Making a Cherokee 4 hole whistle without power tools or fire

Learn how to make our Cherokee 4-hole whistle with only a single file. Visit our website www.bluebearflutes.com

[@UnacknowledgedUnknown]

This video on how to make a 4 hole flute was partly responsiible for starting me on my flute playing journey. Now I have so many flutes...I would of never thought it would of become a passion. Thank You Charley. IL Sas aka Don. And yes CiTonga loves hearing the flute. What started as an experiment on my part, turned into a love of the flutes varied voices. And the lost tribe loves drums and flutes.

[@roosterkliewer18]

You can do anything you really want to.... You get more out of something when you put more in... Knife thumb trick... Great wisdom sir. Thanks!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

🙏🏼🙂🙏🏼

[@tylersowder1779]

Thank you for showing us this how to, I know it was difficult for you to share what your grandfather taught you. You are bring centuries of joy to the modern world.:-)

[@utubegeneric]

I enjoy watching your videos. You are truly the Bob Ross of Indian flute making. Keep making happy little tree's sir. Thank you.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

It is a great honor my friend. Thank you!

[@darrenhoffman6658]

Thanks enjoyed it I make custom bows arrows from River cane deer horn whistles never made a flute I think you have inspired me to do so I love learning about my history I am Cherokee my family and I are going to school together to learn Cherokee and for it to be our secondary language in our house people need more people like you yourself sharing things that's how we all learn from each other thank you again.wa do . That means thank you in Cherokee

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thank you very much my friend! I appreciate your kind words.

[@roosterkliewer18]

Loving my googol flute and the drone kit is beautiful also! Thank you! Ive started making bamboo flutes now Thanks for the lessons and inspiration!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

You're very welcome my friend! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it!

[@SisterRachel70]

Perfect demo for me as a complete beginner with next to no tools. Encouraging and I can't wait to make my first successful flute with some Elder wood I had to cut back in my garden. Thanks and respect

[@thebeachfishing]

Just what my daughter and I were looking for! Thx for the great video

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Glad to know I could help ;)

[@joelb2297]

We enjoy your video how-to, -you make this all seem do-able. Much gratitude!

[@williamadams8674]

thanks again, i truly enjoy your videos, Will

[@maayanburroughs5424]

Thank you sooooooo much for all your videos!!!! I live in France at the moment. I have a F# native flute which I love to play while I'm hiking. Now I want to learn to make some just for the fun, not to sale them but it's something that is part of me for always since I'm a child. I feel like I do exist. I always wanted to learn to make them. You made the most happy person in the world. Thank you sooooo much !

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+Maayan Burroughs You're welcome and Happy Flute Making!

[@angellara-dixon4722]

Hi again thanks for the tip and I just finished making one out of bamboo Thanks!!!

[@CathyJohnson]

I enjoyed watching this, a lot! (I bought my Little People flute recently and love it--and of course now I really want to try it on my own...)

[@walterdebnam6591]

Thank u very much , I did it, it's my first 1, for a year I've been try this, the key is the mouth peace very touchy. again thank u.

[@chris1309013600]

Nice vidéo and very well explain with simplicity. Thanks from France ❤ Tomorrow I do one for my kid.

[@dulcimoredan]

Fun video Charlie, looking forward to the book!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Been getting pages together. Hope to have it ready soon.

[@sondratodd1175]

thank you for this one i think i can make this little flute ..like you said it was your first before the many ..always small beginnings they say .. i make the little one then go bigger as time goes ..thx again

[@WillELewis]

We really enjoy your videos. Thanks so much. i hope one day to gain the skill to make it look so easy.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+Will E. Lewis Thanks! With a little practice you can do it!

[@streetglidegirl8879]

Your videos are so interesting. I wanna be a flute maker. Thank You so much.

[@pyrocoyotenw6763]

the scenes with the rain reminds me of my attempts to work out side it never fails in western washington if you plan ahead to work out side its gonna rain during that planned time lol

[@BlueBearFlutes]

:D

[@Pef273]

Thanks for sharing the video! I was thinking, while watching, bet you also get comments from your wife about the sawdust in the car 😄

[@BlueBearFlutes]

In the car, on the bed, in the sink... but she's usually covered in sawdust, too! (it's not just me 😉)

[@yokomzare201]

Thank You for this information. Going to make 4 for my grand children.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Excellent my friend!

[@shawngallagher1031]

Your an excellent craftsman thanks for teaching this

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks Shawn!

[@michaeljchavez7236]

Best DIY Ever! bro

[@chrismiksworld]

That is so cooooool Can't wait to try

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Yes Angel LD, bamboo is perfect for this project. Thanks for watching!

[@danielm1744]

So glad i found your chanel

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Me too!

[@Jesse195592]

Thank you for sharing

[@greywolfember5296]

Thank you so much!!! This is such a cool project, and I am definitely going to try this with this piece of hollow branch I had lying around. seriously.

[@greywolfember5296]

Also, could you maybe post the measurements in the information box, so I don't have to go back to it? (I am, but for other people maybe?) Thank you! I subbed!

[@greywolfember5296]

Haha I had to hollow out a piece of wood

[@greywolfember5296]

2:32 measurements start

[@greywolfember5296]

17:24

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Great! Thanks for subscribing.

[@TheToneBender]

Used to have a teacher who made simple (without holes) flutes from a weed that grows all over the place on a school trip once

[@southernexposure123]

Cool video. Ya gotta love making flutes to make them in your car while waiting for your daughter to get out of guitar lessons. PEX water pipe is about the right diameter for the 4 hole flutes, but the material is a challenge to get smooth and clean holes.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I show how here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKOXaayKjddnsLc

[@RussellsWoodShed]

Ima make some. That's for sharing your art

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+Russell'sWoodShed You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@charlesknight3204]

Great build; beautiful sound; better video!!! Enjoyed immensely!!! Chuck Knight from Buffalo, Texas. 🤠

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks Chuck!

[@charlesknight3204]

Just want you to know that when my financial situation improves, I will be buying several flutes from you. FYI: do you take credit cards over the phone for payment? God bless!!! Chuck. 🤠

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@charlesknight3204 we do accept cc over the phone and of course on our website as well. 🙂

[@charlesknight3204]

Thanks, Charlie!!! An order will follow in the next eight weeks. God bless!!! Chuck Knight. 🤠

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@charlesknight3204 in the meantime, we have lots of other videos to watch!

[@davidblack4379]

Great craft ideas for Boy Scouts.

[@RustyGunn7]

Cool. Thanks.

[@standardannonymousguy]

Hi, this video is great and very informative as well, I am curious though about the embouchure (that is the mouth or lip's posture) that is required for this style of flute. Each flute style is different.

[@angellara-dixon4722]

So bamboo will work ? Any way this video is awesome and inspiring thank you!!

[@Z3R0810]

I too am using bamboo from a old cane fishing pole

[@BigMikeD10001]

cool

[@jessicadragonrider3838]

Where would you recommend getting sawgrass and bamboo type materials for these projects? And how sharp do you keep your pocket knife? I don't think mines cut out for this type of work lol. I have a Kershaw Oso Sweet.

[@tkgcreations3247]

I have been working on one for a few days with no luck on a sound. but do enjoy the vids thanks

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Once you get the hang of it it gets easy. Keep trying and thanks for watching!

[@tkgcreations3247]

I got it to make a sound now to tune it

[@dugong3216]

how did you get it to make sound?

[@kiboyongselatan3165]

Sangat menakjubkan. Pohon apakah yg digunskan

[@ramblinevilmushroom]

You are the wind instrument Bob Ross.

[@skipmackenna7057]

Hi Charlie, In your videos you mention the volume of air, air flow, air pressure, the holes changing that pressure creating a note, and that there is math behind that. I assume that is taught somewhere, I studied fluid flow and volumes on piping systems in the Navy (many moons ago, too many) is that similar to what you are saying? Is there some set of equations for taking a piece of viable stock bamboo (to keep it simple) that will tell me how long, where to put the knife edge, where to put the holes, and how big to make the holes? Or should I keep it simple and do what you do making templates out of the successes that I do get (by using the measures you have given)? I am keeping a bucket of failed flutes now, each having taught me a lesson. This is turning out to be a great craft for me, as I have more bamboo than I can use, this craft teaches patience, it teaches deeper spiritual lessons of 'oneness', and the music can be hauntingly beautiful especially when played in a forest. I am going to get one of your reverb attachments, and I now have 3 excellent books full of music to play. I gave my first successful flute to my Mother-In-Law, who is dying of cancer. We had so much fun, it cheered her up, she got into it, and the whole family (her 5 siblings, 5 daughters, their kids, ) all enjoyed seeing her happy. It is a moment in time that I will be proud to have given them. I practice Reiki healing, and consider the power of the flute to be yet another path to understand the universe, our great father, and human compassion. Sorry I am going on, but you have inspired me. I was having trouble sleeping tonight, I know something was not done, and that was expressing my thanks to you for these videos, and the fact that you took the time to respond to me with several important tips - Thanks for the videos, the time, and the tips, you are making a difference in the world.

[@YorkshirePiper]

Going to try with phragmites

[@BlueBearFlutes]

It will work also! You just have to take the core out of the middle of the phragmites. :)

[@angrybeaverhdx6297]

Ive bee reying to make flutes out of bamboo for a month now and cant make any noise plz help

[@user-kd8zh2li9d]

Do you have these and the little people flute in your book?

[@RealDill69]

❤

[@i72locomotive]

Been watching all your vids and they are great. I am about to start my journey. I was wondering if you could tell me exactly what leather lace you purchase? Thank you.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks and good luck!! Just don't give up. I'm about to do a video on that. We actually don't buy leather lace anymore. I haven't bought any in about 10 years now. We make it all from scratch! You'll be astounded!

[@i72locomotive]

@@BlueBearFlutes Oh Awesome can't wait to see that. Ive been growing bamboo for some years now so ready to get started. Keep up the content.

[@FUBAR956]

I keep tearing the reed with the awl on my Swiss Arrmy knife. Back to the drawing board.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Nathan Garza Don't give up. Take it nice and slow. I know you'll get it!

[@joedimagio3359]

Ok so I managed to make four great flutes but they seem to be out of tune and I don't know how to fix it.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hi Joe, if you could email me using the webhosting user form on my website I would be glad to help you figure it out. Once I receive your message you will then be able to send some pictures of the flutes.

[@danagrauke5761]

Which direction does the ramp go? I'm guessing that it goes up hill. You said that you used a piece with a 5/16 hole but the video looked a lot like 3/8?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hi Dana, the concept of which direction could be uphill is relative. It would probably be best described as the ramp comes from the inside of the sound hole and goes outward as you should be able to see in the video. This piece was definitely 5/16 inside diameter. In the workshop, we use every size before between & beyond 5/16 and 3/8 and they all turn out great just the same.

[@Z3R0810]

My grandfather was Cherokee Indian but I never really got to know him now my stepson has to make an instrument for class and I'm trying so hard to make this and I'm having trouble to get the sound that you get

[@Crig-qm4mx]

Z3R0 * v

[@skipmackenna7057]

Hi Charlie, Is your car full of saw dust? Lol Nice video. I made a few of these that I have not been able to get to work, but his video gives me hope. The 5 hole with air supply is easier for me.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Yes Skip, everything in my life is covered in sawdust, the house, the car, the kids! These take a little playing around with, but once you get the angle on the plug just right and the size of the sound hole perfectly square it become addicting.

[@skipmackenna7057]

Thanks for the reply Charlie! The last time I watched this video again I learned a bit more, and add that to your tip, I am encouraged to try again. I love these small whistles because most of my Bamboo is a smaller diameter. It is a fact that matching a dowel/plug to the hole, and the angle on that plug being precise to the "...perfectly square..." hole is a complex set of geometric exercises. Once I get one, I think it will get easier. My most exciting time making flutes is the first time it makes a sound, it gives validation that I have learned some of what you are teaching. So, I look forward to my first success on the small whistle. Thanks!

[@peggytil]

Can you use bamboo that has not dried out?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Peggy T it is best to use dried material as green cane will shrink or shrivel. You can use green material if you don't intend to keep it.

[@carmencontreras9203]

Can you make it with a thumback😳😳

[@beav1962]

Is the a through hole on the length of the flute? And, just a downward angle on the finger hole edge of the sound hole?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Sorry I don't quite follow you?

[@beav1962]

@@BlueBearFlutes - I was asking if the hole down the Sawgrass tube goes all the way through, or does it stop before the end. And also, regarding the shaping of the sound hole...I see it is squared off on the mouth side, but it is beveled downward on the other side, yes? I will check your other video, I may have just missed it.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@beav1962 Yes! That's right with regards to the tube. It's completely hollow. ;) The shape of the hole is not super important. We do have several other videos on making this particular flute/whistle and if you have any other questions please message anytime.

[@Bushcraft_WildFox]

Hay I'm now to your Chanel and I'd like to how how to make thim necklaces

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Which necklaces?

[@slammerjaxlive]

be the bamboo.........feel the bamboo........

[@ReFokk]

Hey, I tried making this whistle about 5 times and I cant get it to make a proper sound, do you have any Idea's to fix this issue? Thanks in advance! Nice KZbin account tho! Peace and Love

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+ReFokk Hey, thanks for your question! In order to make a good assessment I would need to see a picture of the whistle, however it could be anything from the length of the whistle to hole sizes, diameter, angle of the plug and shape of the sound hole. Please feel free to contact me via my website www.bluebearflutes.com or facebook facebook.com/bluebear.arts where you can send me a picture. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelmorrison6762]

Hi, Will any kind of wood work for this flute?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Yes, so long as it is a hollow tube.

[@michaelmorrison6762]

BlueBearArts Thanks.

[@johnbeaver6919]

Friend where can one purchase the sawgrass or bamboo?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

John Beaver You can get it from my friend at www.fluteblank.com

[@johnbeaver6919]

Thank you my friend it looks exactly what I need!

[@ivangrozny2581]

Can I use any bamboo specie?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+Ivan Grozny Absolutely! Any hollow tube you can cut and drill holes into will work.

[@user-hy4dk7gj3l]

о чем они пиздят?

[@user-hy4dk7gj3l]

У меня есть бамбук

[@billyhall878]

hey Charlie as usual great video !! very informative I also watched your video about going to collect materials well please if you can tell me where if not that's kool I hope all of you are great ive not sent you any emails in a while with life it goes that way Take care and keep on learning us how to flute Billy

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Billy Hall Hi Billy, thanks for watching. Which materials are you referring to as far as where they come from?

[@billyhall878]

rivercane mostly how are all of you doing?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

We're good Billy. Thanks for asking! I have a couple of different patches in Florida, one is on a property that a friend owns and allows me to gather and today I took some pics f a friend here in Alabama's patch for which I donated the first cane. It is doing so well after the first 2 years! I have tried to spread the native cane as it is so hard to find anymore.

[@billyhall878]

I live in Baker Florida and theres some beautiful patches but on private property and the owners don't want company for some reasons ive planted some red margin I believe is the name its only 2-3 years old so its young but it will get there butb until then

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Sometimes you will find people who let you cut and sometimes they refuse. I am lucky that I have been allowed access to some places.

[@peterbonucci9661]

Is this actually PVC? I don't think actual schedule 40 is that size. There is PEX that looks like that. PEX comes in copper tube sizes, but not PVC. I ask because I don't have sawgrass and PVC from the hardware store seems to be the wrong size.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

This is actually a material that I mentioned at 1:20 within this video, however I do have another video where I make it using hot water PVC.

[@peterbonucci9661]

@@BlueBearFlutes Does it also come in red and blue? There is one kind that uses red for hot water and blue for cold water. They're both in Lowes and Home Depot.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@Peter Bonucci The most important thing is the answer to your first question, this was a natural material, sawgrass or river cane as I used in the video. My other video however uses hot water PVC. Answering this question... no. Unlike PEX, hot water PVC usually only comes in a natural/cream color. You could certainly use PEX if you like, it simply needs to be a hollow tube.

[@andylongmore6697]

Really really frustrated to be fair, I cut a length of dowel at 6 inches in length. Drilled out the dowel to make it into a tube, followed all the steps an still don't work. I was trying to make a four hole whistle for my grankid. Reason I'm fed up? I carve by hand, have done for 35yrs... This has me stumped

[@greywolfember5296]

Do you stick in the fat end or the skinny end?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

the mouth piece should be the larger end.

[@terrypach1664]

In my car

[@BlueBearFlutes]

In my car

[@manicvortex]

LOL. Gimme some a dem French fried taters. mmmhmmm. Some muturd...mmmhmmmm

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Some calls it a Kaiser blade.😂

[@manicvortex]

@@BlueBearFlutes but I call it sling blade mmmmhmmm 😂👌

[@SisterRachel70]

Perfect demo for me as a complete beginner with next to no tools. Encouraging and I can't wait to make my first successful flute with some Elder wood I had to cut back in my garden. Thanks and respect