flue stop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Musical
Quick answer
What does “flue stop” mean?
An organ stop that controls a set of pipes where sound is produced by air passing through a flue, producing a flute-like tone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organ stop that controls a set of pipes where sound is produced by air passing through a flue, producing a flute-like tone.
A specific control mechanism on a pipe organ for activating a particular rank of flue pipes, often named after the tone colour it produces (e.g., Principal, Gedackt). More broadly, it distinguishes flue-pipe stops from reed stops in organ terminology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Terminology is standardised in international organ building. Spelling remains identical.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard and equally frequent within the specialised field of organ music in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “flue stop” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the flue stop (e.g., draw, pull, push, add, couple, balance)The flue stop + [Verb] (e.g., sounds, blends, speaks)[Adjective] + flue stop (e.g., foundational, melodic, soft, loud)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flue stop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The organist decided to flue-stop the diapason chorus for a softer effect. (rare/technical)
American English
- The technician will flue-stop the new rank before voicing. (rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The flue-stop mechanism required careful regulation.
American English
- The organ's flue-stop division was exceptionally versatile.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in musicology, specifically organology and historical performance practice texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core terminology in organ building, maintenance, and performance. Discussed in specifications, voicing, and registration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flue stop”
- Pronouncing 'flue' to rhyme with 'blue' is correct; avoid /flaʊ/.
- Using 'flute stop' as a direct synonym is incorrect; a flute stop is a *type* of flue stop.
- Treating it as a general musical term rather than a specific organ term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'flue stop' is the broad category for all organ stops that use flue pipes. A 'flute stop' is a specific type of flue stop designed to imitate the tone of a flute.
Yes and no. You see the stop knob or tablet labelled with the stop's name (e.g., 'Principal 8''). The actual flue pipes are the rows of pipes you see inside the organ case, controlled by that stop.
Historically, the mechanism physically 'stopped' the wind from entering a set of pipes when not in use. The term persisted even as slider and electric actions evolved.
Crucially important. Selecting and combining different flue (and reed) stops, a process called registration, is a fundamental skill for organists to create appropriate colours and dynamics for different music.
An organ stop that controls a set of pipes where sound is produced by air passing through a flue, producing a flute-like tone.
Flue stop is usually technical / musical in register.
Flue stop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfluː ˌstɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflu ˌstɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pull out all the (flue) stops.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLUte playing from a pipe; a FLUE stop controls the organ pipes that make a similar, airy sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS A STOPPING POINT (The 'stop' controls/selects the sound, metaphorically 'stopping' it from being inactive).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that defines a flue stop?