intervals using bending techniques to achieve the appropriate accidentals on the right pipes. As a note, all three models look exactly the same from the outside, accurately replicating the subtle features, curves, and dimensions of the original historical artifact, and can be made from the same exact woods – the only difference is in the tuning of the bored pipes in the body.
THE WOODS
Like my flagship ocarina and xun builds, the Jorvik panpipe can be made from virtually any wood in the world as long as I can source it. However, it should be noted that unlike vessel flutes, which will still work perfectly fine with natural checks, voids, and inclusions, the wood for the panpipe must be clean without any cracks or defects, as the slightest void or crack in the walls of the bored tubes will render the tube unplayable. Therefore, for specialty woods like burls, more care will be needed in the selection of the wood. Despite this, the Jorvik panpipe will sound bold and loud regardless of wood used, and while each wood will impart a different subtle flavor and feel to the tone, both soft and hard woods will make equally fine instruments. Upon request, for the most authentic historical models, I can replicate the original design and tuning in a true boxwood (as supplies permit), even including the original markings found on the surface of the panpipe from the dig.
THE MODELS
MODERN A-MAJOR MODEL
Tuned to A4=440Hz major scale, this tuning has a very upbeat, and provides a different feel and compliment to the minor tuned scale, offering versatility and flexibility in playing and composing simple melodies for this panpipe. With bending techniques, all accidentals between the five fundamental notes can be played, and the historical tuning can be still replicated.
Notes are as follows: A5, B5, C#6, D6, E6
MODERN A-MINOR MODEL
Tuned to A4=440Hz minor scale, this tuning is a bit closer to the original historical tuning while offering more versatility and flexibility in playing and composing simple melodies for this panpipe. With bending techniques, all accidentals between the five fundamental notes can be played, and the historical tuning can be still replicated.
Notes are as follows: A5, B5, C6, D6, E6
HISTORICAL TUNING MODEL
Follows the original bored pipe depths on the historical artifact, this tuning is the most authentic and closest model to the real Jorvik panpipe. However, it should be noted that the original tuning uses a rather unconventional interval, which while more close to the minor scale, is not quite exactly the same, and may sound “out-of-tune” to most modern ears. As a result, this model is recommended for those who are looking for a very accurate historical replica, or those who would like to explore the music and tuning in a historical context. The historical tuned model brings to light what the Vikings may have played 1000 years ago.
Notes are as follows: A5, A#5, C6, C#6, E6
FINISH
Each Jorvik panpipe model is fully sealed and finished with several layers of a hand-rubbed oil-based hardening varnish, which penetrates into the wood to not only bringing out the beauty of each wood used even more, but provides a hard, durable, and glossy finish. In order to better protect against moisture (especially for such a thin walled flute) every bored tube is also fully sealed in several protective layers of varnish. Because each panpipe is fully sealed on the inside and outside, no additional oiling is required, and it is not recommended to apply any oil at all. While the varnish provides extra moisture protection, please refrain from getting the instrument excessively wet.
GENERAL CARE
After each playing session, you should let the panpipe air-dry, giving it a good shake to remove excess moisture from the tubes. If cleaning is required, both the inside of the tubes as well as the outside may be sterilized with a very lightly dampened cloth or paper towel using a dilute mixture of water and dish detergent. Like any wooden flute, it is best to keep the panpipe out of excessively cold or hot environments for extended periods of time, and if the panpipe has been traveling in a cold environment, allow it to warm back up prior to playing, and take care to refrain from playing the panpipe in the cold winter air. Each panpipe also comes with a waxed cotton cord for wearability, making it a fantastic musical companion for the everyday musician, as well as a carrying pouch for travel. With proper care, your Jorvik panpipe replica will enjoy years of wonderful music that you can treasure and discover a unique voice with!
GALLERY
