This site is dedicated to the Musette Bechonnet, developed by Joseph Bechonnet (1820-1900) of Effiat, Puy de Dome, France. Obviously we are under construction; Eventually the site will: 1. Be in French and English 2. List and Link Pipemakers of the Musette Bechonnet, 3. List and Link players (& their groups) of the Musette Bechonnet, 4. List a Discography of the Musette Bechonnet, 5. Publish articles, images, and any interesting items relating to the instrument.
Please visit again and watch 'Bechonnet.com' grow!
The Bechonnet is a bellows-blown Bagpipe, usually with 3 single reed drones. The double-reeded, un-keyed, Chanter has a range of an octave and a fourth, and is almost completely chromatic. Mostly the Bechonnet is pitched close to G (Sol), although it has been made in other keys. The head stock (Tete) holds the 2 higher drones & the chanter and is often beautifully decorated. Often the Bechonnet is paired with hurdy-gurdy, violin, accordion, or other pipes.
