I have a very open ended question but thought what the heck so I will ask it anyway. Before the question, a little about myself. I have been intrigued by the sound of the naf but honestly have little to no musical ability. At one time I thought about trying to learn the harmonica but gave that up in relatively short order as I didn't feel like I was progressing and enjoying myself. I would like to try to learn the naf and hopefully will enjoy it and see it through. Now for the questions.

1. What key flute would you recommend for a first flute?

2. Is there any flute that you would recommend that isn't in the $150-200 range? If I stick with it, I wouldn't mind paying more but if it ends up collecting dust I would hate to have to much invested.

3. If I do purchase a flute, do you recommend a book to learn by or DVD and which one?

I am sure more questions will follow. Thanks for your patience in trying to help.

Rex

1. not knowing your height and arm length, i would recommend a flute in the key of mid G minor.
2. possibly High Spirits; my recommended makers cost more. unless you can find one that makes a pvc flute.
3. John Vames's "The Native Americna Flute: Understanding the Gift".

BTW, welcome to the forum.

angel

Rex,

First, welcome to the Forum. I'm sure the advise that you get here will help launch your flute journey.

For a first flute a mid-range is a great choice, somewhere from A-F#. The High Spirits are a very reasonable pick for a first flute and often come with some learning resources. Here is an example:

http://www.flutesonline.com/flutestore/pro...=253&page=1

Some folks here have a musical background, but like yourself (me too) most do not. It doesn't at all mean that you aren't capable, as I once convinced myself. I was drawn to the flute as you are now and starting out I made some mistakes buying either the wrong flute or a plain lousy flute. When I finally picked up a High Spirits A, I realized that my learning to play was indeed possible.

Find your flute and with the help of the good folks here I am confident that you'll find it possible too.

Best,
ED

I have to say that I whole heartedly agree with Ed. I started with a Gm and had a variety of problems that just didn't work very well for me. I was later introduced to and Am (by High Spirits) and a lot of things fell into place.

That starter pack looks like a very good combination, or you could pick and choose parts of it directly from High Spirits or perhaps the Oregon Flute Store.

Welcome and good luck. These things are strangely addictive.

Roger

As far as bang for your buck, High Spirits is a good one to start with, as is Kuzin Bruce. I have a High Spirits flute - don't have any Kuzin Bruce flutes.

As for the key, it would probably be best to start with a G or higher. High Spirits flutes are very good about being easy to finger as the holes are close together.

My first recommendation would be to go to the High Spirits website and check out the flutes in your price range such as the Sparrow Hawk, Whitetail Hawk and Merlin. Listen to the sound clips for what you like the best. You can save a little more by getting Spanish Cedar where available if you want.

Another option to keep the price low is the Little Hawk by High Spirits. The disadvantage (personal opinion) is that it's only a five-hole flute.

As for learning, start with YouTube. Odell Borg (High Spirits) has put his complete beginner's DVD there broken up into short videos. There are lots of other NAF videos on YouTube as well that you can learn from. I also agree that the John Vames book is a good one for getting started.

I only mention High Spirits so many times because if you're looking at flutes in the sub $100 range or so, there are a lot that are of poor quality. While there are plenty of better made flutes out there, it's generally agreed upon that High Spirits does make a good flute for the price and they're generally in stock. You can just order one and don't have to wait.

BTW, you shouldn't have a problem playing the NAF. It's one of the simplest melodic instruments available. Because of the tuning, simply going up and down the scale sounds nice.

Hope that helps,
Jason

Hi Rex!

Welcome to the forum! You're going to love it here!

I would highly recommend a Jonah Thompson flute for $49.95 plus shipping. It is in the key of A and is easy to play. Here is the link: http://www.cedarflutes.com/navajo_flutes_b...ah_thompson.htm

The NAF is not hard to play. All you do is cover up the holes and gently blow into the thing. (I tried the harmonica, too. Way harder.) You can get plenty of free sheet music here:
http://www.flutetree.com/songbook/contemporary/index.html

Or you can just noodle around and make up your own songs. It is a very peaceful and relaxing instrument! Just enjoy it!

Blessings as you embark on a wonderful journey!

Welcome to the forum.

You can get John Vames book, "Understanding the Gift", which is an excellent primer on playing, with CD. Along with that, you can usually get it in a package with either a Jonah Thompson (JT Navajo), or a Butch Hall A flute, all for one money.

http://www.flutejourneyworkshops.com/

Both of those flute options are for a very good flute, that will be easy to finger in that size, making learning very comfortable.

I too would go with a High Spirits. I've got two and enjoy them both. They are easy to play! Don't worry about learning- I can't read a note or play any other instrument and the NAF was easy to pick up. Also easy to get addicted to!

Welcome, Penni

I gave this answer yesterday and it is one of the "lost posts". OOOHHH anything to do with Halloween aproaching?

Anyway Butch Hall makes a great flute in A called the "Little Horse" which sells for around $50. Its a good starter flute and is the one used in a beginners class held yearly here in Central Oklahoma.

Well I found out today that my flute has shipped. I should get it by Tuesday of next week. Can't wait to get it. I will keep everyone posted on the progress or maybe the lack of progress. We will just have to wait and see.

Rex

Congratulations Rex. And so it begins.......................................................................

Well... what did you order?

Jason

Radio the "Mothership" we're about to assimilate another one!

My Congrats to Rex.

Clear Notes,

As Lay's likes to say.......you can never have just one.

I went with the beginner set from High Spirits Flutes in the walnut. Anxiously waiting!!

Welcome to the forum and the adventure with your new flute. I got into making flutes and that resulted in my wife getting into playing her first ever musical instrument. Now it is hard to get her away from it for more than an hour I still have to do the finish sanding on her flute but I can't seem to get it away from her long enough to do that. I wish you many blessed hours with your new flute and know that you will love it.