Definition

Noun: A tabor pipe is a small, simple wind instrument, specifically a fipple flute. It is designed to be played with one hand, typically the left, leaving the player's right hand free to simultaneously play a drum called a tabor. This combination allows a single musician to provide both melody and rhythm.

Usage

The term tabor pipe refers specifically to the flute used in this traditional musical pairing. * In historical and folk music contexts, a musician would often play a tabor pipe and tabor together. * The tabor pipe typically has a limited number of finger holes, allowing it to be played with one hand.

Examples

• The medieval minstrel skillfully played the tabor pipe while beating the tabor slung over his shoulder.
• To recreate authentic Renaissance dance music, she learned to play the tabor pipe.
• The simple, piercing sound of the tabor pipe carried across the village green.

Advanced Usage

• The instrument is sometimes referred to in the context of pipe and tabor music, which names the duo of instruments.
• While historically associated with folk and early music, modern makers still craft tabor pipes for enthusiasts and performers.

Variants and Related Words

• Pipe and Tabor: This is the name for the complete musical act or the pair of instruments (the flute and the drum) played together.
• Fipple Flute: This is the broader category of wind instruments to which the tabor pipe belongs; other examples include the recorder and the tin whistle.
• Tabor (noun): The small snare drum that is played simultaneously with the tabor pipe.

Synonyms

• One-handed flute
• Three-hole pipe (a common, though not universal, description based on its typical number of finger holes)

Noun

1. a small fipple flute that is played with the left hand while the right hand is free to beat a tabor