I designed 3D models of various types of Zampoña, Andean panflutes.

Zampoña are panflutes from the Andes, instead of a single row of pipes, they are composed of two rows and notes alternates between rows. This makes them easier and more difficult to play at the same time. Easier because notes are less spread apart but more difficult because you know need to remember which row the notes belong to.

In Australia, finding the right bamboo to make your own Zampoña is impossible since that particular type does not grow here. A lot of people use PVC pipes which do work but you can't gradually vary the diameter of the pipe in relation to the note. I bought a Bambu A1 3D printer not long ago so I thought I'd give it a go. The printer could only print 25cm in any direction so for longer pipes, I would need to split the design and glue the sections together.

I started with a Zampoña Zanca in G major with 13 pipes starting with a D pipe. The first picture shows it next to a bamboo Zanca (with more pipes).

I printed each pipes on separately and hand tied them together the traditional way. So there is still alot of manual work involved but that what makes it feels less toyish. I took this Zanca to an Andean Music concert by Sonido, an Australian based band I've been following for a few years now. They were impressed with how it sounded and how the diameter of each pipe was very gradual. I was asked if would be interested to be to print some more for their students.

So I started printing a Zampoña Malta (most popular size with shorter pipes).

The band leader, Cesar Marin, bought one from me as a model to show around. He ended up using it as his go to Malta at their concerts. Another band member also bought a 3D-printed Zampoña Toyo (very large one) from me and used it on stage too (see Cesar on the right):

Here is a Zampoña Toyo that is even longer at 1.74cm.

And this is on the other end of the spectrum, a Zampoña Chulli, or very small one.

Right below is my personal Zampoña Zanca with 29 pipes. It also has tapered Bolivian style boquillas (mouthpieces) making it easier to produce the signature vibrating sound.

I've recorded "El sonido del Silencio" (The Sound of Silence) with my various 3D-printed Zampoñas, you can listen to it below:

For more of my recordings, head to my Youtube channel.

This photo below was taken at my friend's place, Marco Lopez. Marco is the first member of Sonido I met when I first went to their concert, I was introduced to him by another friend, Roberto Moreno. I came to his place to discuss music and test each others instruments.

For fun, I also designed a Rondador, an Ecuadorian panflute where pipes are usually played in pair, they have a very distinctive sound.

I've made some of my panflute 3D models downloadable for free on Maker World:

• The Zampoña Chulli 3D model
• The Rondador 3D model
• The Quena 3D model