Kaval Flute Headjoint

The kaval flute is a traditional musical instrument particularly present in Balkan and Turkish cultures. It is usually made of wood and is used in the folk music of several countries, including Bulgaria, Turkey, North Macedonia, and Serbia. What sets the kaval apart from other flutes is not only its construction and tone, but also its playing technique, especially at the embouchure. Inspired by these, Lavoie headjoints are made with grenadilla wood and are designed to be played with a modern transverse flute.
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Kaval Embouchure
The kaval's Embouchure is one of the most distinctive and technical features of the instrument. Unlike the modern flute, where the player blows through a side hole, or the recorder, where the breath is directed through a conduit, the kaval is played by blowing directly onto the edge of the top opening of the flute. 'instrument.
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Embouchure Characteristics:

1. Upper Opening: The upper end of the kaval is open, and the player produces sound by blowing on the sharpened edge of this opening. Breathing precision and lip position are crucial to achieving a clear and accurate sound.

2. Angle and Positioning: The player holds the kaval at a slight angle and places their lips so that the breath meets the edge of the opening at an optimal angle. This positioning requires a lot of practice to master the accuracy and purity of the sound.

3. Breathing Techniques: Kaval players use a variety of blowing techniques to produce different sound effects. For example, by varying the pressure and direction of the breath, we can produce harmonics and melodies rich in nuances.

4. Bumblebee and Effects: The kaval is capable of producing continuous sounds called "drones" through a special circular breathing technique, where the player uses the air reserves in their cheeks to maintain a constant flow of air while breathing through the nose.

Comparison with other flutes:

• Recorders: The kaval does not have a directed breath conduit like recorders, which gives more freedom but requires more precision in controlling the air.

• Modern flutes: Unlike transverse flutes, where the breath is directed laterally, the kaval requires a breath directed vertically on the edge of the opening.