---
title: "Blowpipe"
slug: blowpipe
definition: "Reed through which the gaitero blows air into the Asturian gaita's bag. It carries a valve that keeps air inside the bag between breaths."
synonyms: ["blow-pipe", "blowing reed"]
publishedAt: 2026-06-17
---
The **blowpipe** is the short tube the gaitero blows into to fill the
**Asturian gaita**'s bag with air.

Inside it carries a small check valve: it lets air in when blowing and
blocks it when the gaitero stops, so the bag doesn't empty back out.
Thanks to that, the gaitero can breathe in without the sound cutting off.

It's the piece that connects the player's breathing to the rest of the
instrument: blowpipe → bag → punteru and roncón.