Does anyone have experience with Hopi flutes like the one Coyote Oldman sells? I read that they play and sound similar to an Anasazi except in B, and that they're shorter so easier for those who might have trouble reaching an Anasazi. I couldn't find a clip online to hear one.

I've been looking at Anasazis too, but unfortunately haven't had the luxury of ever holding one to know if I can reach it. I remember Noisy Bear saying it was quite a reach for him at 6'2". I'm 5'8". Anyone out there my size playing Anasazis, or am I out of luck? I love the otherworldly sound. Will the Hopi flute make a good substitute?

Hi Paul,

I don't have any experience with the Hopi flutes that Coyote Oldman makes. I had an original Anasazi that I had trouble reaching... I'm 5'6" (if I stretch ) At Zion, I bought one of his new A's... I love it! Much easier reach for me.

On another page, I just recieved one of Michael's new Mojave Flutes (Number 5). Rim blown like an Anasazi, but even shorter yet with 4 tone holes. Still messing around with it, but on a good day, overblows to 3 octaves. It's a blast! You might find that this would either one of these would be a great starter. The Mojave flutes aren't even on his web site... I played the proto at INAFA.

Hopes this helps!

Paul, if Jan Seiden can reach it, you can reach it!

The Hopi is a little shorter, and only 5 hole, not 6 hole. Not sure how the tuning is on it, as although I have tried them, the only one I have is the pvc version, from Michael, which I haven't taken the time to figure out the scale for. I have just been using it for practice, in getting sound.

I got Geoffrey's A, Anasazi, and it plays easier for me, as well as being more comfortable in the chin rest. I have always found Michael's Hopi and Anasazi flutes harder for me to play, and reaffirmed that fact, at Tahlequah. After getting Scott August's book, the scales are very different, so it will take me a while to get where I can play it, as this aging brain doesn't memorize well any more.

There will be another option available in Anasazi, in the spring, which is in R&D now. Stock is likely to be available about March. More about that later, when I have more concrete info. This may be a true rim blown flute, without any alteration of the rim, in the most faithful reproduction of the old flutes. How hard that will make them, to play, I can't say at this time, any more than I can be certain that's how the actual product will be.

Thanks for the info Tim and Rick. Forgot about Jan. I met her at the first Tallequah festival. As I recall, she's about my height, maybe a tad shorter. I wonder if she plays the A or A flat, or both.

Hmmm...Michael (love the aesthetics) or Geoffrey (ease of playing)--or wait until March for the mystery maker? With Geoffrey's flutes... redwood or cedar, signature or plain--or wait for the new decorated versions? A or A flat? Shakuhachi or Anasazi now or shakuhachi later? So many choices.

That's called exponential.

And just to add to the chaos, this Spring I'll be releasing some more Anasazi surprises as well

You got an auto-player planned? Seems as that's the most needed item.

On second thought, one of those mouthpiece attachments, like the Yuu shakuhachi has, would make things a tad simpler.

I was just going to coat the mouthpiece with alum, so as to facilitate a nice pucker. < Sort of like this guy...

Isn't that for use with treats next to the mistletoe?

Oh No !!!!! Now Ill have to decide between the G Anasazi in the Curly Douglas Fir or Curly Redwood or to hold off until spring and see the new toys or new versions of them!! Such dilemmas ! But I love emmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Anasazi Addict Blessings to All ...............Mike

What about a telescoping Anasazi! Then, short folks can play it and tall folks can extend the flute to their liking!!! Brilliant, huh?!

But I want credit for the idea! Let's see. You already have the Scott August Anasazi. What about Tootieflutie's Telescoping Wonder? That should about do it!

Well, no telescoping versions I'm afraid In the "non-surprise" category, I will be offering higher tunings (B flat, B, and C most likely). These will be much easier to reach, of course.

Geoffrey and Rick have successfully baited me to wait for the spring surprises in Anasazi offerings...So, I went ahead and bought what will probably be my last flute for the year--a Monty Levenson Tai Hei student 1.8 shakuhachi with his patented precision-cast bore technology. I got it off eBay (lightly used, new condition) with all the accessories (bindings, hard case, utaguchi cover, tsuyutoshi cleaning cloth and oil) for exactly half of what I would have paid directly. Here are the eBay pictures:

Click to view attachmentClick to view attachment[
ttachment=537:Tai_Hei_...uhachi_3.jpg]

I guess I have now officially crossed over to the dark side. It's partly Geoffrey and Rick's fault, though.

Nay, Paul, you have gone to the side of Zen, which is a good thing. You have also undertaken a challenge, but in the end, you have acquired a very nice starter flute, or just a first flute, since you may never reach the point of investing in the pricey shaks of the performer level.

You will likely spend a few months getting acquainted with this flute.(Or longer.)

Paul

There was a maker at Yosemite that made PVC Anasazi and I played one in B. It has a very good or easy reach. When Geoffrey starts making these I would suggest considering one of these. Good luck on the new Shak. One of these days I am going to stop and see Monty on one of my trips north. I drive right through the town he lives in going to my daughters home.