rimblown

Rimblown refers to a category of musical instruments where the sound is produced by blowing across an edge, similar to blowing over the top of a bottle. This method of sound production is distinct from instruments that use a reed or are struck to create sound. The air stream is directed against a sharp edge, causing the air within the instrument's resonating cavity to vibrate. This vibration creates the audible pitch.

The most common examples of rimblown instruments are flutes, including the transverse flute and the end-blown flute. In transverse flutes, the player blows across an embouchure hole on the side of the instrument. In end-blown flutes, such as the recorder or the shakuhachi, the player blows into the end of a tube, with the air directed against a fipple or a sharp edge at the opening. Other instruments, like panpipes, also utilize the rimblown principle where each pipe is essentially an end-blown flute. The quality of sound and the ease of producing notes depend significantly on the angle and force of the airstream, as well as the shape and placement of the blowing edge.