Nunts

Nunts are a type of traditional musical instrument, primarily associated with the folk music of the British Isles, particularly Scotland and Ireland. The term "nunts" is sometimes used colloquially or in informal contexts to refer to a small, free-reed aerophone, often resembling a mouth organ or harmonica. However, the most well-known instrument referred to as a "nunt" is the Scottish *nun’s chanter*, a type of bagpipe accessory.

The nun’s chanter is a small, single-reed instrument traditionally used in Scottish bagpipe music. It was historically played by nuns in convents, where the use of bagpipes was restricted. The instrument produces a soft, melodic tone and is often used to accompany or embellish the drone and drone pipes of a bagpipe set. It is typically made of wood, such as boxwood or rosewood, and features a single reed and a simple keyed system for playing notes.

While the nun’s chanter is the most recognized "nunt," the term can also loosely describe other small reed instruments, including early forms of the harmonica or mouth organ. These instruments were sometimes used in folk traditions to fill harmonic gaps or provide additional melodic lines. The nun’s chanter remains a niche instrument, primarily valued by traditional musicians and collectors of historical instruments.

Today, the nun’s chanter is occasionally featured in contemporary folk and Celtic music revivals, though it is not as widely known as other traditional instruments like the tin whistle or fiddle. Its unique sound and historical significance make it a distinctive part of Scottish musical heritage.