Reed Pipes

Reed pipes have a metal tongue that vibrates against a brass tube called a shallot to produce the sound. The reed and shallot are inside the boot of the pipe. The sound is magnified by the resonator, which can be of metal or wood. Reed resonators come in many shapes and sizes, all affecting the tone of the pipe. The sound of reed pipes is pungent and distinctive, even when used with flues.

Reeds are grouped according to whether they can be used with combinations of other stops or whether they are better used in solos. The "Chorus" Reeds have cone-shaped resonators and add brilliance to full organ. Some have names like the brass instruments of the orchestra: Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba. Others are called Clarion, Posaune, Bombarde. Sometimes trumpet pipes will be mounted horizontally (called en chamade). If this stop is on high wind pressure it can be very loud and should be used sparingly. Chorus Reeds can be used for solos too.