Measurements and Techniques for Making Native American Flutes

[@marciacunningham5877]

I have searched in vain for hole placement for a G flute. Finally! Thank you. As a sculptor, I have many die grinders. "Dremels" are great for small detail work, but a die grinder with a round cutting tool really gets the job done quickly. I have learned so much from your videos...thank you! Michael

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hey thanks for watching Michael! I do have a book with additional patterns for other flutes. Of course there's a lot more to making a flute than just the hole placements. Hopefully I've helped with some of the rest of it for you as well. I have used a die grinder in the past to make flutes however it is not the way we do today. Definitely a very underknown tool with regards to carving. Thanks for mentioning that.

[@marciacunningham5877]

Well.. I followed your measurements exactly. I don't know what I did wrong but the notes are nowhere near what they should be. I'm not used to failure. I tend to be overly tenacious. I'm going to buy your book. I'll get this right or else! I am using PVC before I go to the trouble of making one from wood so I don't mind how it looks after many attempts. By the way, I had to plug the end to get much at all out of it. What the heck am I doing wrong?! Thanks, Michael

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@marciacunningham5877 it is all about the track and the soundhole. Things are of course a little different with PVC as well. Without making the sound hole appropriately, it won't play right. I do have videos for that.

[@stoneyrunva]

Keep in mind when building your first flutes that Charlie is a master craftsman with about 3 decades of flute making experience. Don't expect every flute you make to sound as good or perfectly as Charlie's flutes. He does a great job explaining how to make a good flute. My end results have been quite good. But, there are subtle things he does that don't translate exactly in a tutorial video that separates the amatuer built flute from the flutes available on his website. Thank you Charlie for sharing your expertise here. And, thanks for making your beautiful products available on your website. If life gets too hard sometimes, take a walk in the woods... and bring your flute.

[@Spacerunneruk1]

I'm over wintering in Portugal from England and have been watching your videos. so last week I bought some river bank bamboos back to the motorhome determined to make a flute. Ha, first one was rubbish. Second one, narrow and small actually worked. Third one so good I gave it as a present. Fourth one brilliant! I've even played along to some .first nation music! Who would have thought that at 75 years I have learnt a new and interesting skill.Thanks so much for all the extremely helpful instructions. Not sure if the rest of the campsite enjoys my new found musical talent though!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+John Dray That's great news John! So happy to hear that people so far are benefiting from my videos. I appreciate you taking your time to send me a message and letting me know!

[@boral108]

+John Dray Hi, I am also in Portugal ; is it bamboo or reed?

[@Spacerunneruk1]

Looks like bamboo to me but I suppose its actually reed as in grows along the river banks. The important thing is that it has segments along its length.

[@sanmarcosnewslive]

You are so awesome to share this information. My husband and I have elected to hand dig out all bamboo in our yard vs. using machines and roundup. Yesterday was my first time to ever carve and it was the most relaxing 30 min of my life. The flute track video was inspirational. Thank you for sharing the passion. Respect!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

You are welcome and thank you for avoiding roundup!

[@waynedavies3185]

I enjoy watching our videos. They are very informative. I love the mystic sound of a flute, and like many, love the sounds of the lower keyed flutes. I have made a couple out of PCV pipe, and they turned out quite well. This winter, plan on making a couple of wood flutes. Let the snow fly, while I stay indoors and make something I can enjoy playing outdoors in the spring. Again, man thanks for the info. Let you know how I make out this coming spring.... Cheers.

[@motorcyclepastor]

Charlie, another excellent video. Many thanks. You mentioned shifting the holes up and down for the key. A novice flute maker might not understand how the size of the bore relates and what adjustments are needed if they route/Dremel a sapling to a larger size than yours. Another video discussing the relationship between length, bore, and hole adjustment for home flute makers who do not have a "Pattern of a Pattern of a Pattern to go off of" could be nice. Keep up the good work!

[@truthseeker1623]

brilliant info am still attempting to make my first flute from all the information you have supplied, but have to admit the first 3-4 attempts at hollowing out the chambers hasn't been too successful due to inexperience but will perserver until I get my first flute,once again many thanks for your great teaching. all the best.

[@jonathantue3029]

Great video. Very informative. I've tried to make them before and have had mixed results. Will go back at it again with your dimensions. Looking forward to doing it right this time. Take care and thanks again.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

You will!!! If for some reason you have more difficulties, please feel free to contact us through facebook or bluebearflutes! Keep working at it!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@shadow run I have a video called "the secret to Native American flute making" you might want to watch. In addition to that you can email me through my website bluebearflutes.com.

[@locutz]

Interesting concept to building flutes I always thought you have to use bamboo or something hollow ,didn't know I can use any wood I want and just hollow out the center very interesting indeed

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Absolutely! You can make a flute out of just about anything!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Good question. The best supplier of river cane, pun intended, is mother nature! Honestly, there are some people out there selling (even on ebay) but seems like everyone runs out. We are working on a video with using many different types of materials for the flute and it should shed some light on the "real" flute making that can be done! I will try to remember to email you when it comes out Frank! Thanks again! :)

[@rconn269connln]

thanks so much for your time and info.

[@roydelgado7198]

Question, i made a bamboo flute based in all your unstructions. Instructions that you explain very professional and clearly, this is my first flute but, the sound is way too low, no volume at all, all my holes are 1/4 of an inch and the dimenssions are as same as yours Thanks and i hope to hsve an answer from you or any subscriber

[@graybryan9521]

Love the videos. That are the physics of the flute from the "blow hole"/mouth piece to the block. This that measurement matter? Does it help to have a certain volume of air to start with?

[@timothyg5293]

A nother great video ,I would be surprise to here if the local schools in your area hasn't contacted you on having a native American flute demonstration for the kids ,I think they would love it as much as I do , thanks timothy

[@theone31man]

Your T shirt is awesome!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thanks!

[@raven14810]

a dynafile works good, they are 1/2 inch wide the end is round . you can use it to shape the inside of the flute and the outside. dynafile brand is expensive and run on air but sears makes an electric one .they are a high rpm electric file

[@skippyjones2077]

Thank you so much for sharing...👍

[@davestran]

What is the most used tunings for Flutes ??? Also what would the measurements be if a person would like to build (try !!!) a Flute in the Key of F ?? Thanks

[@BrianTownsendFundy]

Another interesting video. By the way, you have the most amazing collection of shirts.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Glad you think so my friend! Wait until you see the new ones we are about to have for sale on our site!

[@LIVE4THEADVENTURE]

Hey thanks for pointing out this video. I don't know why but I could not find it earlier. OK I have the same question as Robert Mcall (below) has and I sent you a e mail from your web site so hope to hear from you on the top half, from the blow hole to the two sound holes on the angle to drill them and how what size they end up being after you make them sq. All so would like to know on the top half dose it have to be a certain length or should I say if you have a 24in or a 30in blanks what do you use to tell you where to place the two sound hole? Thanks for any info to help us out and keep up the great work.

[@vrijdag986]

Today I made My first bamboo flute, thank you very much for sharing this knowledge and tutorials.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Most excellent! Thanks for watching! Be sure to check out our recent and upcoming videos!

[@arkozarks]

thanks for this video now mabey i can get one to sound right

[@stalinsilva9619]

hello greets Joffre of Ecuador could help me with nas measures holes since I do not speak English and can not understand stockings mention in the gacias video continues adenlante your videos are helpful for those who facina us navitivos instruments American although we can not speak same language

[@MartinVlkMrnous]

Awesome tutorial :-)

[@99swindler]

For the tone holes it would not be 19/32" as that is over a half inch in diameter. 9/32" would be more like it. But if you use a 1/4" drill bit you can fine tune with a hot iron or a Dremel.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I've actually corrected this information for others. I did mean 9/32 or 3/16.

[@mrgrnjns1111]

Got another question for ya. Hope you don't mind. I just got my second flute glued up and am ready to drill finger holes. Its blowing a D. My question is what would you measure your finger holes at for a D flute.???. Would greatly appreciate any help with this.. :)

[@frankthornal9489]

Who is a good supplier for the river cane>

[@MrLapidary]

I've watched many of your videos (I'm new at this) to get the measurements on the placements of the different parts. What I can't seem to find in your videos is the measurements for how far from the mouth piece the air hole needs to be. Is there a minimum/max distance for this?

[@dustinbyrd1115]

How do I put my finger to play the notes on the flute where do I put the holes for the flute

[@nastytater557]

Hey Charlie...I'm friends with ya on FB but I wanted to ask....I have some Bamboo that has an ID of more than 3/4". Can I still use the same fingering as the first flute you showed in this video? It's actually .832 with my calibers.

[@joelb2297]

Very kewl!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Thank you my friend! Keep an eye out for our newest videos coming up soon.

[@realrecognizesreal2920]

what are the measurements for the chambers inside the flute? And the other holes too. If there's anyway you could help me out it would be awesome. I'm attempting a 6 hole traditional from Eastern Red Cedar (aromatic cedar) I've never made a flute before so I could really use the help.

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Here you go, part 1 of 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6m0kpWHZ8agqbc

[@FilipeGuermandi]

Hi, good evening, could you pass me the measurements? I know that you spoke in the video, but I'm Brazilian and I do not understand English very well. I believe that with the written measurements, it would be easier to make one for me. Thank you.

[@yossirb]

.i tried to build g from pvc 1 inch diameter with your mesurment i got the first octave ok but i cant get the second octave in tune... can you give me some tips fot it? thx

[@loganmckinney1285]

what size and type of router bit of you use for the Bor and chambers ?

[@restlessguardian]

What's that over the air chamber

[@TheBlackWOLFofDeath1]

HI, first thing, very educational video on flute making but although I know length from sound hole.. How far down from top of flute do u usually have to place the sound hole or does it not really matter its a matter of sound & finger placement? Thanks in advance :-)

[@manifestdestinytv]

So they 2nd flute you made, is that tuned to A?

[@sandisalomeevans2755]

Hi Charlie! What key is the flute you play for the intro to your You tube videos? It has such a beautiful voice!

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hey, it's a low D western cedar.🙂 www.bluebearflutes.com/product-page/handmade-western-cedar-native-american-flutes

[@86didier79]

Hello Great job One question do you have the dimensions for a flute in C (Do) The quotations spacing lengths between the holes and the diameters of the holes Thanks a lot @Didier (France)

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Hi Didier, that's a great question! Although we do have the dimensions listed in my flute making book available on our website and of course we offer flutes in the key of high C as well as low C, I don't believe we have made a KZbin video for it yet. We are currently working on making videos on how to make flutes in other keys at this time. Feel free to check our website for the book for how to make them now however!

[@86didier79]

Hello thanks for answering The most important empty note is the LA? that's it.! If the flute sounds in LA what will be the following 5 notes (for a 5-hole) and (for a 6-hole) starting with the last hole. thank you so much @Didier

[@BlueBearFlutes]

@@86didier79 if you go to our website bluebearflutes.com and the info page, you will find a list of notes in minor pentatonic scale. The notes for a six-hole flute depends on who creates it. While some people create a 6-hole Native American flute in a modern style with an unnecessary third fingering, my flutes are created in the original way where all six holes get used. Please see our video on that as well which can be found on my 6 hole flute page.

[@larrypreston7588]

Hi, on your first flute in this video, the 5 hole G I have the measurements and hole locations, but I don't know the keys for each hole. Do you have that listed on your website anywhere? I know the 6 hole flute goes A#, C, D, E, F#, G#, but what happens when it's a 5 hole? Thanks!

[@tonyhartley871]

B C D F G

[@richardpeterson3753]

how can i insure my flute warbles?whats the main detail i need to keep in mind?

[@len7970]

Richard Peterson the warble you speak of is called virbroto. It's a skill you learn it's all in the breathing, many videos on the net on this.

[@WillieBeard]

Thanks...Subscribed!

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

I picked an unknown small tree to make a flute from. The wood is darn near like cane in that; its very soft and stringy. I let it cure out about a year at least it looks like ASH. I've made the flute structure and hand built the entire flute and bird. So; the bore isn't perfect in diameter however it is smooth and about 5/8 to 3/4 in diameter interior bore size. the air way is good is good and follows the typical patterns. I used a nickle and carved it in as a tight fit, glued barrier. The feed to sound edge gap is at least an inch apart . MY flute is around 16" long from the sound edge to the end. but no sound. all I get is wind (air) sound. Is my problem the bore size or choice of wood or the nickle or length of wood? I'v made several really good PVC flutes and they all came out really nice sounding. I CANT GET MY WOODEN FLUTE TO TOOT.

[@mrgrnjns1111]

This may seem like a stupid question but what notes are all the finger holes suppose to be.. For the different keys here. the G , A ???

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Tanks for the question, it i a good one. First of all all of the flutes were originally in high tones/keys. And of course they were not tuned specifically to european notes. having said this, they were still minor pentatonic. you can use this as a reference; ACDEGA GA#CDFG F#ABC#EF# DFGACD These are just a few common minor pentatonic scales, i recommend a program called 'All that chords' : download.cnet.com/All-That-Chords/3000-2133_4-10394634.html

[@mrgrnjns1111]

Thanks.. I really appreciate it.. I am almost done with my first flute.. I used Heaven Tree Sumac cause I am hand carving my first.. Its in the clamps for the night right now. Gonna do the holes tomorrow. Wish me luck.. :)

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Let us know how it turns out!

[@mrgrnjns1111]

BlueBearArts Flute turned out great.. I used Heavenly Tree and hand carved the entire thing. I messed up though on length. so it made my G flute a G sharp so I just adjusted my finger holes to make them sound good.. Starting another one soon.. Thanks Charlie for all the advice and help.. I myself am Seneca and Cherokee and have a connection to our people through our old crafts. Can't wait to play this at Green Corn this year.. Thanks to you I now have something else I can demonstrate and teach our kids... Thanks again Charlie..

[@BlueBearFlutes]

You are welcome! I am so glad that I was able to help. Keep working at it and before long it will be second nature!

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

you should make a ruler that has marking on it so we could use it like u show on the vid

[@BlueBearFlutes]

+Andrew Murphy Good idea!

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

yeah thanks i have a few of those a year

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

BlueBearFlutes i do have few good ideas from time and times i know that i want to make flutes but it hard for me to read a regular ruler

[@peterb37]

+Andrew Murphy How about a template

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I may offer something in the near future. Just need the time.

[@lennybuis9114]

How do you split a piece of cedar

[@BlueBearFlutes]

There are numerous ways, and I mentioned a few of them in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYCwiKWYnLaDmaM Please let me know if it helps.

[@medicineman2338]

I believe native people used to measure things based on arm length, finger width and so on. Do you know these measurements for flutes?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

When you don't have a ruler or quipu for such things, certainly you would use what ever you have "at hand"! Does this mean that there was a secret instruction passed around verbally to different people and when they got home they could make a flute from memory? Probably knot (my quipu comment again). What may have happened, with regards to general sharing of info and learning how to make a flute for the first time may have been like this: people likely borrowed one flute and using a piece of material of similar size and shape, etched some markings into it in order to duplicate it. A couple of reasons for this is the size of given materials as well as the size of elbows and hands. If I told you to make a flute of a certain size using hand measurements, it may turn out vastly different than my flute or someone else's flute. The placement of fingerings and the end of the flute are very specific to the way the flute sounds. Coincidentally, I used to use the length of my wrist to my elbow to determine how long a piece of cane was as to whether or not it would be good to use for the type of flutes I made in those days. Someone who was 6 inches taller than me using the same technique might have wasted 3 inches of extra material that they didn't need to have! I hope this helps to answer your question. By the way, the finger and elbow technique is something that was more general to everyone around the world and and not specific to Native Americans. For example, how tall is your horse? About 12 "hands"? Can you convert that to "feet"? I use the measurement "smidgen" which usually requires me to squeeze my fingers together when showing it. Sometimes I may even say "just a hair". Just this morning, my son gave me that measurement and when he said "just a hair", I asked him "a gnat hair or a frog hair?"

[@craigk5505]

Ive noticed that you never mention a cork inside the flute next to the sound hole. Do you not use them or do you?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I do not add a cork and the cane I use has a natural partition inside if that is what you are referring to.

[@yossirb]

can you write the mesurment to 6 holes flute? thx

[@peterpeersman4931]

L

[@Klab_dj_duck]

Measurements for the upper half? Air and resonance chambers.

[@dylanmccallister1888]

This is a stupid question. What is the difference between the fundamental note and key note?

[@dylanmccallister1888]

From everything I read they sound like the same thing.

[@Михаил-о7з4ч]

Здравствуйте Чарли ваши видео ифлейты поражают,хотя я непонимаю язык,зато понимаю действия огромное вам спасибо за показ

[@trobaughryan]

4:07 Did you mean 9/32 then burn to a 1/4?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

I have changed drill bit sizes over the years. Check out some of my newer videos. Thanks for watching.

[@lucienmacrose8567]

Why do I get the feeling you don't like turning lathes? It's been a long time, but I think we've met before, can't say for certain. Kentucky maybe?

[@robertoantoniomartinezrubi9610]

seria bueno que los videos tubieran una traduccioon en español!!!!

[@manievandermerwe8441]

HOW ABOUT GIVING THE MEASUREMENTS IN MM, CM ETC?

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Manie Van der Merwe mm = in/.03937

[@greenghost7907]

Cosmos Log did he directly do that or are you angry about how unfair life can be to Natives when it comes to conquest of the Royal families?

[@TheWingnut58]

He is a Native American....dipshit

[@ratheeshsooryagayathri8057]

സൂപ്പർ

[@catalinmunteanu78]

❤🙏

[@mrenormouscroc]

3/4" is approx 19mm not 21mm, 21mm is between 13/16"and 7/8"... big difference

[@BlueBearFlutes]

One comment on my channel and this is it? You must not know that I have other videos you could correct. 😄

[@MYSTERECORDS]

CHER MONSIEUR BLUEBEAR J AIME BEAUCOUP VOS VIDEO QUE JE DEVORE ..MAIS A QUAND EN TRADUCTION FRANCAISE BECAUSE IM POOR IN ENGLISH SORRY FOR THAT... SEE YOU ..

[@BlueBearFlutes]

Merci mon ami! Je parle français aussi!

[@ramblinevilmushroom]

is it measured from the center of the sound hole to the center of the finger holes?