I think this is the right forum for my question.
Just what the heck are anasazi flutes? rim blown flutes? with a lip, dish, bowl, whatever? I keep reading the reviews and just can't wrap my mind about what we're talking about.
Do you hold them upright and blow across the top like a pop bottle?
What is the difference in the sound from a conventional NAF?
Could someone, without too much technical detail, bring me up to speed?
Thanks,
Pat
Full Version: Anasazi Flutes? - Care To Elaborate
The Flute Portal Forums > Native American Flute > NAF Newbies: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Pat rim blown flutes are much different than NAF. As the name implies to create sound you blow against the edge of the rim. These flutes are hollow tubes and can be made of various materials. I have seen wood, bamboo, pvc, angelica, sunflower ...
As well they can be found in various incarnations all over the world. The Anasazi is one type, Shakuhachi, Ney are a couple more. I have a flute from the Maori which is also rimblown. I have made flutes for Tuvan people which also are rim blown but they play sooo different in that they wedge the flute between the canine tooth so that it almost touches the gum. It is wonderful to watch.
The Anasazi flutes (at least the contemporary version) has an edge that has been shaped to facilitate making the voice happen. It is similar to Shakuhachi or Quena. They are one of the easiest flutes to play...NOT
Takes a little practice to get your air stream focused just right to create the voice then to keep it there. Wonderful flute for getting high on...just keep trying to play it and hyperventilate...safe and legal
As well they can be found in various incarnations all over the world. The Anasazi is one type, Shakuhachi, Ney are a couple more. I have a flute from the Maori which is also rimblown. I have made flutes for Tuvan people which also are rim blown but they play sooo different in that they wedge the flute between the canine tooth so that it almost touches the gum. It is wonderful to watch.
The Anasazi flutes (at least the contemporary version) has an edge that has been shaped to facilitate making the voice happen. It is similar to Shakuhachi or Quena. They are one of the easiest flutes to play...NOT
Takes a little practice to get your air stream focused just right to create the voice then to keep it there. Wonderful flute for getting high on...just keep trying to play it and hyperventilate...safe and legal
Just visit G's web page, and look at the ones still on there, in the available flutes section or the anasazi flutes section. You will see they are very different, and they even have a different scale. They are difficult to play, for those unaccustomed to rim blown flutes, but they can be learned with diligence and time.
QUOTE(Seacall @ Mar 1 2009, 04:56 PM) 
Just what the heck are anasazi flutes?
Could someone, without too much technical detail, bring me up to speed?
Could someone, without too much technical detail, bring me up to speed?
Pat,
Check out Mark Purtills site here:
http://anasazidream.blogspot.com/
He makes PVC versions that are very economical and "easier" to learn. There is a link to a free Players Guide that you can download. This includes some general inforamation and pictures that should fill in the blanks for you.
ED
I have a PVC , Anasazi, that I bought because I didn't want to spend a lot.... and I'm glad I didn't, because I cannot get the hang of it...... here are pics of the mouthpiece.]
The side view
The front view
The rear view
I played the regular style silver flute in HS band for years and had NO problem.... but this thing, I just can't get it to sound good for more than 3 notes.
The side view
The front view
The rear view
I played the regular style silver flute in HS band for years and had NO problem.... but this thing, I just can't get it to sound good for more than 3 notes.
Hmmmm. That looks very similar to some PVC Anasazi flute that I made at one point, only there are some differences. Mine had the paint come up a bit closer to the mouthpiece and the mouthpiece itself was not as "extreme" (radical slant on the chin rest and the notch looks a bit deep).
May I ask who made that one?
May I ask who made that one?
Maybe you have one of the harder versions. Maybe it is that particular flute? 
(I'm not saying it is easy. Just wondering if a different one could be easier - different notch, etc.)
(I'm not saying it is easy. Just wondering if a different one could be easier - different notch, etc.)
For me, the rim notch can have a significant difference in playability, range, and tone of an Anasazi flute. Given the differences in the size and shape of people's lips and mouths I would guess that some combinations of mouth and notch are just problematic.
Take a look at the rim notches in the flutes below. There are 4 Anasazi flutes, each with different depths, widths, and angle of notch. The final flute (a Mojave) has virtually no notch at all. For my mouth (your mileage may vary), The deeper notched flutes have strong root notes and are easier to play first octave notes, while second octave notes are a bit difficult to hold. As the rim gets shallower, the root note is more difficult to play, but the second and third octave notes are easier to play and hold.
You may want to give a flute with a shallower notch a try, if possible.
Take a look at the rim notches in the flutes below. There are 4 Anasazi flutes, each with different depths, widths, and angle of notch. The final flute (a Mojave) has virtually no notch at all. For my mouth (your mileage may vary), The deeper notched flutes have strong root notes and are easier to play first octave notes, while second octave notes are a bit difficult to hold. As the rim gets shallower, the root note is more difficult to play, but the second and third octave notes are easier to play and hold.
You may want to give a flute with a shallower notch a try, if possible.
Every Anasazi I have seen, has a different design. Perhaps it isn't so much about the design, as about being able to acclimate to the flute. I have tried one like you showed Barngoddess, but so far, my fave is Geoffrey's, for the mouthpiece design. It rests easily on the chin, it provides for a nice blowing edge, that is relatively easy to acquire, and it doesn't have a deep notch, so it doesn't introduce too much breathyness.
The latest projections for the new version from Butch Hall, following the Maurice Bigham replica design of the cave flutes, is for May.
The latest projections for the new version from Butch Hall, following the Maurice Bigham replica design of the cave flutes, is for May.
I know the question wasn't directed at me, but if I am not mistaken this is an Anasazi Dreams flute.
Someone please correct me if I am mistaken.
Someone please correct me if I am mistaken.
QUOTE(Geoffrey @ Mar 11 2009, 04:27 PM)
Hmmmm. That looks very similar to some PVC Anasazi flute that I made at one point, only there are some differences. Mine had the paint come up a bit closer to the mouthpiece and the mouthpiece itself was not as "extreme" (radical slant on the chin rest and the notch looks a bit deep).
May I ask who made that one?
May I ask who made that one?
That would be my guess as well, Cryss.
it would appear that the pictures are in reverse order....it looks to me like Coyote Oldman's Mojave flute is the first pic, not the last.
Coyote Oldman is now offering a beginner anasazi flute. It looks very similar to the Mojave flute but has 6 holes. I just ordered one. I am a beginner with anasazi so figured I'd give it a try.
http://www.shopworks.com/coyote/index.cfm?...FAE010D0A0AD036
Coyote Oldman is now offering a beginner anasazi flute. It looks very similar to the Mojave flute but has 6 holes. I just ordered one. I am a beginner with anasazi so figured I'd give it a try.
http://www.shopworks.com/coyote/index.cfm?...FAE010D0A0AD036
QUOTE(Judd @ Mar 11 2009, 05:41 PM)
For me, the rim notch can have a significant difference in playability, range, and tone of an Anasazi flute. Given the differences in the size and shape of people's lips and mouths I would guess that some combinations of mouth and notch are just problematic.
Take a look at the rim notches in the flutes below. There are 4 Anasazi flutes, each with different depths, widths, and angle of notch. The final flute (a Mojave) has virtually no notch at all. For my mouth (your mileage may vary), The deeper notched flutes have strong root notes and are easier to play first octave notes, while second octave notes are a bit difficult to hold. As the rim gets shallower, the root note is more difficult to play, but the second and third octave notes are easier to play and hold.
You may want to give a flute with a shallower notch a try, if possible.
Take a look at the rim notches in the flutes below. There are 4 Anasazi flutes, each with different depths, widths, and angle of notch. The final flute (a Mojave) has virtually no notch at all. For my mouth (your mileage may vary), The deeper notched flutes have strong root notes and are easier to play first octave notes, while second octave notes are a bit difficult to hold. As the rim gets shallower, the root note is more difficult to play, but the second and third octave notes are easier to play and hold.
You may want to give a flute with a shallower notch a try, if possible.
QUOTE(Judd @ Mar 11 2009, 05:41 PM)
For me, the rim notch can have a significant difference in playability, range, and tone of an Anasazi flute. Given the differences in the size and shape of people's lips and mouths I would guess that some combinations of mouth and notch are just problematic.
Take a look at the rim notches in the flutes below. There are 4 Anasazi flutes, each with different depths, widths, and angle of notch. The final flute (a Mojave) has virtually no notch at all. For my mouth (your mileage may vary), The deeper notched flutes have strong root notes and are easier to play first octave notes, while second octave notes are a bit difficult to hold. As the rim gets shallower, the root note is more difficult to play, but the second and third octave notes are easier to play and hold.
You may want to give a flute with a shallower notch a try, if possible.
Take a look at the rim notches in the flutes below. There are 4 Anasazi flutes, each with different depths, widths, and angle of notch. The final flute (a Mojave) has virtually no notch at all. For my mouth (your mileage may vary), The deeper notched flutes have strong root notes and are easier to play first octave notes, while second octave notes are a bit difficult to hold. As the rim gets shallower, the root note is more difficult to play, but the second and third octave notes are easier to play and hold.
You may want to give a flute with a shallower notch a try, if possible.
Thank you so much for these terrific photos!
Rick
I was talking to G this week about Anasazi design. My new G is a larger bore and is much easier to play than my other two, one made by G the Scott August signautre flute, the other a G# by MGA. He has discovered the right bore diameter for ease of play without affecting the range of the flute. I think G's are the best and they will probably just get better. He has made enough now to really understand the variables. I am looking forward to a new low F# (he is not making them yet) in curly redwood. G you can consider that an order. I can play my new G every time I pick it up but still occassionaly have trouble with the A by G and G# by MGA. I think the right bore size is important in these flutes just like in a regualr NAF but G can speak to this better than I. I am looking forward to Cryss coming down one of these days to try it to see what he thinks!
I was talking to G this week about Anasazi design. My new G is a larger bore and is much easier to play than my other two, one made by G the Scott August signautre flute, the other a G# by MGA. He has discovered the right bore diameter for ease of play without affecting the range of the flute. I think G's are the best and they will probably just get better. He has made enough now to really understand the variables. I am looking forward to a new low F# (he is not making them yet) in curly redwood. G you can consider that an order. I can play my new G every time I pick it up but still occassionaly have trouble with the A by G and G# by MGA. I think the right bore size is important in these flutes just like in a regualr NAF but G can speak to this better than I. I am looking forward to Cryss coming down one of these days to try it to see what he thinks!
I had to read that twice to figure out which "G" I was. 
(G= Key of G, or G=Geoffrey)
(G= Key of G, or G=Geoffrey)
You did better than me, then, Geoffrey...I had to read it three times 
I think the G# didn't help matters much
And will you people please stop making me want an Anasazi?! My resistance keeps weakening
I think the G# didn't help matters much And will you people please stop making me want an Anasazi?! My resistance keeps weakening
QUOTE(Pipyr @ Mar 12 2009, 10:07 PM)
And will you people please stop making me want an Anasazi?! My resistance keeps weakening
I will be glad to help. I won't tell you how wonderful it is to play the Anasazi every night before I go to bed. I won't mention how meditative and relaxing it is. My lips are sealed. From me you will NOT hear a word spoken about how even my wife and my dog like to listen to the Anasazi...Anasazi...Anasazi...
QUOTE(Titmouse @ Mar 13 2009, 04:26 AM)
I will be glad to help. I won't tell you how wonderful it is to play the Anasazi every night before I go to bed. I won't mention how meditative and relaxing it is. My lips are sealed. From me you will NOT hear a word spoken about how even my wife and my dog like to listen to the Anasazi...Anasazi...Anasazi... Yeah, Pipyr. And I won't tell you how playing the Anasazi (or trying) is really an exercise in relaxing the whole body. This flute "senses" your tension and will not play for you if you are tense. It makes you consciously aware and you are forced to intentionally relax. It also makes you very mindful - it will not allow your thoughts to go anywhere else.
I also won't tell you how much fun it is when you finally get a sound - what a sound! So soothing and ........
Don't worry. You'd probably hate it. Geoffrey makes them so nicely and my curly Redwood is outstanding and gorgeous. But I'm sure you wouldn't want one. Nah. You are your own person. You can resist the urge to buy a completely neat instrument like this.
Just because Scott August plays one and Geoffrey makes them doesn't mean you need one.
Nah, just forget the whole idea.
Hey, Geoffrey!! I think I just talked myself into wanting another one!!!!!!!!!
Nor, will I tell you that I have 4 and one in the making, and that I love them all and want more to play or that my 8 year old daughter can get a beautiful sound out of all of them but just can't reach the finger holes, she can reach the holes on the(
but can't seal them. I won't tell you that the Anasazi is my flute of choice. After playing the shakuhachi for 25 years. I refuse to share any of this with you, you couldn't get this information out of me if you tried. I promise you that.
Musicman
but can't seal them. I won't tell you that the Anasazi is my flute of choice. After playing the shakuhachi for 25 years. I refuse to share any of this with you, you couldn't get this information out of me if you tried. I promise you that.Musicman
Dan, you really need to show me that flute. No.....wait......Geoffrey needs to put more of those up on the "available" page.....that's even better.
I am a big bore kinda person, too, when they are made right. I like 'em.
Now Pipyr, you absolutely wouldn't want an Anasazi......no block....no place to put glass art....unless, you make a totem to tie on.....ok, maybe you do want an Anasazi. It simply has a totally unique sound, unlike any other flute......not that you would care about that sort of thing.
I am a big bore kinda person, too, when they are made right. I like 'em.
Now Pipyr, you absolutely wouldn't want an Anasazi......no block....no place to put glass art....unless, you make a totem to tie on.....ok, maybe you do want an Anasazi. It simply has a totally unique sound, unlike any other flute......not that you would care about that sort of thing.
QUOTE(Barngodess @ Mar 11 2009, 02:39 PM)
I have a PVC , Anasazi, that I bought because I didn't want to spend a lot.... and I'm glad I didn't, because I cannot get the hang of it...... here are pics of the mouthpiece.]
I played the regular style silver flute in HS band for years and had NO problem.... but this thing, I just can't get it to sound good for more than 3 notes.
I played the regular style silver flute in HS band for years and had NO problem.... but this thing, I just can't get it to sound good for more than 3 notes.
Hi Barngodess,
Don't feel bad. At one of the flute circles, after I played my Anasazi by Geoffrey, a lady pulled out a PVC Anasazi that looked much like the one you post. I couldn't even get a note out of the PVC flute. It could be just that particular flute. My first Anasazi flute by MGA took a while to get sound from the lower register, but after getting it, it's been very rewarding.
Cheers,
Nate
QUOTE(Geoffrey @ Mar 13 2009, 12:23 AM)
I had to read that twice to figure out which "G" I was. (G= Key of G, or G=Geoffrey)
(G= Key of G, or G=Geoffrey)That's why I like to call ya Gman
QUOTE(Pipyr @ Mar 13 2009, 02:07 AM)
And will you people please stop making me want an Anasazi?! My resistance keeps weakening
Too late for me. I called Gman to see if he was making any for the available page. Sure enough some were in process. So now there's a bubinga Bb coming my way. I'm taking it right to Potomac for the Scott August beginning anasazi class. I've also got a private lesson with Scott to get some more help, or to learn some fingerings from the Red Fire CD, which I love.
Just get it over with and come on over to the dark side
Bubinga, eh? Well, that's gonna be one nice flute........and if you can't play it, you know where it needs to go. 
I just signed up for some private lessons with Scott August at the Potomac Flute Festival. I talked to MGA last week and bought one of his Anasazi G# flute. Very nice flute!!! Really looking forward to the lessons.
QUOTE(Rick McDaniel @ Mar 14 2009, 09:09 AM)
Bubinga, eh? Well, that's gonna be one nice flute........and if you can't play it, you know where it needs to go.
Yes, to ME!!
As a person who has now experienced playing the bubinga flute, I can say it should definitely come to the experienced player.
QUOTE(Rick McDaniel @ Mar 16 2009, 07:09 AM)
As a person who has now experienced playing the bubinga flute, I can say it should definitely come to the experienced player.
Try as hard as I may, I cannot think of anything smart a**ed enough to reply to this outrageous hoarding of flute resources!
Would you really deny me this experience?
Not if'n you buy your own.
QUOTE(Rick McDaniel @ Mar 16 2009, 02:45 PM)
Not if'n you buy your own.
Wow! I haven't heard if'n in a long time. Kind of goes with yourn and we'uns. You must be from Caldwell County!
Ya gotta remember......I am a displaced Carolinian.
QUOTE(Rick McDaniel @ Mar 16 2009, 05:14 PM)
Ya gotta remember......I am a displaced Carolinian.
I remembered! That's why I asked! By the way, when are you'uns coming over to NC to see we'uns - that is if'n you're still comin'?
Late April into first of May. Trying to line up a visit with Lee Entrekin, who is a pal, and Bob Child (who I have flutes from, but haven't met yet), while I am there. Don't know that I am gonna get to see anyone else, very far out of the Asheville area. My other pals are a little too far away, down Charlotte way.
No flute circle in Asheville, then, either. While I have met Geri Littlejohn, she doesn't know me very well, so I don't know that I will try to look her up. There's a flutie on here from Brevard, also, but we met on here.
We have to spend a day up in NE TN, looking at potential retire communities, and the same for upper SC, NE GA, on another day. For some silly reason, the family expects me to spend some time with them, also.
No flute circle in Asheville, then, either. While I have met Geri Littlejohn, she doesn't know me very well, so I don't know that I will try to look her up. There's a flutie on here from Brevard, also, but we met on here.
We have to spend a day up in NE TN, looking at potential retire communities, and the same for upper SC, NE GA, on another day. For some silly reason, the family expects me to spend some time with them, also.
QUOTE(tootieflutie58 @ Mar 16 2009, 01:05 PM)
Wow! I haven't heard if'n in a long time. Kind of goes with yourn and we'uns. You must be from Caldwell County!
Twern't nuttin
QUOTE(Titmouse @ Mar 16 2009, 05:55 PM)
Twern't nuttin
QUOTE(Pipyr @ Mar 12 2009, 10:07 PM)
You did better than me, then, Geoffrey...I had to read it three times I think the G# didn't help matters much
And will you people please stop making me want an Anasazi?! My resistance keeps weakening
I think the G# didn't help matters much And will you people please stop making me want an Anasazi?! My resistance keeps weakening
Anasazi...Anasazi...you want one....Anasazi....you want one....
Hard to play at first, but worth the effort....
Pipyr, just give in and jooin the rest of us....
After all...misery LOVES company......
LOL!
QUOTE(DavidRose @ Mar 14 2009, 06:18 PM)
I just signed up for some private lessons with Scott August at the Potomac Flute Festival. I talked to MGA last week and bought one of his Anasazi G# flute. Very nice flute!!! Really looking forward to the lessons.
So now you have two, Dave?
Anasazi......1 week and counting......
MGA is offering what he calls a "beginner" anasazi. It looks very similar to his Mojave flute, but has 6 holes.
Picture here from MGA's website
http://www.shopworks.com/coyote/images/p_0...0017F00E026.jpg
Ordered one and received it last week. The flute is very nice. Key of Bb which, from what I've read on the internet, is the key of at least one of the artifacts found in the cave in the 1930's....the flute has a very small notch......actually its just flattened a bit... (since I am new, don't know if this is good or bad or different or what)
Day 1
got sound for 1 second
(since by body and my brain had no idea what I had done correctly to get the sound, I was unable to replicate it)
Day 2
got sound for about 2 seconds
(gee.......doubled yesterday's playing)
Day 3
no sound all day.....then for about 5 seconds.......then nothing
Day 5
went to Bay Clan, my local flute circle
got try the MGA ancient anasazi, Earthtone's Scott August signature (the inlaid version) and a Anasazi Dream
(don't you just love flute circles? :-)
I found Geoffrey's the easiest to get a sound. I was unable to coax any sound out of the Anasazi Dream flute at all. This is all from a newbie who has had less than a week trying to play anasazi.
I did get to hear Frankie play my anasazi....so now I know what it "can" sound like.
So now its a week later
I get sound fairly consistently but it doesn't last long. The sound is not very sweet either, but sometimes I am able to coax some real sweet sounds out of this flute....bliss!!!
I am encouraged!
I kept reminding myself of my journey with the didgeridoo......it took me over a week to get a decent drone and then it took me about 3 months to get circular breathing.....this past experience helped me to not get discouraged.
Anyway.....that is my experience thus far
Mark
MGA is offering what he calls a "beginner" anasazi. It looks very similar to his Mojave flute, but has 6 holes.
Picture here from MGA's website
http://www.shopworks.com/coyote/images/p_0...0017F00E026.jpg
Ordered one and received it last week. The flute is very nice. Key of Bb which, from what I've read on the internet, is the key of at least one of the artifacts found in the cave in the 1930's....the flute has a very small notch......actually its just flattened a bit... (since I am new, don't know if this is good or bad or different or what)
Day 1
got sound for 1 second
(since by body and my brain had no idea what I had done correctly to get the sound, I was unable to replicate it)
Day 2
got sound for about 2 seconds
(gee.......doubled yesterday's playing)
Day 3
no sound all day.....then for about 5 seconds.......then nothing
Day 5
went to Bay Clan, my local flute circle
got try the MGA ancient anasazi, Earthtone's Scott August signature (the inlaid version) and a Anasazi Dream
(don't you just love flute circles? :-)
I found Geoffrey's the easiest to get a sound. I was unable to coax any sound out of the Anasazi Dream flute at all. This is all from a newbie who has had less than a week trying to play anasazi.
I did get to hear Frankie play my anasazi....so now I know what it "can" sound like.
So now its a week later
I get sound fairly consistently but it doesn't last long. The sound is not very sweet either, but sometimes I am able to coax some real sweet sounds out of this flute....bliss!!!
I am encouraged!
I kept reminding myself of my journey with the didgeridoo......it took me over a week to get a decent drone and then it took me about 3 months to get circular breathing.....this past experience helped me to not get discouraged.
Anyway.....that is my experience thus far
Mark
Anasazi is no problemo. Playing some of the fingerings on a diatonic flute, of a song written for an orchestra, is a whole nother matter. 
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