Long Ago, Deep Within: High Spirits Laminated Birch "Contrabass" F

(2008-9-7) Look out - it's the low, low laminated birch & black walnut F# contrabass flute from High Spirits filling the tunnel space with its deep, mellow, and resonant sounds. Since so many have asked, you can buy the latest version of this flute here: highspirits.com... (See the flute's dimensions below.) This is the first of two slow improvisations I did today. Hope it does something good for you!
This tune is now called "Long Ago, Deep Within." It's included on my new CD, "Under Watchful Skies." Find it here:
My website: nativeflutes.wi...
High Spirits F# Contrabass Flute:
highspirits.com...
The flute itself is made of laminated birch, and the mouthpiece, block, and decorative foot end ring are black walnut. Here are the dimensions:
Length: 36" exactly
Inner bore diameter: 2"
Mouthpiece to back of SAC exit hole: 5-1/8"
Mouthpiece to splitting edge: 6-3/4"
SAC exit hole dimensions: 5/8" square
Mouthpiece to wall (back of TSH): 6-9/16"
TSH: 5/16" front-to-back, 11/16" side-to-side
Hole diameters, top to bottom (north to south):
#1: 9/16"
#2: 9/16"
#3: 7/16"
#4: 7/16"
#5: 3/8"
#6: 5/16"
Hole spacing from wall (back of TSH) to center of each hole:
#1: 8-13/16"
#2: 10-11/32"
#3: 11-25/32"
#4: 13-11/16"
#5: 15-3/16"
#6: 16-5/8"
Mouthpiece hole diameter: 9/16"

[@RedEyedDragoon]

I dont know why, but the sound of that flute its so beautiful that it made me cry

[@Deluca-Piano]

The bugs, birds and wilderness white noise in the background are perfect for the music. So relaxing, makes me feel at peace.🕊️

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you so much! I can't deny that those sounds really influenced what was played. It was and still is, as you say, so relaxing and peaceful. Blessings ~ Bruce

[@stonewolftreehawk]

Putting a comment on here just to say I've been listening to this since you first put this up. I was deeply mesmerized by the tone of this flute and your playing. This is the video that got me into Native American style flutes. I'm an avid player now and have recorded professionally. I just wanted to say thanks to you for inspiring me. The flute has become a deep passion of mine. I acquired one of these contrabass flutes from high spirits a few years back, and it's just one of those special flutes that sparks the curiosity in others and speaks right to the soul.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Oh my! Matthew, your comment takes my breath away... Wow. How do I properly respond to this? All I can say besides the obvious "You're welcome!" is that I am completely humbled and deeply honored by your words. The main reason why I started making and posting these videos in the first place was that I just wanted to share the discovery of endless joy and serenity that comes from playing these simple but beautiful flutes. It's SO rewarding to know that you decided to take up this instrument and have found what I and countless others have also found. Good on you for getting this particular flute. I guess it's the more ergonomic Spanish cedar version, which I'd like to have someday. Yes, these flutes do indeed speak to the soul, but today you have spoken to my soul directly through your heartfelt words. Many blessings to you & your family ~ Allen Bruce Ray

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks again, Michael, for your sincere comments. Lots of people seem to like this one a lot. The tunnel ambiance and the insects also add quite a lot to the whole picture.

[@reybarreto7979]

A warm and soulful sound that I wish never comes to an end.

[@taragolliher8450]

i could listen to this forever...

[@AllenBruceRay]

I'll take that as a compliment... and a grand compliment, at that! Thank you.

[@mskherynn]

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! that sound is beyond beautiful!!!

[@TheJakefolger]

Looping this while I work on my water reflection art. It all goes so well together. Inspiring. Thank you, Bruce.

[@tallenbruh1021]

I can hear great spirit flowing through you brother never stop playing never stop spreading that sound of peace and love

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's a beautiful thing to say, Thaddaeus. I'm grateful for your comment! I promise not to stop playing and spreading that sound. Peace & Love to you! ~ Bruce

[@DoctorInstrument]

I don't know why people are voting you down, It was a good question. Maybe haters just want a reason to complain.

[@HellYes000]

it's like elven music in the woods and trees ... and it's like singing

[@AllenBruceRay]

Yours is a fascinating comment, to be sure... thanks a lot!

[@BarryGrueter]

Very nice, love the low voice of this beautiful flute. Very cool melody thanks for sharing 🙏

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you once again, Barry. Your comment made my day!

[@BarryGrueter]

@@AllenBruceRay your very welcome 🙏

[@bangersfuzzy]

Ich liebe Indianische Musik. Diese Unterführung halt so schön nach der Weite der Prärie.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you! (and the prairie here is in Korea!)

[@pappawheely]

for world peace and love......................and life thank you

[@AllenBruceRay]

For your gracious comment........... thank you! Peace ~ Bruce

[@alexwilliams705]

excellent!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Why thank you, Alex! I'm glad you found it enjoyable.

[@DJAvOne]

wow, amazing sound

[@AllenBruceRay]

What a lovely comment! Thanks for sharing it. Peace and joy right back at you! ~ Bruce

[@OlkiOhra]

Soul musik...wonderful!!!

[@terrytwobears5945]

allen i have you play many of times and as a flute player my self your awsome to hear the bass it grat to hear

[@AllenBruceRay]

Terry TwoBears, you honor me with your words ~ thank you so, so much!

[@terrytwobears5945]

Your very welcome just speaking the truth

[@cream8]

beautiful

[@SmallDays1]

Unbelievable sounds coming into my room - it's like I'm standing right next to you. Nice one and Best Wishes, Dave

[@SmallDays1]

philsskills Good to share, Sleep tight, Dave

[@ronduff4325]

I want one !

[@djhogan65]

Stunningly beautiful. Haunting and soulful. I am definately going to get one of these flutes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful hobby with us.

[@mircea3006]

such a profound sound! thank you

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you for your comment. I'm profoundly flattered!

[@Xguy890]

i like thee sound of the flute and thee sound from thee background to...it makes me Relaxed & My Chi Power Is Calm Energy Now

[@helo6691]

Thank you , this sound is very, very good!

[@AllenBruceRay]

You're most welcome. And thank YOU for listening & commenting!

[@EDBO23]

Captivating!

[@AllenBruceRay]

I've been playing since March 1, 2007. I've played in front of people at the local meditaiton center on a few occasions. I've got an upcoming "performance" in front of students at our university. I also use the flute in my English Writing class: I bring in almost my whole collection, and the students get lots of info as well as some 'hands-on' experience. Most have never heard of the NA flute, but they all LOVE the sound. I have them write a paper "Why Play the NA Flute?" I'm spreading the love!

[@xgi36]

Wonderful !! Thank you

[@lazzzy]

This huge flute reminds me of a book I read for an Anthropology class called The Forest People by Colin Turnbull and the had a dance with something that conjures the image of this flute called the molimo. You should read it, great book.

[@TheJakefolger]

Its like the song of whales - so beautiful, Bruce.

[@AllenBruceRay]

@sweetytwouity: Thanks! This tune is on my upcoming CD. I found the flute while perusing the High Spirits site. This particular laminated flute is no longer made, but its successor of solid Spanish cedar is a better design (and almost $100 more). I'm quite happy with the one I have, though.

[@acidangelster]

Beauuutiful sir...beautiful.....I m all over your channel.

[@AllenBruceRay]

I really do appreciate your comment, and I'm pleased that you've made a connection with these flutes. They are indeed beautiful. We should all thank the Native Americans for bringing us this gift.

[@og_wilbur8053]

Allen Bruce Ray, yes they are wonderful to play, my wife is native American and I had to teach myself without help, there beliefs and she believes that mother nature gives everything to us so thank mother nature for giving us such a wonder, peaceful instrument. your playing is wonderful and calms me down. thanks for playing so peacefully!

[@AllenBruceRay]

oliver wilbur Thanks much for your lovely comments! This particular flute is indeed a very calming instrument despite its size. I need to take it outdoors and play it some more in the tunnel...

[@maijashelley9318]

I love this sound. Heavenly. Thank you

[@AllenBruceRay]

And thank you for taking the time to voice your feelings. It makes me VERY happy! I don't play this flute so much anymore due to its size and lack of suitable place to play it, but when I do, it's always a heavenly experience. Peace ~ Bruce

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks! Do a KZbin search for this one: F# Contrabass - More Native American-style Flute. I recorded that one in my apartment.

[@acepperson]

ok point taken....well done sir

[@Deluca-Piano]

That tunnel has really nice reverb.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Yes, it does! Unfortunately, I cannot use it anymore since a golf practice range was built a number of years ago just on the other side of it, so there is continuous traffic through there from very early in the morning until around 11 p.m.

[@junetynf]

Wow! This is pure frickin awesome.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Ha! Thank YOU for your frickin awesome comment ~ it's much appreciated!

[@carnright]

I love this flute! I just finished purchasing one from High Spirits!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks again for the nice comment... and I will never stop playing in these sorts of places. It's completely addicting, let me tall you!. Peace ~ Bruce

[@bannanapancake]

wow, you got a perfect mix of the flute, and the birds and things out side.....love it!!

[@flexxramos5019]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@jessicaschmidt2615]

Haunting! I love it!

[@carnright]

Beautiful, thank you :-)

[@annabenton6132]

This is so beautiful!! It's so relaxing

[@1BlueStarRising]

" WOW " Moving. Love it, Well Done Allen !

[@euphoniumlife5436]

I cried this is so awesome 😭

[@kristopherdetar4346]

Really just pisses me off they don’t make that flute anymore. Fantastic tone and lung power. Really enjoy your music.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks for the compliment! Lung power isn't all that necessary with this flute as long as you plan your notes. Also, I think High Spirits would make one of these for you if you asked them.

[@sandrahaley8142]

Thanks Allen, the bird is glued down. Moisture is part of the problem. The flute maker is having me send it back to him, he wznts happy customers, and a good product. He said it may just need tweaking, he will seal it, or send.me anothr love flute. Merry Christmas

[@hudzGee]

That was very beautiful. Thank you very much.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Much appreciated! I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed it.

[@danielangelrubio226]

Its magic

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Peace ~ Bruce

[@suelovan]

I also have a contra bass F# (side blown), and I have to tell you that your improvs are absolutely fabulous. Keep improvising and keep posting. Also, keep playing in the tunnel. Here in the states we play in the park bathrooms, and it sounds really great, but there are limitations! sue LOPING WOLF

[@AllenBruceRay]

A while back, I had a PVC flute in the key of G that I bought over the internet but ended up giving to someone. It played well & sounded surprisingly good.

[@bloozer666]

Sounds incredible!!!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks! I like it a lot, too. If the weather permits, I'll definitely make a few more videos with this flute.

[@arkoganguly9255]

This sounds so mesmerizing. Love the ambiance in the background! And you did a wonderful job Allen! Absolute bliss.

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's so nice of you to say! I'm truly glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@arkoganguly9255]

@@AllenBruceRay Make some more videos inside that tunnel bud! The ambiance coupled with your tune, and the tone of the flute. Euphoric man!

[@AllenBruceRay]

@@arkoganguly9255 I appreciate your comment. That tunnel is now the main entrance to a golf practice center that was built 5 or 6 years ago, so it went from a quiet spot to play these flutes to a place where there is constant traffic all day long until around 11:00pm.

[@arkoganguly9255]

@@AllenBruceRay Damn man! Urbanization is a curse it seems.

[@TheStickCollector]

Interesting to see this model

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks! High Spirits no longer makes them like this. The new version is made from 100% Spanish cedar and is a much better flute, I think.

[@MarkMaysey]

That sounds awesome Allen. I live near an old train bridge where I think I can get the same sort of echo and haunting sound, I just need to build me one of these next, or maybe more. Thanks for sharing with us!!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank YOU, Mark, for the glowing comment! By all means you should try playing flute under that bridge. The sound will mesmerize you while you play... and that, my friend, is what it's all about!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Look to the right of these comments where it says 'more info.' You'll find the address for High Spirits flutes. Scroll down the left sidebar until you find 'Contrabass Flutes'. This particular model, which is made of laminated birch with a walnut mouthpiece, block, and end cap, is no longer produced. However, its successor is an all-around better flute made of Spanish cedar.

[@artworld9799]

Always love your superb performance💕💕💕💕 💯💯💯and already I'm here!🔔👈🏼🌹💚🎉🖐🏼🙏💙💙💙🌹🌹🌹

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you for your kindness!

[@KOPOMUMBA]

great stuff mate!

[@SokratisVotskos]

very soulfull sound,remind me of voice frequencies' identity....i'd love to have one!

[@HokuSeaglassHawaii]

Thank you Brother.

[@AllenBruceRay]

You're most welcome!

[@AllenBruceRay]

@wiidude5532: Go to the High Spirits site (URL is under the video) and look at their contrabasses. The new version of the F# is a much better design than the one I play in the video, and it probably has a better sound overall. I checked out the low A when visiting the High Spirits booth at an arts & crafts festival in Colorado, and I was impressed! Spanish cedar, though very plain to look at, is nonetheless quite a responsive wood for NA flutes.

[@dnoyau]

The space between the holes seems to make it hard to play, but I really like your playing. This is simply beautiful.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Actually, I DON'T often carry it around with me, but when I do take it outside, it goes in my large backpack (I can't close the top of it, though). The finger stretch is pretty reasonable considering its length. More critical is the external bore diameter - hard to hold for a long time. Actually, my Laughing Crow low B flute has the tougest hole spacing. That said,hands do adjust over time, so now I find it easier to play than I did originally although it's still challenging.

[@LordQueezle]

oh I want a flute like that!!

[@Royalmerc]

Great stuff ! :)

[@walterpalmer2749]

After reviewing some of the other instruments, I'm drawn more to this one.

[@AllenBruceRay]

+Walter Palmer It's a low, mellow sound that will get drowned out by other sounds if played outdoors, but I can totally understand why you'd be drawn to such a flute. Producing sounds on any NAF is really easy, but you need long arms and large hands to manage this one.

[@AllenBruceRay]

+N LM Yes, that too!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks for the wonderful comment! I'll always do improvs in tunnels, but I have to wait until the weather is a little warmer. Right now, it's -20 degrees celcius!

[@jonasdubaere59]

awesome!

[@AllenBruceRay]

@DesertSmeagle It's a Native American-style flute, thogh this one is a bit non-standard, to say the least! Most commonly, they're much smaller and play pitches that occupy mid-range keys of F#, G, and A. They're actually not difficult to play at all, though this particular giant can be something of a bear to get your hands around. I encourage you to look around for one that suits you. I don't recommend starting with one of these behemoths, though! Baby steps....

[@TheJakefolger]

I love the deep of it.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks, Jake ~ Appreciate the comment!

[@ronduff4325]

I want one badly !

[@AllenBruceRay]

I don't think High Spirits makes a "contrabass" F# minor flute these days, but if you write or call them, I have no doubt they would build you one. You might also check on eBay.

[@AllenBruceRay]

You're right -it would and does sound very cool. In fact, I often DO use grace notes & embellishments, just not in this video. These low flutes need space for their notes to fully resonate & then dissolve, so keeping it simple and mostly rooted in the minor pentatonic scale is more effective for the typew of mood I'm after here. At any rate, thanks much for the comment!

[@prairiepath]

the Bass Flutes are Awesome! I have one just like that made by the same maker. Mine is in the key of Low G

[@AllenBruceRay]

That's a very good question! Perhaps it is a little of both but ultimately not for me to know...

[@AllenBruceRay]

@MrChinesespecial : The decidedly large size of the flute (36" long x 2" inside diameter) doesn't render it "fake". There are even larger contrabass Native American-style flutes than this .(See Russ Venable's site - he makes a contrabass D drone!) Of course, contrabass flutes such as this are modern creations that the Native Americans didn't have. check out the link for the flute under the video (High Spirits) Look for contrabass flutes in the left-hand column.

[@ArtForThePeople]

This is stunning. I found it under the "Reccommended for you" section. Beautiful sound. I love the flute. Currently Im looking for a deep bass Dizi. But this is a stunner. Well done.

[@climaxfoto]

Thanks!

[@funkybass127]

Love you're channel, this will be my next high spirits flute to go along with my F# Golden eagle! This is truly relaxing. Would love to see more of this contrabass music!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you! Understand that if you want one of these flutes, you'll need to have large hands and long arms to play it. Also, if you search my channel, you'll see that there are quite a few more videos with this flute, so browse and enjoy!

[@Uvisir]

just wow

[@MickeyCuervo36]

I've made a PVC version of Scott August's 6 hole Mojave flute. Same tradition as the Anasazi ones, but different tuning

[@AllenBruceRay]

@hipepleful Yes, it is. In fact, it is much, much bigger.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks a lot for the lovely comment! It isn't especially hard to play, but it can be hard to hold for a long time. Actually, I held it out and away from my body in this video just so people could see the whole flute as I was playing it. Normally, I wouldn;t do that, and it is very hard to keep it in that position for a long time. As for these contrabass Native American flutes, anyone with fairly large hands can play them relatively easily.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Hi! There is no amplification or externel micing going on here. It's just flute, my 48-year-old lungs, the hard concrete tunnel walls, and the tiny built-in mic on my Canon PowerShot A650 IS camera all interacting. Yes, the volume is quite decent though probably not quite as grand as it may seem from these videos. The flute is laminated from birch with black walnut for the mouthpiece. As far as I'm able to detect, the wall thickness appears to be around 1/8". Thanks much for the nice comments!

[@AllenBruceRay]

@coyotecrow4 Yes on all counts. It's 36" long, & the outside diameter is over 2", so even though I have fairly large hands, they start to cramp up after 5 minutes. To deal with the bigger air requirement, simply plan the phrases a few seconds in advance so that you can breathe more frequently. These flutes are not meant to be played fast. The point is to allow each note its own space to sound long & clear. That's the best way to capture the overall sonority that they provide.

[@AllenBruceRay]

@blackcatspirit13: Thank you kindly for the wonderful comment! Yes, it does require a lot of air, but the key is to think about each phrase to allow yourself ample opportunity to take breaths.This tune is on my upcoming CD, btw. It's got an F# drone and a higher octave F# flute mixed with it in a few places. Thanks again for listening & commenting! Peace ~ Bruce

[@AllenBruceRay]

@a0e0roberts: I appreciate your comments - so glad you found it engaging! Unadorned works best in some cases, and this was obviously one of those. In fact, I've included this track on my upcoming CD, and it does in fact include percussion in the form of frame drums & rattles. Oh and btw, this was done late in the morning or early in the afternoon, so I didn;t need to get up so early (and you'd have to rise EXTREMELY early in Korea to avoid any traffic noises... I just got lucky here.)

[@DoctorInstrument]

Sorry, I was about to post a video of it but my flute's fipple cured further when I took it to the bay area, but I did post a video response with one of my other flutes

[@AllenBruceRay]

@davidkozelsky That's an idea, though I've found making such things a bit more tedious than I have patience for! However, if there were enough demand, I could probably be persuaded provided someone else is willing to do the transcriptions... CD is finished and undergoing the Discmakers treatment, so it should be out in mid-August, if not before.

[@pablourrasoriano9374]

nice men!!!

[@AllenBruceRay]

+Juan Urra Soriano Much appreciated, Juan!

[@jochanaan58]

Just found this! Very fine playing! I have a Native flute made by Kay Wallace, and it's beautiful to play. Sometimes I like that it's so much softer than my silver flute, which can be rather overwhelming if I'm not careful!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you John! You're so right in that these low, low Native American-style flutes have a soft sound. That and their deep resonance are what attract people to them. Lots of love for the silver flute too, though!

[@cesarlunainti7498]

muy buena.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thank you César!

[@MickeyCuervo36]

I guess... I've played for around a decade myself, but have never had the chance to play a contrabass. If I had the money, I'd buy myself one. As it stands, I've just got four of em. And 20-odd other flutes from different cultures, most of which I made myself from either bamboo or CPVC.

[@Utlrapilot123]

One day you should try some grace notes or embellishments like on bagpipes. That would sound pretty cool!

[@AllenBruceRay]

@ltuomela It is indeed an F# but pitched one octave below the one you have, which would be classed as a midrange flute. Look in the sidebar for the video "F# Contrabass - More Native American Flute" to hear the sound in a small room setting. Personally, I much prefer the tunnel, but that's just me. YMMD. Btw, I love a lot of the music you have featured on your site. I started on guitar way back in 1975 playing mostly rock, & you can still hear "riffs" in my flute playing, LOL!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Thanks for the nice comment! I ordered this and all of my other flutes online. Look to the right of the video and click on "more info". You'll see the web address for High Spirits flutes. Click on that, and then scroll down to contrabass flutes. The flute I play in this video is no longer being made, but a newer, better version is. It costs $445.00not including shipping. A bit pricey, but it's worth it! Peace ~ Bruce

[@EduardRitok]

thank you for the detailed informations about dimensions and hole spacing! I make bamboo native american flutes for some time now ... I made some mid , some low and some high tone ones..but everytime I used one type of finger spacing (i make 5 hole flutes only) ..low tone ones have quite wide spacing ..and it's quite hard to reach the finger holes on the low tone flutes I make....so I was looking for some dimensions of low tone flute. where holes are closer to each other ...this is a great sample for my project! thank you!

[@AllenBruceRay]

The newest version of this flute, which I don't have, is made so that it is easier to play for medium-sized hands. I think Odell Borg has improved his designs significantly over the years - not that they weren't good already! Happy flute making!

[@AllenBruceRay]

Well, I don't really know how this would translate to PVC, sound-wise. The inner bore diameter of this one is 2". (See the dimensions under "Show more.") A 3" bore might be a bit hard to hold in any sort of comfortable way unless you were to design a mouthpiece that allowed you to hold the flute flush against your body, i.e. like High Spirit's updated version of this same flute.

[@AllenBruceRay]

Yes, that's a High Spirits flute. This one is the older design; the newer design is better - easier to hold & made of Spanish cedar. It's about $350.00