---
title: "Roncón reed"
slug: roncon-reed
definition: "Single reed that sounds the Asturian gaita's roncón. A single blade vibrates and produces the continuous low drone, unlike the punteru's double reed."
synonyms: ["pita del roncón", "drone reed", "single reed"]
publishedAt: 2026-06-17
---
The **roncón reed** is the reed that sets the **Asturian gaita**'s drone
in vibration. Unlike the punteru's reed, which is double, this one is a
**single** reed: one blade of cane that beats against an opening and
releases a low, fixed, continuous note.

It usually sits in the lower body of the roncón, inside the bag. Its size
and how it's scraped fix the drone's note and how much air it consumes;
if it loses response, the roncón "chokes" or goes silent.

In Asturian it's also called **pita**. Together with the punteru's reed,
these two reeds give the instrument its voice, each with its own
mechanics.