Making a DIY Native American Style Flute Out of a PVC Pipe

[@rev.bobertbockstop7057]

I am a 68 year old former 8 year combat veteran of The Royal Marines and a twelve year veteran wounded combat veteran of The Jaegerkommandoen of Norway (Norway version of Navy Seal). Watching you make your instruments has helped me concentrate on something other than the constant pain I experience at night from arthritis caused by my bullet wounds from a sniper in 1992. I don’t have a drill press or a table saw of any kind by feel I can accomplish this (maybe) with an electric handsaw and my cordless drill if I am careful. I am going to give it a shot anyway. I will let you know if I succeed. Even if I don’t succeed I thank you sir for your entertaining and informative KZbin channel. You are good at what you do! Keep posting the instruments you complete and playing them.

[@SK-dw3ed]

Did you succeed?

[@ericponce1221]

Thank you for your service Sir.

[@bene8855]

Another easy plug to make is to cut the desired length from the same pvc and fill it with hot glue gun thermoplastic All surfaces should be well lubricated first. Good luck.

[@Fransenn]

man blir alltid lite mer berörd när en veteran bor en nära. tack för din tjänst

[@gregsavige3587]

Mate, I'm from Australia and I love your stuff. I made a pvc bow with my nephew years ago. He's now a grown man. Those days with him where precious. I'm looking forward to making a flute next. Good on ya mate. You're a top bloke 👍

[@claytonhobbs1360]

I appreciate your simple straight forward teaching. Not dragged out. Perfect video. Thanks.

[@jackwoods8061]

Nice work. Diction, volume, and grammar all usable. Thanks. Don't stop here.

[@aydenmorgan9570]

He is the Best and most under appreciated DIY KZbin out there in my opinikn

[@dabestiesbroken2739]

this is the best pvc flute tutorial on youtube thanks

[@nathanconley2726]

I love nick,not only is he the best diy person on KZbin but he has the best personality and some awesome flute skills

[@abefrohman1759]

I can't believe that pvc pipe sounds like a wooden flute. Nick can make anything.

[@Mehdiemporio]

Flute materials doesn't change the sound. With flutes, it is the Air that is vibrating thus making the sound, hence the fact that the material containing this air doesn't matter. Only the dimensions are important for tuning, but it could be PVC or Wood no difference.

[@jbossultra8113]

@@Mehdiemporio Agreed but I do find it funny that he isn't mentioning whether it's 1/2", 3/4" or another pipe diameter. Need to know the total volume of air to be created.

[@marvinojordan1627]

I have watched several videos on how to make a flute but out of all of them this one's the best. Thanks for this video, I've made my own pvc flute and it works pretty good..

[@MatusKollarik]

Thank you for flutorial. I made my flute of sch 40 pvc and it sounds good with your dimensions.I tuned it to G to be able to play with other instruments.

[@jdubya7139]

Matúš Kollárik thumbs up for "flutorial" LoL!

[@irvinwheeler6141]

Thank you! I’m building flutes for my shut-in (Covid-19) grands. This is simple, direct and easy. I wish that I’d seen it before watching several other diy flute videos.

[@robb4044]

I just got a wild hair this weekend and decided to make one with some old pvc pipe that a close family friend had given to me years ago and a small piece of tree branch for the plug. It's just a rough job, almost no sandpaper used, no files, just a hacksaw and a utility knife. BUT IT WORKS! Of course it's out of tune and and I don't know how to play a flute, but the notes that come out of it are really nice. Thank you for posting this video!

[@jurassicsurvivor9204]

I don't know what's better, the fact that you're really smart when it comes to this stuff or the fact that it works so well.

[@C_U_R_I_E_L]

Clear explanation, good looking host, very good explanation And good editing for instruction. Thank you for sharing. Interested in heat shaping and doing a double flute.

[@stevebuckskinner5482]

You are quite the accomplished Craftsman Nick. Very cool!

[@omecronrodneydheel349]

Hey, man, thanks for cutting through the chatter and getting to the guts of the build. Not to say the other guys aren't helpful with the extra info, but you make it seem easy, so I'll be checking out all your vids. 10 thumbs way up. And my flute sounds great.

[@maddog45auto66]

Nick I have watched a lot of your videos ones you make bows aneros and everything you're an awesome inspiration to society I would really like to have one of your homemade flutes that would be authentic thanks for all the hard work you do in your videos and hopefully take care out there buddy through this crazy world we live in

[@bellea-chuw1109]

it actually worked surprisingly at first i had absolutely no trust in this man. But had to build a musical instrument for my science class and this worked.Took a bit of time to master. But thank you, thanks to you i wont fail that class like i always do. My teacher will be surprised

[@bobdaly2696]

Yout info on. Flute hole placement proved invaluable. I appreciate you. Thanks

[@karolku3344]

Thank you very much for a video! Clear and simple instructions.

[@MicaDeMijatovic]

Thanks much for this, Nicholas! So simple and effective.

[@MoreAmerican]

I had forgotten that I was subscribed to this channel. Welcome back!

[@Koropokel]

dude I love your oblivion styled ears seriously

[@David-sc8fl]

Very nice building video. I love this traditioal Native American sounds. Really satisfied about your skills!

[@antonioortiz4544]

Very clear and simple. thank you. I can't wait to make one!

[@ao2005.]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW GREAT FULL I AM FOR THIS VIDEO. 😂😫 I spent hours looking for a video that could easily explain how to make an instrument for my music class. Hopefully mine turns out as well. You did an amazing job. 🙏🏼‼️

[@madisfilmz9367]

Jinful Taemtations did it work

[@larzhillbot1443]

For finger hole placement measure from your sound hole to the tail end of the flute, Divide that distance in to thirds . The sound holes will fall into the middle third. Very simple ......

[@LiiGitonga1]

Impressive... very impressive!!! Good Job !!!!

[@starman2671]

That's a nice sounding flute and easy construction

[@Brainchild69]

That's awesome. I love hand made musical instruments.

[@zet0korp]

I loved it. Thanks. I will build my own today.

[@yourinnervoice6363]

Yesss thank you, Nick. i never expected this at all.

[@geotechms]

Nick you’re the best! 👍

[@davebussard652]

If you plug the end and blow in it how does the air get past the plug?

[@melvincollins5811]

I'd like to see how to make: bone whistles, ocarinas (especially one made from a gourd and bamboo), clay flutes, etc...

[@phillipfloyd6507]

Thanks I made one of the thin walled flutes sounds great. Yes I would be interested in a video using schedule 40 pipe. I have picked some of your books on PVC bows and like your videos they are easy to understand and follow, I also made the PVC walking stick blowgun and darts and have a lot of fun with it. Have you ever thought making a walking stick flute out of PVC? I'm 72 and thanks to you I have something that I can do that doesn't cost a arm and a leg.

[@JB-ti7bl]

Interesting. I'm glad you mentioned mouthpieces. You suggest several different techniques to try. That kinda answers my question: Whatever works for you to deliver the air, right?

[@reidlingtheseedling]

You should try tuning one to a particular scale, with some reading I found that Native American flutes are usually tuned in or around the minor pentatonic (1 b3 4 5 b7) or a, c, d, e, g in the key of A. There are probably schematics online about how drill holes in those keys, although pitch in a flute probably depends on multiple other factors such as length and shape. Also, if you made bagpipes out of PVC that would be awesome.

[@SirSebGaming]

What diameter is the pipe your using?

[@charlesblair6650]

at 1:33 into the video, pause and you can read 3/4" on the top end of the pipe.

[@SirSebGaming]

@@charlesblair6650 thanks!

[@barnaclebill1615]

That’s neat! Thanks! I can’t wait to start on my own! 👍👍😁🇺🇸

[@AngeltashaUK]

glad to see you back its been a while ! thanks for shring and showing us

[@shaycarey8603]

That flute sound awesome

[@ezekielbenavides2740]

I'd love to see a video for schedule 40! This is amazing, love all your work

[@sapphodesigns2377]

Love everything you make!

[@scienceking2260]

great video I can't wait until I make one, I hope u can make a video on how to play it

[@georgegates526]

Truly inventive!

[@Kitaarlesseviralmal]

I enjoyed the vid thanks; how big are the holes in the flute?

[@thepagankingthedarkone4523]

Very impressive 👏🏻 I'm really starting to enjoy your channel man

[@poliver12345]

ReallyVery Creative & Articulate, appreciated!

[@emilyorsburne9477]

What kind of pipe

[@PerpetualEvolution]

Thank you for this. Fun content.

[@behrangkhosravi3157]

Great work. Very entertaining.

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Behrang Khosravi Thank you for watching!

[@sethdowner1442]

would you make a video using schedule 40 PVC?

[@almendratlilkouatl]

great sir this is amazing

[@ravipadiyar4879]

Thanks for the video!! The goal is to build something similar for my Musical Acoustics class and you’ve done a great job!

[@gonefishin2271]

Thank you. I made a bow years ago how you described and it still works great. Now i made a flute and wish i would have saw your video before i did. It sounds cool, i like the idea of the 2" piece you split.. Please post anymore videos on flute making.

[@KeleMen125]

can you write the measurments in the description or in the comment ? thanks and keep up posting amazing videos

[@sullyholmes9379]

what diameter of the pipe?

[@b_ks]

Hey Nick! How about a drone flute?

[@BackyardBowyer]

That's awesome! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@apekatt9990]

This is perfect, Thank you🙏 would you have any ideas for making alterations like double flutes and things in that nature without any extra special pvc pieces? :)

[@BackyardBowyer]

I have not yet built a double or drone flute out of pipe. That would be a cool modification, though. Thank you for watching.

[@liamthompson4686]

Thank you Nicolas. I'll be making one of these soon.

[@lenval555]

life saver thanks... i found the solution, thanks for this video

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

What about a pvc Ocarina?

[@kelgolden3371]

nice and easy instructions ..thanx brother

[@BackyardBowyer]

+Kelvin Golden Thanks for watching!

[@manoloramirez6456]

Good video 👍

[@calebreece3644]

Do you glue the wood in the flute once it’s tuned to what ever key or way you want it to be. Do you glue it or will the tape you used keep it from sliding down or loose or out. If so what works best gorilla glue or glue for PVC pipe or school glue or it doesn’t matter.

[@rune.v5455]

yaa make more flute vids this is amazing

[@Mwellmac]

Does the dowel plug have a hole in it or is it solid?

[@gloclocka]

Hey nick This thin wall pipe is the only type of pvc you can buy in Australia. What do you think about making a bow out of it? New project for you! Please could you Make us a video on how to make one of your awesome bows out of this stuff,for all your fans that can't get a hold of schedule 40? But it has to be a quality bow that you could hunt with (if you where in a situation where you had to) and look nice too. P.s your videos are top notch! Love all the new stuff you come up with.

[@wadeolder7193]

Nicely done

[@joshtanner9453]

I don't have any or I would try but do you think a wine cork would work better for the plug

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Awesome video

[@881buddha]

Hi Nick, I’ve tried to buy a copy of your PVC Spirit Flutes book but it’s not available in the uk on kindle, can you shed any light on this please?

[@MrRob913]

Very cool bro.

[@carterhiggins6625]

Did anyone have trouble fitting the mouthpiece over the pipe??

[@dragonwithamonocle]

AMAAAAZIIINGGGG Yusssss! I am SO happy you did this and I'm going to do my best to get your book. Also, can you make a video about peruvian flutes made of pvc? They seem to use a fipple that is just a notch in the end of the tube that is sharpened, and you kinda just shape your lips around that (or that's what I have been able to figure out, idk how correct that is).

[@aparadis3187]

Would you make a video on how to play?

[@BorealWoodsrunner]

plenty of vids on YT for that lol what he needs to to is make a log cabin out of pvc lol

[@gblan]

He'd probably make it with a faux wood grain too.

[@jurassicsurvivor9204]

Boreal Woodsrunner he could make an empire state building out of paperclips.

[@TwoFeathersSurvival]

Great job on the flute. How about a Sakuhatchi next.

[@MemphisPains]

Excellent build along Nick! I've made a couple of these, and even purchased your book. What a great resource! Do you have any suggestions for lowering the overall tone of the flute? The first two holes have ended up almost earl-splitting for me, the others are quite melodic. I've tried making the flute 18" as well, assuming that would help, but it seemed to get worse. I've tried that with two variations, one with the holes starting at 4" from the end, and another in the exact same position as on the 16" version (so holes start 6" from the end). Thanks again for your great content!

[@fredluden2298]

Have you ever had any trouble with it playing to high? I made mine exactly like his but it plays much higher and only the first 2 holes work

[@EsinamZah]

What did you put into the pipe

[@CrisMusiCanada]

thanks for sharing the idea, bud! cheers

[@josesoares1986]

Muito bom mesmo parabéns pelo seu trabalho 👏👏👏👏

[@thecosmicboat9832]

Hello ! I don't have a thumb like yours, can you share the measure of the holes please ? :) It's amazing ! Thanks

[@rheaobial3934]

Hi, this flute was so nice but i can't make my own flute because I don't know what are the measurements

[@dark96744]

I know its a long shot but could you make a tutorial on how to make a japanese style flute using PVC?

[@NawtyPotato]

I was just about to ask for a tutorial. Sweet.

[@Gauravsharma-gf3jq]

can you give me size of PVC pipe

[@abstract200]

Im guessing hes using a 1" diameter pvc, since he said that 7/8 " fits easily

[@Widdlenet2294]

I just have a question I've made two of these using your dimensions both still sound very breathy what kind of trouble shooting should I be looking into for a more crisp sound update: I figured out how to cut most of the airy sound out. I flattened the pipe with my sander at the rectangle hole thinning down the pipe wall and reducing the amount of air necessary to make the notes.

[@DeepSouthSlingsDarrellAllen]

Great job on a simple PVC flute build Nick. Can I make a suggestion ? If your going to use a rounded top plug, and the split piece as the bird to seal the flue, which is also rounded on the inside, try making your fipple or cutting edge rounded as well so it catches or splits more cleanly, the air coming down the flue. Also try keeping your TSH ( true sound hole ) no bigger than 1/4" wide from the end of the flue to the cutting edge. That will help give a much cleaner, less windy tone. Love your videos brother, you are a true inspiration my friend. BTW , did you ever put that little wooden Ocarina kit together with your son that I sent you ?

[@DeepSouthSlingsDarrellAllen]

+BackyardBowyer ??

[@RickMcQuay]

I've made a few of these, great video man.

[@joshtanjner4399]

I followed you everything you did and I can not get any sound have any idea what I'm doing wrong

[@zissimogr]

Can you please tell me how far the first finger hole is from the blower air outlet hole? Thanks

[@AdeAmoenus]

hello! you use your finger to measure the distance of the holes. But shoudn't it be mathematichly precise? if yes, could you share the exactly distance? thank you!

[@christophercruce2436]

You should make one out of candy, like jolly ranchers... watching chitty chitty bang bang and trying to figure out how to do one here, i have an idea on how thanks to this video

[@TuckerSP2011]

Nick sell them on Etsy along with an instruction book.

[@liljshorty95]

Can I use a thicker pipe and still get the same results?

[@JWS1974]

Does anyone know how to determine the key of the flute based on length? Let's say I want one that is in the key of C

[@dragontattooee]

thanks for the video Nic

[@gravitykillz924]

Thank you so much for this Vid!!!!

[@zillalim6685]

can this play different notes?