Hello!

I know nothing of native american flutes, I was doing some web search and by coincidence came here. I'm a hobby musician, playing many instruments and I was thinking it would be a nice idea to get a native american flute. I wouldn't want to spend too much and I would prefer something like starters package (flute, lessons, songbooks, flute bag...). If possible, from EU dealer, since I am from EU, but ordering from overseas is an option too.

Can you give me any suggestions?

Thank you for replies,
Marko

Hi Marko,

Welcome to the forum!

This is a great place to learn all about flutes, etc. I'm a newbie, too. Only been playing for about four months. These folks will give you all the info you need.

You can get a very nice flute from John Stillwell http://www.atflutes.com/cgibin/web_store.cgi for $125 but it isn't a package, just a flute. But for info you can go to a number of websites. One of the best is flutetree.com. It is a very comprehensive website.

There's also High Spirits flutes. It has a beginner package that has a flute, fleece bag, songbook, and a DVD. The link is: http://www.highspirits.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=35. I have never played one of these but others have said they play well. They are between $131 for a walnut flute and $158 for cedar.

Hope this helps. Others will have more suggestions.

Be warned. These things are addictive!!! You can't have just one! But that's part of the fun!

Again, welcome!

Greetings Marko, Glad to have you with us! You can also go online and check out the "Oregon Flute Store" they have every thing imaginable pertaining to the Native American Flutes Including Custom made flutes by many Makers and price ranges. Also have package deals on flutes,books, tapes, CD's you name it and they have it! Be waiting to hear from you soon! Many Blessings...Robert

Greetings Marko,

I would second the High Spirits recommendation. You can also get his from flutesonline.com.

If you're looking for low cost, there's also the option of going with a plastic flute. Although I don't own one, I've heard very good reviews of Ken Light's ABS flute which you can read about here. Cost is $67 which includes two keys, playing instructions and a bag to transport it around to all the new flute circles you find out about. It will be hard to beat this price, but then again you could make your own out of PVC for about 5 bucks. But then you'll likely get addicted to making flutes...it's easy to do.

Welcome to a wonderful group!

But didn't I read somewhere that Ken's flutes have a different fingering pattern?

Thank you guys for your warm welcome!

Your replies were very helpful, thank you! The High Spirit package is exactly what I was looking for but I won't rush into anything, I will read on flutes some more and browse the net, before I order.

Thank you for the warning, I'm already addicted, no help for me. I can't stop buying and learning new instruments. Just some time ago I bought a didgeridoo and I really enjoy it - that's also how I tought of native american flute, because both are native instruments of a dying race.

But it's such a nice addiction!! You don't really want help with it! You want to encourage it!! SO ... since you are a musical instrument lover, go to the World Flutes postings and whet your appetite!

Don't forget: it's a safe, healthy addiction - well, as long as you aren't playing while driving!

Marko, I bought a didge a couple years back from an Aussie (Phil Jones)who came to town and gave a workshop. It's really cool--authentic termite-hollowed eucalyptus, handmade and decorated by the aboriginal family of Naiuwa. He came back a year later and told me it had close to doubled in price. Anyway, it also led me to the native American flutes. I'm still struggling to learn circular breathing. Great for simple meditation, though.

You might get an argument about the "dying races." There seems to be something of a renaissance taking place.

Good luck with your musical journey. Keep us posted.

Mine is a termite hollowed too, painted by Rodney King - Jungala. It costed me $325 AUD and is my starting didge which I'll probably upgrade later. I'm struggling with circular breathing too, I can do it with a straw in water, I can do it without didge, but with didge I just can't get it right. I don't have enough pressure to mantain the vibrating lips.

I just found a nice free software for learning didge rhytms, it may help you with some nice practices. Be sure to download the rhytm database too.
You can download it here: PlayDidj

Thanks for the software recommendation. I can get the circular breathing on the didge for a moment or two, but it's always a shock--like drowning, taking on water--then I lose it.

Hello MarkO :

If native culture were dying this portal would not be on the web first off. Also the White Buffalo returned in 1994 and the Native Spirit is very strong. As someone said to me yesterday. Back in the 60's they didnt stop the powwow when an Eagle feather fell. Now they always stop it. I could go on and on. Native Spirituality is soaring .......the race did not die. You cannot kill spirit my friend. The sound of the drum and flute are everwhere. Read the Hopi Prophecy. ....4 Winds.

Yes, I used the wrong word, I apologize.
I heard about the Hopi prophecy and it could be true. We live in a strange time indeed. Hopi, Maya, Prophecy of Popes, Nostradamus and many others predicted something great in our era. We will see

Marko, John Vames is another source of flute/workbook combo. Also Carl Bludts in Belgium would be a possible source for you in the EU.

Vames link is:

http://www.flutejourneyworkshops.com/

Hope that helps.

Hey Marko,

I found another package deal you might want to check out:
http://oregonflutestore.com/home/of1/page_...e.html?ctpl=buy

Thank you all! You are great
I'll keep you informed on decision.

I decided I'll order from High Spirits. Their flutes are really beautiful for the money. I'm wondering what's the difference between cedar and walnut, which one should I get?

Thank you

Not a bad choice at all. The high Spirit Flutes are kinda mass produced but the finish is nice and the consistency is right on. Both Cedar and Walnut are nice tone woods. For your first flute, I would go with a Cedar A, second choice would be the G in Cedar.

Good Luck,
Ed

While I normally am a hardwood fan, in High Spirits flutes, I tend to like the cedar the best, and I cannot explain that.

It seem's to me that almost everyone's first flute was a High Spirits.I know mine was.A red tail hawk in G.Good luck Marko.

My first 3 flutes were all High Spirits: cedar A, walnut G and cedar F#.
good flutes all but to me it seems that the walnut sounds a little dull in colder weather, so when it comes to Odell's flutes I personally would stick with the cedar. I haven't noticed the problem with my other walnut flute.

High Spirits only offer's a few choices,and all the flutes in the same key look alike.No personal or custom made flutes.If I have a redtail hawk in G and a friend also has a G flute from High spirits,they look just alike.I like the custom idea myself.