The fife was an essential instrument for 18th century military forces, being used not only to signal commands in battle but also to call out the daily routines of camp life; it maintained that role throughout the period of the American Civil War. As military fifers returned to civilian life, they brought the fife with them into the mainstream of American folk music.
Our maple wood fife is crafted here in our Vermont shop in the 18th/19th century body silhouette with short brass ferrules. Each fife is packaged in a printed folding box with a music, history, and instruction sheet. All of our fifes are in the traditional key of folk Bb (concert Ab), with standard fingering.
This is a musical instrument, not a toy. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 years and above.