How To Get The Best Sound From Your Native American Flute

[@idontlikeit.7822]

I bought my first couple of flutes, but quickly realized the only way I would be able to afford this greatest of new passions would be to learn to make my own flutes using bamboo. A learning experience that truly enriches the fluting life

[@kristopherdetar4346]

Finally, someone that can talk about what needs to be said about the Native flute! Thank you.

[@davidmurphy6884]

Hi Chris. Pleased to be your 2nd subscriber. I have binge watched all your videos and visited your website. I am thoroughly impressed by what I've seen. You seem to have a natural penchant for teaching, presenting your subjects in an approachable, easily accessible manner. Your flutes are impressive as well. I have played the NAF since 1979, and have made them since 1983. I Have one insight into a flute wetting out, regardless if the track is in the body of the flute, if it's in the block, or if the flute uses a spacer plate. Obviously, the body of the flute heats up with the introduction of warm, humid air from the player, and through sustained contact of the fingers. The block, on the other hand, acts like a "heat sink" does on a computer, as the action of the compressed air below it lowers it's ambient temperature. This causes the warm air to rapidly cool, and the resultant condensation accumulates in the airway. I have verified this over the years using multiple flutes and a laser thermometer. And also have experimented with using "Jerusalem stone" as an absorbing layer under the block (it's the same material that Southwest motif stone drink coasters are made from). Even with such precautions, your solid advice on the blowing clear, removing the block, or even a quick shake remain the best option. Anyway, long winded orations aside, I like what you do, and look forward to what the future holds for your channel and brand. 😉

[@desertsunflutes5138]

Hi David - thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed the videos. Thank you as well for your suggestions about wet out prevention. That's excellent insight and I will definitely look into it those ideas. Thanks again and it's nice to hear from long time players like yourself. : )

[@LHostMedia]

New subscriber from India 👌👌👌

[@margaritakleinman5701]

India has wonderful flutes too! I have 2 bansuris. Such a beautiful instrument!

[@robertcornelius3514]

India? Are you a phone scammer?

[@PotatoGunCamper]

Is there a modern way to make the block easier to adjust and remove? Perhaps a ligature system like how clarinets/saxophones have to keep the reed connected to the mouthpiece. The more advanced ligatures are leather with a single nut vs the more newbie twin screw metal type.

[@BarryGrueter]

Hello, nice review on Native American Style Flutes and how they work. I’m relatively new to playing them and always looking for advice. Thanks so much for sharing 🙏

[@นริศราสรรเสริญวงศ์]

Hello, I’m trying to play recorder now but I really like the sounds of Native American flute. Where can I buy and which one is good for beginner. Thank you so much

[@Kalimbasound]

Thanks for sharing this, useful!

[@Danielscottschiffer]

Does a bigger block produce a bigger sound ?

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

Flute care. Superb video in that, your camera shy folks like me wish we could overcome! I'm fine on stage, in front of hundreds, but that camera makes my guts quiver. Great video, not a hint of stuttering, and ahh, umm, none of the common junk-talk; let's not exclude; like! So, like thanks for like a cool lesson on the like flute, like?

[@ajlacostewm]

That block is called a bird . The shape of the bird can be anything as long as the base of the bird has the right flow of air, to achieve that is the key and there's no science to it because all the flutes made have their own unique sound.