Hello Everyone! I just completed a flute using the anatomy method and the flute sounds great. this is what I did:
1. Using a 24" cedar blank and after splitting, carving out the SAC and sound chamber (by hand) to 7/8" +/- and turning and sanding.
2. I placed the flute upright on a table and put it against my arm resting on my elbow, closed my hand in a fist and marked where the TSH cutting edge at the top of my knockles.
3. After opening the TSH (1/2" X 5/16") with a burning rod at the mark of my forarm to my knockles I then cut off the excess (about 1/2").
4. I then wrapped my hand around the flute with the knockle of my index finger even with the cutting edge of the TSH and placed a mark on the outside edge of my hand (next to my pinky) and that was the first (top) hole.
5. I then placed the edge of my thumb even with that mark and placed a second mark on the other side of my thumb and continued that process until I marked where the 6 finger holes would go.
6. I then drilled 6- 3/16" holes. Covering all 6 holes I then played it against a chromatic tuner and it played near F# +/-.

7. I moved up about 1" and drilled four tuning holes and it then played a flat G and from there I tuned all the holes (burning) to a G scale.

It plays GREAT! I love the idea that this flute made using my body measurements and that's how the originals did it. It makes this flute very special. This flute I'll keep!

Barry

Nice going. It is not surprising though, that there is a basis for the "historical" method, as it was used for some time, and I am certain much trial and error, went into devising that method.

thanks for the "run down" brother Barry....I wanted to make a traditional style flute for myself for a while now, but was scared...LOL

thanks for the "run down" brother Barry....I wanted to make a traditional style flute for myself for a while now, but was scared...LOL
...you made it sound allot easier,,

Barry,

Good going and thanks for the report. I just might have to try that myself.

Got a picture ?
Ed

Hey Barry, Way to go Brother! Would Love to see it if Possible? Anyways I might have to "Knuckle" down and make myself one that is if I can get my fingers on a nice piece of wood! er...Sorry I just couldn't resist that one! Many Blessings...Robert

Ed, I don't know how to sent a picture, I'll see if my daughter or grandson can and if they can I'll send a picture of it and me.

Barry

Barry you did a great job and in the old way must be even more rewarding for you. I've used the knuckle method but not the arm length so mine is only partly old style. I am glad it worked for you and you have inspired many of us to make our own also.

Way to go!!!!!

Terry