What are Folk Fifes; what are the applications?
Folk Fifes come in various keys, all based on A=440. The bore is sized to favor the first two octaves, the third octave being seldom used. These instruments are used in solo or ensemble with guitar, fiddle, accordion, piano, voice, etc.. They’re great for dance bands, parties, Irish music, or recording; fine for playing lead or backup. They are quite capable of playing in their primary key, plus a fifth down and a fifth up. Thus, a folk fife in D is good for playing in the keys of D, G and A. Some musicians buy sets of these instruments so they can play in many keys.
