Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone on the Mudcat knew what "quills" are, how they're constructed, and how they're played. The only reference I've been able to find about this instrument is in the liner notes to the Anthology of American Folk Music for Henry Thomas' "Fishing Blues" - "a form of pan-pipes made from cane." When I think of "pan-pipes" I envision a half dozen hollow tubes with fingering holes, lashed together in some sort of harmonica-like arrangement. Is this the right picture? Obviously, Thomas played this instrument while strumming guitar and singing. Was it held in some sort of shoulder-supported contraption, like harmonica players use? Do quills require some sort of fingering? If so, how could Thomas have played this instrument and the guitar at the same time? Does anyone make this instrument anymore? Any other info?

Bryant