Learn to make a PVC Cherokee 4 Hole Whistle

In this tutorial I show you how to make a simple Native American whistle out of pvc. This type of Native American flute is among the first I ever learned how to make. Check us out at www.bluebearflutes.om

[@MitchellBuchanan]

Hey Charlie, thanks for the tutorial. I'm using it in my class and several of my students are making a flute. Good practice measuring and following instructions for them. I think I finally got the block figured out. See you at the next Native American festival at Moundville.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks Mitchell! Be sure to look for new videos coming soon! We have some really excellent ones plan soon! Also it was great to meet you my friend.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hey Mitchell! I hope that you are doing well. Just thought I'd check in. 🙂

[@rogerdirkx.1679]

Very interesting. A lot of history. It’s wonderful that you’re keeping this tradition alive. Thanks. Roger D.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hey thank you my friend! As always, trying to do more behind the scenes than on the surface! I wish I could do more!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

😄😄😄😄😄

[@rickhenry1833]

Very Cool Video Charlie ! Ronald was hanging around waiting for the mice to come out like in the Pied Piper of Hamlet. LOL . Looking forward to getting involved in making different types of flutes/whistles. All my Best !

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks my friend!

[@YoTambienFuiUnSerHumano]

Greetings from Guayaquil -Ecuador 🇪🇨

[@bobbyjackson6593]

Charlie, love the presentation ,now got to get busy make for grand kids and great grandkids,&greatgrear grandkids I should make it by CHRISTMAS 2021, 9 grand kids,22 great grandkids ,3 great great grandkids, wow see you later,got to get to work . Love your work. B/J

[@davidjeromedawson]

Awesome! This would be a great project for scouts and kids of all ages.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

It very much is! We have actually made these whistles with quite a few Scouts in the past!

[@AdventuresInWetShaving]

Charlie this is a timely video... I was just looking at a nice piece of ABS I have laying around in the garage, thanks for everything you do!👍🙂👍#Heart

[@degenwow]

Always easy to understand from your way of teaching.

[@paullittle813]

I just found your channel after watching an old episode of Northern Exposure. One episode featured an Alaskan making flutes. I searched YT and found you. The PVC you're using is CPVC. I'm a Master plumber so I know. Love your channel and am now subscribed!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

In this video it was cpvc (I like to call it hot water pvc), however the type most of my viewers have a difficult time finding is the Charlotte Pipe irrigation pipe. We used to call it sch 20, but that's not what it's called today. Any suggestions?

[@tmross4]

Ronald is so cute! This Native American Flute is much like an orcuna.

[@l.r.norris6519]

you can use beeswax to hold the plug in. I melt the wax on with a low heat soldering iron. That way you can take it out and clean the bore. Thanks for the video

[@williambiechy1025]

Thank you, I'll have to try making one of these when

[@ronduff4325]

I'm doing this right now . Thanks Charlie . And yes the Cpvc is what your using . And 1/2 inch dowel rod fits perfectly.

[@ronduff4325]

And if you go to Lowe's , the CPVC is on the opposite side of the isle than the regular PVC .

[@jackreeves3001]

I'm really glad I found your channel. Very enjoyable and I can't wait to make the pvc whistle with my grandkids! Thanks for sharing your incredible knowledge.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thank you for watching! We do have several other videos that are very easy for kids to make flutes with. Be sure to check them out!

[@RustyGunn7]

Nice tutorial. Easy to understand, easy to make. Thank you.

[@richwells284]

If you make your cuts on the PVC with a tubing cutter (the type you use for copper pipe) you will like the results on the ends.

[@eduardomiranda7631]

Do you make that.i need knoww.thankiu

[@mentalage5]

Thank you for sharing this video Blue Bear. You are really natural at teaching too :-)

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks my friend! Encouragement is always appreciated!

[@nvdawahyaify]

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. Please allow me to share my knowledge with you. The tonic of the pentatonic scale is the bottom note. The note you refer to as the tonic is the tonic of the equivalent major scale. It is the third in a minor pentatonic scale.

[@vysakhak191]

I tried to make one. The first three notes was coming somewhat ok-ish, the rest was airy and inaudible. Well, it was my first time making a flute so I guess I did fine. Thank you for the tutorial!!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

You bet! Don't give up. There's a good chance that the problem is either the track or length of the flute.

[@dennismatovich8411]

Thank you! 3d printed this today

[@BlueBearFlutes]

It just goes to show that there is no end to flute making! :)

[@paulockwell5854]

Hi Charlie, thanks for all your videos; your knowledge, humor and generosity always shine through! I noticed that your river cane version of the 4 hole whistle has a much thicker wall than pvc. So, what if I were to use a thick wall pvc pipe like 1/2" schedule 80 for this project? Would the smaller bore make for a better whistle than regular pvc, or worse - or no difference? 🤔

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@paulockwell5854 I believe the measurements were a little different on the river Kane version than the PVC version however it probably wouldn't make much difference using schedule 40. I always say try and see! Thank you so very much for your kind words!

[@marciacunningham5877]

This has inspired me to make a descending series of these with adjustable plugs for descending notes. Sand the sides and glue them together for a pan flute. Think it'll work? Michael

[@BlueBearFlutes]

That's interesting, there is actually a flute made just as you described which is used in a modern play today. I'm struggling to remember its name however I have been commissioned to make one of them in the past.

[@marciacunningham5877]

I have a Wind Melody, I believe what you are speaking of, which I can play anything on, even jazz and blues...Girl from Epanema. I have figured out how to bend notes on it. Is it possible to bend on your flute? That's why I am so excited about using your flute technique as a pan flute. Instead of playing vertically, as a common pan flute, I would play it horizontally. I have PVC and a full shop I am going for it! Michael

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@marciacunningham5877 anything is possible! 😁

[@steffenprufer1771]

Thank you so much for those nice tutorials, i was binge watching them recently :) I wonder if you could give us the cm measures for all non- american viewers? That would be awesome. Keep on, I really appreciate your work!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

You bet my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@NMranchhand]

For non-Americans/Brits: 1 inch = 2.54 cm

[@eduardomiranda7631]

I need the measueant do you sound this importante detail

[@chrisjanogro3665]

The tune you played... was it from Star trek the next Generation? Picard played it after his "visit" to a dead world. At least it sounded like it to me. That happenes to be my favorite episode of STTNG. When they sold the prop flute a few years ago I wanted to buy it so bad. That and the Gorn mask from STOS. BTW... This video was great.. I'm gonna try to make my own.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Excellent my friend! That of course is one of my favorite episodes also! The song I play is not from that however it is the same style and may have similar Origins! (last time I was attacked by an alien satellite)

[@slowerpicker]

Are you calling it a whistle rather than a flute because of its small size, comparatively high pitch, or lack of air chamber/air track/block assembly? Thanks, great video and channel.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks for your comment Doug! Those are all basically the reason we call it a whistle. Truthfully all wind instruments are some type of flute however to distinguish the difference between types that's pretty much why we say whistle. :)

[@lisajarvis3820]

😎💗😎💗😎💗😎👍🏽👌🏾👍🏽 Thank You for sharing!

[@Big_Uncle_Randy]

Hey there friend I'm a new subscriber and a fellow mixed Native American I have Choctaw on my mother's side and Cherokee and my fathers my great-great-grandfather was on the Trail of Tears what I want to know is whatever flute you were playing on your intro song and whatever kid is that's the exact flute I want to play I love that tone and I love that key can you help me out with that as far as which one to build or buy thank you good luck on the channel it's very awesome

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Nice to meet you! That one is a western cedar Low D, however our new thermally treated poplar flutes are now my favorite!

[@Big_Uncle_Randy]

@@BlueBearFlutes Thx Brother

[@Big_Uncle_Randy]

@@BlueBearFlutes are the schematics in your flute building book for this low D flute?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@Big_Uncle_Randy you bet! 🙂

[@jorgeoliveira3016]

Chique demais meu mestre artesã profissionais parabéns excelente 👍👍👍👏👏💯💯🎶🎵

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Obrigado!

[@bennyhill3642]

Just made ovc flute. Question it only take a very little bit of air to make it sound off?!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

More or less but I do have countless videos about that. One is called the best track for a Native American flute and the other is the secret to Native American flute making.

[@henrycems]

Cool video. I take it if you used a larger diameter PVC it would make a lower tone? Is it possible to make an Eagle Whistle out of PVC? Ronald did a great job too. LOL

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Yes, a larger diameter will make a lower tone, but keep in mind you will need to place the fingerings further apart. It is possible to make the eagle whistle from pvc also, just use the eagle whistle video instructions and replace the sawgrass with pvc.

[@henrycems]

Thanks.

[@alfonsedente9679]

Ronald needs a bandana!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I'll get on it!

[@alfonsedente9679]

BlueBearFlutes lol seriously... you dont need to get one of those stupid ones sold in a pet shop. All of my cats will gladly wear a human-sized one around their neck.

[@mentalage5]

Ronald is a cool cat huh.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

He is! We call him our ghetto kitty since we found him hiding behind the tire of a parked car in the rain. Doubtful anyone threw him out. More likely he was born to a feral mom-cat. He's a great little friend and we love him!

[@susanbailey36]

My cats like to be helpful too.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Cool! Sometimes when we are in the shop for too long, our cats coming to check on us to make sure we're okay!

[@kenspicer2822]

I find it way too easy to over blow each flute I make. I have a hard time breathing so lightly consistently. What am I doing wrong? Do I need more or less opening to the sound hole? Or, is there some other thing I should try?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

That's a great question Ken! There are a couple of things that can cause the flute to overblow easily. Sometimes a restricted air path, sometimes the size of the sound hole and sometimes the length of the flute. If you can contact me through my website, I will have you send me a picture of it to help me figure out what's going on. Thanks again for watching!

[@christopheboubenec2221]

Merci, monsieur bien que je ne comprennes pas tout, c' est très généreux de votre part/kriss de Nantes en France

[@Ex-fk4nr]

I tried to make a flute but I coulndn`t tune it ,,I can get it to whistle very good and clear without Opening any holes (besides the whistiling hole of course)..Then when I open the first hole I look on the tunner I see that the pitch has raised just a little bit I make the hole bigger and bigger until i get to my desired note but the problem is that now the hole is too big same situation with all other holes than whe I get to the top note the whistling is very breathy and low volume,,,how do you make the flute so that the holes diameter is normal size and the space between fit to my finger size and position and it sound good when playng high notes,,,thank you,

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hey, hang in there! I was going to post links to a number of different videos that I have made in here but would rather just answer your question with this video link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nai5c6OmnZ6Hi9k and suggest that you please check out our hundreds of other videos on flute making! Thanks so much for watching.

[@Ex-fk4nr]

@@BlueBearFlutes thank you...,

[@yahsadventure5742]

I love the orange cat lol what is his name

[@BlueBearFlutes]

It was Ronald but unfortunately we haven't seen him for a while. 😔

[@bobicard2503]

What if I increase the size of the finger holes to the next size up drill bit 7/32? will the notes be lower or will the flute be ruined?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Enlarging the hole makes the note higher in pitch. We have a video about changing the pattern to fit your material which may help out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nai5c6OmnZ6Hi9k

[@bobicard2503]

@@BlueBearFlutes Thanks, I'll check it out.

[@darrenglover2126]

What is the size of the drill bit?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

9:50 :) thanks for watching!

[@darrenglover2126]

@@BlueBearFlutes thanks!

[@Jar0fMay0]

This is great and an awesome video. How would you tune this flute? Make the holes bigger? Or does it have to do with the dowel?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Jar of Mayo everything comes into play. The diameter and length of the tube is the most critical part of changing its tone. Changing the size of the holes will change the sound of their notes, but not with all holes covered. I do have a couple of other videos about tuning. Feel free to check them out. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@Jar0fMay0]

BlueBearFlutes thanks for replying. I'm new to your channel so I didn't know about your other videos or your website.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Jar of Mayo great! Glad you found us!

[@darleneschultz3703]

Why would it not make a sound? I followed the instructions to the letter and still have no sound

[@mentalage5]

I feel your pain Darlin - its bloody annoying when you spend time making something and it doesn't work :-)

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hey Darlene! Usually its because of the alignment between the plug and the sound hole. Don't give up! Sometimes it takes a little experimentation in order to get it. You are always welcome to email some pictures of your whistle to us so I can help figure out what is going on. First contact me through the contact form on my website bluebearflutes.com, and once I reply you can attach pictures to the message. I will need a picture of the inside of the plug area also.

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

Link to your fingering sheet please

[@BlueBearFlutes]

bluebearflutes.com/info

[@lisajarvis3820]

Textured surface

[@eduardomiranda7631]

Can givme the mesaurent please

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@ 06:00

[@christianchan8642]

Is the first hole 3 inches from the top or from the sound hole???

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Please check out 6:00 and let me know if it helps. 🙂

[@christianchan8642]

Oh okay thanks 😊

[@christianchan8642]

So 3 inches from the top

[@thedindon]

I’m still wondering if it’s from the top or from the sound hole 😢

[@markisradcliffe1602]

I’m Cherokee, what tribe do you belong to?? (Markis is not my name haha)

[@andresaguilarcolque5967]

Traducir castellano.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Tal vez en el futuro hablaré solo en español o en alemán para un video