Flabiol

The flabiol is a small, fipple flute traditionally used in Catalonia, Spain. It is one of the primary instruments in the cobla, a traditional ensemble that accompanies sardana dances. The flabiol is typically made of wood, often grenadilla or other hardwoods, and has a characteristic piercing, high-pitched sound.

The instrument is held and played with one hand, allowing the other hand to simultaneously play a small drum, known as a tamborí. This one-person flute and drum combination is a distinctive feature of Catalan folk music.

The flabiol usually has five finger holes on the front and one thumb hole on the back. It is typically tuned in F and has a range of about one octave plus a fifth. Its role in the cobla is to provide melodic ornamentation and rhythmic punctuation to the music. The flabiol's sound cuts through the often-dense texture of the cobla, making it easily distinguishable.