As a professional flute maker I hear from a lot of players who at one time or another have attempted to make their own flute. It is a tremendously rewarding thing to do (every pro maker started as an enthusiast who managed to craft their own flute), and I think it would be great to hear from folks who've tried it.

Now, I'm talking about "amateur" makers here, not folks who make them for a living! Let's hear from players who have tried it just for the sheer joy of it! Tell us what you made and how you like it, and share any advice that you might give to others who want to walk the same path.

I have made a Cherokee (SE tribes), style cane flute, with the help of an instructor. It was a cultural experience, but I intend to leave the flute making to those who are good at it. At least it played decently.

I have long enjoyed working with wood, carving, ect. I first picked up the NAF about a couple years ago but really got bitten last year.

I decided to try my hand at making and found it to be incredibly rewarding. The first one I made played and tuned reasonably well. Since then I've been committed to learing as much as I can about what makes them play and what factors contribute to sound quality.

At first they were all like my children, each special in thier own way, but considering the fact that they are meant to be played I began gifting flutes to friends and family (okay, my wife said "your Flutes are taking over my house"). Thus making room to make more flutes. About fifty flutes later I still enjoy the craft, and find it exciting every time a new flute shows me its voice.

I do sell some flutes here and there and usually re-invest the money in wood, shop supplies and tools. Most of all I still consider myself a student with much yet to learn. I have defiantely found the flute community welcoming with a tremendous willingness to share hard earned knowledge.

Greybeard
(Ed)

Hi Geoffrey!

I purchased my first NAF about 11 years ago but only started playing on a daily basis about a year ago. In the past year I purchased two more flutes. I've been woodworking for years, but never really connected my love of playing with my love of woodworking. During the fall of last year I decided to try making one. The end result was total exhiliration that I could make a block of wood sing. My two biggest issues were chiseling the sound hole and hole tuning. My first attempt certainly didn't sound like my favorite JP Gomez flute, but it holds a place in my heart as my first.

I purchased several new tools including a benchtop jointer, a lathe and a couple router bits (3/4" and 7/8" core box bits). My first flute was a G made from cedar. One thing I learned quickly was that the cedar I purchased from my local home improvement store had a very loose grain. It was easy to split which made it difficult to detail the sound hole. I kept splintering the cutting edge. Any advice on where to purchase quality aromatic cedar blanks would certainly be appreciated.

I can't wait to start on the next one!
Matt

Hi Matt,

Your story sounds familiar........ I know that feeling when the flute you've made first sings, Priceless!
Keep on experimenting and before long you'll end up like me with a houseful of flutes.

Enjoy the journey.

Greybeard (Ed)


(Edit) And if you haven't already, pick up a nice set of Hobby files for working on the sound mechanism. Also hit the CVS and get a package of Emory finger nail files they are cheap and great for finishishing those fine edges.

I made my first NA style flute. I was of bamboo and I made it in a class with my husband. Mine is an E (I always liked low flutes) and my husband's is a beautifully long and slender G. They are both airy - mine very much so and his less so. I play his from time to time because despite being airy, it is very responsive and sweet. Making those flutes got us started on our NA flute journey. I would love to make a wood flute, but don't have ny woodworking tools or experience. If a workshop becomes available nearby I would attend. I would love to try it in wood.
Michele

Thanks for the tip Ed! I'll definitely check the hobby and nail files out. I never thought about using emory boards.

Also, looking at your quote from Nakai...I was in his workshop in Raleigh as well, but unfortunately didn't get the pleasure of meeting you in person. Hopefully at the next CFC event.

I don't even know where to start, but I would love to make my own flute one day!

All I can tell you Wyrd is once you start there will be no turning back. I started making flutes about a year and a half ago.
As my collection grew, so did my experience, but the desire to make more has never faded. I gifted many, and sold some. Like others mostly to fund my habit. (most were gifted or sold to keep my inventory of personal flutes at a level my wife deems acceptable ) There are several good groups and forums that can steer you in the right direction, but BEWARE, the smell of sawdust is addicting and once you produce a flute that plays and sounds well, you will be hooked FOREVER!! I can't tell you how many flutes I have made, Lost count sooooo long ago. Now I serial number each one, just so I can keep track. The addiction goes very deep, very very deep. My "hobby" has turned into something that now "requires" some of my time, and I am currently constructing a web site. BUT even though the time is now "required", each time I step foot in my shop, my outlook on the day improves, and a new journey begins. I can't ask for more than that.

Anthony.

Hey everyone! My first flute was an eastern red cedar and even though it looks a little rough and wouldn't win any "Beauty Pagents" it has a really nice mellow sound and when a friend of mine later used his tuner on it, I found out it was actually on Key! I guess the Creator was holding my Hand that day for Sure cause Lord knows I didn't know what I was doing!!! Since I have made a few "rivercane flutes" and have actually made Two Rivercane "WalkingStick" flutes that have a Real nice "Voice" (at least they play all the Songs I know! ) Blessings...Robert

I've been playing now for about five years, mostly as a spiritual practice. I've not made a flute, myself, yet. But, I am getting to the point where I am really interested in working with a professional flute maker on a project to learn. Here's the deal, I will have a three month sabbatical this summer and am really interested to know if there are good flute makers out there, who would be interested in or already do offer the opportunity to have someone join them for a few days to a week to be "mentored" and actually come away with a flute they've made? This is something I've really thought I would like to include in my sabbatical.

Matt, I get my cedar blanks from Mitchell Hollow WWW.mitchellhollow@starband.net

These blanks are quality aromatic eastern red cedar and waxed at both ends to prevent dampnessl

Barry

I have found making some flutes gave me great insight into the whole NAF experince. I have made flutes with Ed Hrebec, Jim Pappas, Scott Loomis, to name a few. A person who is a great resource and gives workshops on flute building is Russ Wolf in Texas. His book the Flute Shop is a good resource for the maker just getting started. I have a friend who has started crafting flutes and has been using his book. It is available from the flute case store. Russ has been making flutes along time. (and makes great fltues) There is also a flute crafting iternet group moderated by Dusty Moore. You might watn to check out these resources along with a book by Keith Stanford of Cherry cow flutes! I met a young man at our Winter gathering that made an E m flute using Russ' book and it played great and it was his first flute in that key.

Making a great flute takes years of work and patience believe it or not. There are many more resources these days than when I got into this arena.

Russ Wolf is doing a flute making workshop for Heart of the Cedar circle, March 1st. Unfortunately, it is full, with a wait list, so if anyone has an interest, I can make note of it, for a future opportunity. I think he will start doing more workshops, in the future, as he can fit them into his schedule.

I have about 6 flutes from Russ Wolf, myself, and considering I am 10 mins. from him, it shouldn't be as hard to get them, as it is!

Thanks for the tip Barry! I will definitely check his web site out.

Ok, I guess it is time I said something about making my own flutes. First off, I am NOT a professional flute maker by a long stretch, but I cherish each and everyone that I have been blessed to be a part of. Most have worked out very well and some others, well.....
All you out there know what I mean. I have never attempted an all wooden flute, yet but, I have come up with some very interesting alternative materials. My favourite is the gourd flute which was the third flute I was involved with. Below you can view a pic of my gourd flute. It is in the key of F# and playes extreamily well with little or no watering out. Maybe it has to do with the fiberous material inside the SAC. I can play this flute for about three hours without any noticable change in pitch. Others that I am making are out of what I call mystery wood. Some of you know what this is, others are scratching their heads in wonder. I have three completed Mystery Wood flutes and just love them. Again, below is a pic of my "MW" hummingbird flute.
Leo White Bear

I made a five-hole cedar flute in a workshop taught by Raymond Redfeather. It turned out surprisingly well, considering I was the one putting all the holes in it! I finished and sealed it with the aid of another excellent flutemaker by the name of Leroy Cully. It has a loud voice and a good classic cedar tone to it.

I started making flutes in September 07. What I wanted to do at that time was to make a workable flute to gift. That was when the addiction kicked in. Flute making must be like cocaine in that once used must are hooked. Right, I was hooked but back to the question.

Yes I have made myself a flute. That flute demands to be mine. It started out normally and once taken off the lathe I realized that I had reduced the walls more than I wanted. My flute had turned so well I didn't stop in time. So thin walls and all I tried to xacto the SAC and TSH. Hmmm..... Too thin sound is very bad, fix it I tried. Out to the shop I went looking for something. I found a piece of trim I could shape to glue into the flue and re-cut the SAC and TSH into a working nest for my standard non-fancy bird.
That worked! I was sooooo happy I headed to the computer to run numbers for the finger holes. Then it was out to the drill press to make those little holes. Drilled, flute and I headed back inside. I gave it a toot and wow the first five holes sounded great. Then there was 6, disaster loomed but I was not seeing what was wrong. Then when I sat shaking my head and put the flute aside on the table I saw it. I had not stopped to think where the holes landed on my PITA flute. The holes were too far north, somewhere north of Anchorage probably closer to Barrow.

Not wanting to be defeated by a stick that had ideas of being firewood I forged ahead. The thin walls worried me. How to fill the holes so I could make this flute sing this was a challenge. Wood filler really was not what I wanted to do but I could. No keep thinking there has to be another way to do this. Aha, Inlace, why not I never have used that yet and I could use practice on something no one will see.

What I did not know was Inlace really needs a normal temperature to cure well. Oh well, why start thinking now, or reading the instructions either. But hey, it worked out okay and my interior tape held so I didn't have huge bumps inside. Now back to this hole thing.

Part of my confusion was because I made a short flute with a 1-inch bore. That made placing the holes dicey at best. Nevertheless, I knew there was a placement that would work. There had to be, right? Yes, there it was staring back at me for my laptop. I had found the right place, not too far north this was somewhere near Vancouver BC. Off to drill, fingers crossed I fumbled with the drill press. Okay I think I thought about everything.

Well it did sound almost right. Now get out the Korg, oops, they are sharp. I had used a bit that was too close to what I thought was going to work and I would have if... However, I know exactly how to fix it. You got it, Inlace, heck why not it can’t look any weirder or wackier can it.

Finally it was tuned and played two notes above the octave. That meant two notes I don’t use anyway since I toot poorly.

Oh I wanted to try ebonizing wood and this flute was willing to submit to any disaster I could conjure.

My flute sits by my chair and I play it nightly.

Terry

I made 1 flute at a Fallen Branch workshop in Shawnee, OK about a year and a half ago. It was enough to convince me I'd rather be a flute player than a flute maker.

Dennis

I am a cabinet maker by trade, but have always enjoyed carving and things of that nature. I have had a flute before was a kit that i got ata pow wow, never sounded to good had an over blow. But i did not know how to finish it properly, however i did not know that either. I have always loved the flute and have wanted to learn to make them. So I got Bill Hughes dvd and spiritmanwalking's book and have made three in the last month. Two single bores and one drone. I still have alot to learn as there is more to it than i thought, I still get one or twoo holes that arent right. They seem to be to big right off the bat, i'm starting them at about 1/8 of an inch. Don't kmow yet what im doing wrong but will keep trying, my scottish,german,native blood is too stubborn to give up that easy. Ron

I am a cabinet maker by trade, but have always enjoyed carving and things of that nature. I have had a flute before was a kit that i got ata pow wow, never sounded to good had an over blow. But i did not know how to finish it properly, however i did not know that either. I have always loved the flute and have wanted to learn to make them. So I got Bill Hughes dvd and spiritmanwalking's book and have made three in the last month. Two single bores and one drone. I still have alot to learn as there is more to it than i thought, I still get one or twoo holes that arent right. They seem to be to big right off the bat, i'm starting them at about 1/8 of an inch. Don't kmow yet what im doing wrong but will keep trying, my scottish,german,native blood is too stubborn to give up that easy.

I have tried making a flute twice back in 1991. About two years prior, I purchased my first Native flute at some Indian trading post between Altus and Lawton, Oklahoma. That was my first encounter with the Native flute. I used that flute as a reference two build my two flutes. The wood I used was pine and the flute wasn't tuned, which at the time I didn't know was possible. The flute had verily got any sound and my mom told me that the bird block was a cute little squirrel. I made one more flute, which I gave to a friend and that was it as far as my flute making went. Now, I decide to just leave the flute making to the professionals. My dad still has the first flute I made though.

I just got my first flute (High Spirits Golden Eagle) for Christmas in 2005. Just two months later, I was able to take a flute making class from Raymond Redfeather. It was quite a coincidence. I was thinking about buying a flute kit from Stellar and carving it round myself. In looking for tools I ended up at WoodCraft's website and wondered if they had any wood carving classes. I looked and lo and behold, an actual flute-making class!

This was my first attempt at ANY kind of woodworking. I had no experience whatsoever. However, it came out pretty nice and plays fairly well. Here's a link to some photos:

My first flute

It was a 2-day class. I thought about making more, but it just wasn't practical. No shop, no space to turn into a shop, no tools, wife and two young daughters - maybe another time.

However, it was a great experience and I'd like to do it again sometime. The hardest part was filing the nest down flat. Raymond made us do that with a plain file. It's not perfectly flat.

Jason

Hey Matt, I purchase my cedar blanks from Mitchell Hollow (mitchellhollow@starbrand.net or 1-417-778-6908). I have never been unhappy with their blanks or price.

Barry

Very nice flute there Jason. I know that it was a rush hearing that first sound come out of a piece of wood that holds your sweat and maybe a little blood.
dd

Here it is. This is the first flute that I have made by myself. It sounds good and I like the way it feels in my hand. But, in my haste to get started making flutes, I rushed out and purchased bamboo from Garden Ridge. I have since learned that the bamboo must go through a heat treating process that I can not perform on this bamboo as it is already dry. As a matter of fact, it split in several places after about 5 minutes of playing it the first time (surprise, surprise). Also, this bamboo has probably been treated with pesticides to keep critters out of it as it traveled across the seven seas to get here. So, I learned my lesson not to rush into anything with thoroughly getting my facts up front. Having said this, I can and still do play it and actually used this flute in our first annual people's choice contest. But, can't give away anymore about the sound or folks might be able to tell which song was mine At least then maybe I would get some sympathy votes This flute isn't much to look at but it is the beginning of a long love affair.

Hi Geofrey, I made my first flute using Raymond Redfeather's dvd. It was totally hand made but worked out fine. I am making a second turned on a lathe and am in the process of tuning. Sounds ok so far. Have also made a bamboo flute and a plastic shakuhachi. It really is very satisfying and fun.

Hi Ashtar,

Welcome to the forum! So glad you've joined us!

I have not made a flute myself, but I do have a kit from Stellar flutes that is half finished. I sanded down all the square edges myself and ended up covered in a thick layer of sawdust, LOL! I need to take it to my Granddad's so I can borrow his help and his sanding machine to narrow down the mouthpiece end...otherwise it's going to take me forever with just a sheet of sandpaper and my hands!

Flute making doesn't really appeal to me to be honest, I'd much rather be playing them and "leave it to the professionals" as Nate said

i have been making them for about 1 1/2 years, sold a few but mainly for myself-----I take personal pleasure in playing something i have made from nothing --------it truly is a good feeling\her are a couple that i have done

being a Martin guitar master repairman I love working with acoustic instruments. I play the clarinets as well and back in the day I came into posession of some great bamboo from which I made my very first flutes, not NAF type. I made one end blown and one side blown just as a lark. just two months ago I heard my first Native flute music and thought it would be a wonderful instrument to play. I am now making my very first NAF style flute ( just got the "fipple" area finished last night and tested the voice) I'm hooked. When I was bitten by the bug, I started to research the history, qualities and materials of these flutes. Now I know I will be making a lot of these flutes. I already have some nice pear wood cut for the second flute and am ordering some more tone woods to use for more. I will eventually purchase a few flutes from others I'm sure. I am voicing this first one the old way, by body measurements.

For me I'm certain it will be one more musical obsession. I will use all the wood knowledge I have from guitars and carpentry work. I found a couple of branches on a maple tree that look like they need to become flutes so the saw will come out and I will kiln dry the wood.

Oh here is a tip for anyone that wants to collect green wood. wax on the ends slows the drying process and stops splitting while drying. When you get wood that the end grain is waxed, you have found a properly dried piece.

Hi all,

I am a concert pedal harp repairman by trade.
I have my own woodshop at home and do a lot of experiementing with carving machines I built and sculpting and lathe stuff.
Nothing is more magical than to take a piece of wood or a split from a log and get it to sing.
I found this after going from stringed instrument repair to making Uillean bagpipes and a few penny whistles and then a few Native American flutes.
I will make more. I like taking things from beginning to end. I cut down an Ossage Orange tree and a dead Walnut tree that I use. I also like to carve things from half rotten logs.
It is so mezmerising wathing a shape come out during turning or carving, but nothing compares to hearing the first notes from a piece of wood you split, cut and shaped yourself.

I am no expert and have a lot to learn. I look forward to seeing and learning more on this forum.
I really enjoy what I have seen so far.
http://www.esnips.com/web/NativeAmericantypeFlutes

Bob

Hi! I have been a piper for 35/40 years and recently have wanted a NAF so I made one a low C which is ok but the air flies through sounds good though, may narrow the flue to try cure the problem, I then made anothe low C which is just gorgeous,

I made this one with the flue in the block as averse to the 1st one which is in the body, I also made a few mistakes (it was fighting back) so I ended up with extending the south end then cutting it in two as I measured the holes 1/2" to low, it now plays beautifull and has a removable head,

I intend to take advantage of this by making two lower sections one in low D and one in low E so that they will be interchangeable,

ITS ADDICTIVE!!!!!!!! I have since made 5 High G flutes an high E and F# and have plans to make many more with just the idea of getting the best sound I can, maybe even a drone flute, I would appreciate any helpful comments on the drone side of things,

I will be having a heart bypass on the 11th Jan. and after I recover the flutes will roll,

happy new year ya all, from Scotland Argyll

Hey Gravedigger,

I had valve replacement surgery almost 4 years ago and seem to be doing well. Just take care of yourself and don't try to do too much right off the bat.

Your flutes will help you regain your breath and will help your peace but don't loose the pillow they will give you for when you have to cough or laugh.

Roger

Hi gravedigger,

Welcome to the forum!

You've come to the right place! Lots of helpful folks here!

Blessings and prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery!

I have been making flutes for 5 years now. I started out making transverse bamboo in numerous scales, then moved into Native American style after hearing one, buying one, taking it apart and realizing...hey I can make this! Thats it...a couple thousand flutes later I still occassionally make my bamboo flutes but mainly stay focused on the NA Style. I cant seem to get away from that sound we have all come to love...

Welcome to the Forum Gravedigger.

My Uncle is a long time Piper, also Penny Whistle and low flutes. I recently gifted him an NAF and he loves it too.

Best of luck with your surgery. I wish you a speedy recover and fast return to you flute making persuits.

Best,
Ed

Welcome to the forums, Gravedigger!

DancingBear

Hello All,

Thought I'd send a few photos of my first efforts in my flute making journey. Both flutes were made following the instruction of Russ Wolf's book "Flute Shop," using cedar blanks that I also got from Russ. Many thanks to Russ for his tutoring...he was always willing to answer my questions and encourage me as I worked on my first flute! Thanks also to Kuzin' Bruce who recommended that I contact Russ to begin my journey, and to Ed "Greybeard" Dougherty who also was more than willing to mentor me as I worked on my second flute. Many blessings and respect to all of you!!!

My first flute is the plain cedar one, in the key of "G," and was simply finished using low gloss tung oil to accentuate the beautiful grain of the wood. (Please pardon the plain block on this one...I will do a nicer one soon...this is my "test block!" ) The second flute was built as an homage to Roger McGee and his wonderful flutes, which I admire greatly!! It is in the key of "A," and plays beautifully and "sounds happy" (that's Patty's description of the tone of this flute!) I had a wonderful time with these two flutes, and have already begun my next two...this may prove to be even more addicting than buying flutes! Lastly, but not leastly...my hat is off to all of you flute makers out there. I am humbled by the experience, and have a deeper respect for the flute maker and the craft...Thank you...Peace...

Tom

Congratulations Tom, they look great, specially the one that resembles Mcgee's.

Hugo

Nice looking work. Did you have any woodworking experience previously? One day I might give it a go just to say I did, but I have no shop skills or tools.

Way yo go my friend. They both look like wonderful flutes, superbe for a first effort. I knew that you had it in ya!

As to the above statement....... Yeah, it is addicting but mostly it is fulfilling.

Best,
Ed

Those are both important Paul but don't let the lack of either stop you from giving it a go. Keep your eyes open for a "flutemaking workshop". If that is the only flute that you ever make, it will absolutely give you a new appreciation for your favorites in your collection.

Ed

Thank you very much Paul! No, I have no previous woodworking experience to speak of. I have, done some carpentry in the form of remodeling my house, but other than routing the edges of a board here and there to make a plaque, no other woodworking experience. Both of these flutes were carved with X-Acto knives, an old hacksaw, an old single speed Craftsman dremel tool and a way too big 18V Craftsman cordless drill. Oh, and lots of sandpaper! I say give it a try! And don't forget a good book to get you started. I'm obviously partial to Russ Wolf's book but there are others. I'm looking forward to learning more and taking this further, now that I know that I don't need a shop full of machines or special tools. Just plain old patience and a willingness to learn! Peace...
Tom

Thank you also for your kind words, Hugo!!!

Thank you so much Ed! I really appreciate your help, suggestions and inspiration and yes...I do feel a great sense of fulfillment and satisfaction! I'm looking forward to taking on more of the process in the future, so I know I'll be buggin' you again asking for more advice. Hope you won't mind so much! Peace...
Tom

Bug away. Any way that I can help, let me know, I don't mind in the least.

Thanks, Tom. That's really encouraging. Not to say if you can do it I can do it, but you give me hope.

Hey Tom,
Congratulations on your first flutes! You are in trouble now! The cars will stop fitting in the garage because you just had to have that new woodworking tool. You will find a way to heat the garage...maybe even a cot for a snoozer in between flutes on an all nighter....you get the picture.

I am glad that you have the opportunity to make a flute from your own hands. I think it is one of the biggest gifts that I have in my life and I find it very exciting to see other folks feel the same.

If you get down to Denver be sure to come by my studio...

Be Spirited,
John

Ahhh No truer words have been spoken. I found a way to stay warm. The car still fits, but its getting tight. And I have spent many nights just doing my thing, only to look at the clock and realize that it's 4:30 in the morning. Suddenly I begin to feel tired (can't imagine why) The hypnotic effect flute crafting has is BEYOND addictive, and the rewards when you hear that first fundamental are astounding.

Hooked for life.

Anthony

Wow, Tom! Nice work! Looks like you've been making flutes for years!