How the eunuch flute makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the eunuch flute belongs to the singing membranes (mirlitons): a membrane changes the timbre of another sound, as in the kazoo.
More broadly it is one of the membranophones (drums), where sound comes from a vibrating stretched membrane.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The eunuch flute, onion flute, or mirliton (; French: flûte eunuque, flûte à l'oignon or mirliton; German: Zwiebelflöte) is a membranophone that was in use during the 16th and 17th centuries. It produces a sound akin to a comb and paper and is still manufactured as a toy.
The sound of the eunuch flute resembles that of a kazoo. Unlike the kazoo, it is held transversally (basically a transverse kazoo) against the mouth while the user vocalizes into the aperture.
Other singing membranes
Frequently asked questions
What does an eunuch flute sound like?
As one of the singing membranes, its sound comes from the way a membrane changes the timbre of another sound, as in the kazoo.
What type of instrument is the eunuch flute?
It is classified as singing membranes (mirlitons) (Hornbostel–Sachs 242).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q381629 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Eunuch flute – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Lucyin – CC BY-SA 3.0