Making and Carving and Playing an Indian Flute

[Donna_T]

Hi Steve,
It must be catching...I've been cleaning our my office and files. Usually wait til July/Aug when it's too hot to be outside.

Yes, I'd love for you to scan or photocopy all those pages for me. I'd be glad to pay for photocopying and postage if you'll let me know how much it is. I was going to try to find a used copy of the book but this will serve the purpose. Thanks for offering. I'll send you a direct email with my mailing address.

Carvers are so good to help each other--and I appreciate your help!

Thanks!
Donna T

[Kenny_S]

I am enjoying the newsletters Donna.

In taking to some a couple of moutian men reenactors,one makes flutes, and he said the tune was in how thin the walls of the flute were. To thin they have a rattling sound. As for how thick or thin, he did not say. The one he was playing had a deep sound. I think he did not tell me everything on purpose.
I guess one would have to sand down till they get the sound they are looking for.
The little bride thanks you alot also. Now she can't get me to do anything but read. Well, she couldn't get me to do anything before either :

[Donna_T]

Sorry Kenny, that you had to read the newsletters instead of carving. I don't have the online yet, but guess you'd have to read them too! Just thought they'd give you an idea of some of what our club has gone through in 10-12 years. Now I'm anxious to see if you get a club formed in your area.

The info on the flute is interesting. You know, I've talked to 2-3 flute makers and I've had the feeling that each one wasn't telling me the whole story. I don't want to go into competition with them and sell them, I just want to make one good one of my own and learn how to play it. Maybe the section on Ben's book will help me.

Catch you later, neighbor.
Donna T

[stesal]

I would like to find a book with plans or just plans to build an indian flute. I have access to a complete state of the art woodshop, and am anxious to build and learn to play the flute. My name is Steve Culler and my e-mail address is stesal@q.com Thank you

[Kenny_S]

Try our own ChuckT who has been making Native American flutes and learning to play them. I will add his Video of him playing sounded real nice.

[mdallensr]

I saw, and heard, some excellent demonstrations of native-style flutes at the Dayton show. Mike

[Tom Ellis]

Donna, If you would like to buy a great manual on making a flute, go to cherrycows.com. It is a great manual. About $34. You should also get an electronic guitar tuner to get the notes right. About $24. It sounds like you have the holes drilled already, so from this point, it is a matter of tuning them, if they are drilled with the correct spacing. There is a lot to learn, but with some careful craftsmanship, they are a beautiful, and peaceful sideline from carving. I love making mine out of some of the different exotic wood that are available. Also check out woodsounds.com for some beautiful specimens.

Peace, Tom

[whittlinguy]

I would love to see the diagram of Ben Hunt's Love flute. I found a picture on the internet but it was really grainy when I enlarged it.

[mudden]

Donna I have made several Native American style flutes and I enjoy making them. I cut the blanks and route them then use gouges to cut the slow air chamber hole and the true sound hole before the halves are glued together. The walls of the flute are 3/16 inch thick and the key that you want depends on the length of the flute. You can also go to www.ravensongflutes.com for a nice tutorial.