Definition

Noun: 1. An organ stop with the tone of a flue pipe: A "flue stop" is a specific control on a pipe organ that activates a set of pipes known as flue pipes. These pipes produce sound by directing air against a sharp edge (like a whistle), creating the organ's foundational, flute-like tones. It contrasts with reed stops, which use vibrating reeds.

Usage

• The term is used specifically in the context of pipe organs and their construction, operation, and tonal classification.
• It refers to the stop knob, tab, or lever itself, as well as to the rank of pipes it controls.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The organist pulled out the 8' Principal flue stop to begin the piece.
  • This organ division is particularly rich in flue stops, providing a warm, foundational sound.
  • The difference in timbre between a flue stop and a reed stop is very distinct.

Advanced Usage

• "Foundation flue stop": A flue stop (like a Diapason or Principal) that forms the basic tonal foundation of the organ.
  • The Great division's foundation flue stops were voiced beautifully.
• "Flue work": A collective term for all the flue pipes or flue stops in an organ.
  • The instrument's flue work is from the 19th century, but the reeds are newer.

Variants and Related Words

• Flue pipe (n): The individual pipe that produces sound for a flue stop. It is the physical component, whereas the "stop" is the control.
  • The organ builder carefully voiced each flue pipe.
• Reed stop (n): The counterpart to a flue stop; a stop controlling pipes that use a vibrating reed to produce sound, often producing brighter, more penetrating tones like trumpets or oboes.
  • The trumpet is a classic example of a reed stop.

Synonyms

• Foundation stop (when referring to stops like Principals or Diapasons that are typically flue pipes).
• Labial stop (a less common, more technical synonym emphasizing that the sound is produced by the pipe's "lip" or labium).

Notes

• The term is a compound noun ("flue stop"). Its meaning is highly specialized to the field of organology (the study of organs). It is not used in general conversation.

Noun

1. an organ stop with the tone of a flue pipe