Thanks Jon E ....
From what I've researched, you are right on this. The internet has several spots with lots of info on Pan Flutes. I should have done that in the first place.
One thing I learned is that the primitive Andes sound (I also learned to spell Andes) is not from the bamboo, because most of the Romanian flutes also use bamboo, which is considered the best material. The sound differences are attributed to precision workmanship, the diameter to length of pipe (diameter increases with length on the Romanian instruments), the smoothness of the bore and mouth piece, etc. It was stated one could play South American music on a European flute, but not the other way around. The South American flutes are discribed as having a 'windy' sound, fitting maybe for the high mountains of Peru.
Historically the pan flute is one of the oldest instruments. Versions of it are found in primative cultures all across the globe, and it is easy to construct a working instrument from hollow reeds and bamboo.
I became interested when I realized it is one of the few instruments I have a chance at playing while keeping my hands free for african percussion. Now if I can just get one to sound like Carlos Santana's guitar.
