Percuflute 32mm BY BRAS

A unique bass overtone instrument combining flute and percussion

Percuflute BY BRAS is a hybrid wind and percussion instrument, designed for musicians seeking deep sound, physical playing, and rhythmic expression.

Inspired by overtone flutes and long traditional bass instruments, the Percuflute goes further by integrating melody, overtones, and percussive bass into a single, compact instrument.

Tuning & scale

– Fundamental tuning: D
– Scale: Overtone scale

A long instrument, folded into a compact form

When fully unfolded, the Percuflute would measure over 2 meters in length.
Thanks to a four-fold body design and the use of 3D printing, it remains compact, balanced, and easy to handle.

Despite its long air column, the playing hole is placed in an ergonomic and easily accessible position, allowing comfortable breath control and precise articulation, even in a very low register.

Very easy to play — just blow and let the sound flow.

This folded structure is not only practical — it is an essential part of the instrument’s acoustic and percussive behavior.

A hybrid playing approach: breath and percussion

The Percuflute is designed for a mixed playing style:

• Breath produces rich tones and characteristic overtones

• Controlled air pressure and articulation shape overtone-based melodies

• Percussive strikes on the end of the instrument generate a deep, physical bass sound

• Rhythm and pitch are combined into a single physical gesture

This approach allows musicians to explore simultaneous melody and rhythm, making the Percuflute particularly suited for solo performance, experimental music, ritual or trance-like contexts, and contemporary stage use.

Designed and built for performance

The Percuflute is handmade using a combination of 3D-printed parts and lightweight plastic pipes, ensuring:

• Reliability and consistency

• Resistance to humidity and temperature changes

• Easy transport and setup

• Durability for physical and percussive playing

An instrument shaped by experience

Nicolas Bras has been making plastic pipes sing for over 20 years, performing on international stages, collaborating with contemporary composers, and exploring new forms of instrumental expression.

The Percuflute brings together years of research into overtone playing, modular design, physical gesture, and experimental sound, resulting in an instrument that is accessible, expressive, and radically personal.

Materials

– 3D-printed parts: PLA
– Body: PVC pipe (32 mm diameter)

Dimensions & weight

– Assembled dimensions: 762 × 72 × 72 mm
– Disassembled dimensions: 526 × 72 × 72 mm
– Weight: 645 g