ZampoƱas: Types and Varieties
- Ronald
- Jun 25, 2019
- 2 min read
As I explained on previous posts, a ZampoƱa is a variety of pan flute broadly used in South-America since Pre-Columbian times. The main characteristic of the ZampoƱa is that it has two rows of pipes. The one in the front is named "Ira" that means male in Aymara, and the second row is name "Arca" that mean female. The zampoƱa is a diatonic instrument.


This is a diagram of a standard 13 zampoƱa. However, there are different types of zampoƱa with different ranges and number of pipes. In this post, I will present you with some varieties of zampoƱas that are popular in Peru.
ZampoƱa Malta
It is sometimes considered the standard zampoƱa. Tuned in the key of E minor.


ZampoƱa Chuli or Chili
The zampoƱa Chuli or Chili has its notes one octave above the Malta. It is a very small zampoƱa that you can hold in just one hand. Key of E minor.


ZampoƱa Toyo
Toyos have a range two octaves below a Malta. It is a Bass zampoƱa. It is usually very big in size and it has to be held with both hands. It also requires a lot of lung potency to play this type of zampoƱa.

ZampoƱa Marimacha
It is a variation of the Malta zampoƱa that offers a wider range for more versatility. It has 21 pipes. Key of E minor.


ZampoƱa Basto
Considered a Bass Marimacha. It offers a range that leans to the bass notes. E minor.


Chromatic ZampoƱa
It is a variation of a traditional zampoƱa that offers a chromatic scale. Sometimes known as piano positioned zampoƱa, it differs from the piano's key positioning because the traditional construction of this zampoƱa locates the bass notes at the right and the high notes at the left (reverse piano). However, a custom left-handed chromatic zampoƱa can be constructed by request. There are variations of this type of zampoƱa that add pipes to the bass or to the high tones.


You can find any of those zampoƱa for sale in my website by clicking this link: