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| INDIAN LOVE FLUTES I started making flutes about four years ago. How I got started was from meeting a man playing the flute outside the Mountain Made Music Store in Nashville, In. His name was Jimmy Bear. He had several of his flutes on display and they were sold inside the store. Striking up a conversation, while handling some of his beautiful flutes, he was telling me some of the work steps that were involved in making them. I told him I always loved the haunting sound of the flute and would like to build and play my own someday. I love working with and the feel of wood. He graciously invited me to his home to show me his shop and go through the steps in making one. A date was set-up and after spending some time with him, purchasing a couple of his fine flutes and several phone calls another flute builder was born. Wa-do Jimmy Bear, I will always be thankful for your invitation to your home and your generous sharing of knowledge. I use a combination of old and new techniques in building flutes. Most is done by hand. My flutes are made from several different native and exotic woods. Some of the woods I use are Cherry, Walnut, Yellow Popular, Oaks and Aromic Red Cedar. Cedar seems to be the most favored. Some of the more exotic woods are Purple Heart, Pudac, Aspen and Wendge. If someone wants a different wood, normally I can get it. I have made many designs of the fetish or bird and sometimes called a totem. This is what sits on the flute to direct the air flow. Some of those are Dove, Eagle head, Hawk's head, Fox, Wolf's head, Sea Bird, and a Horse head. If someone wants something special and maybe more unique I will do my best to make it. Most of my five hole flutes are tuned in the key of G. I make some smaller six hole flutes in the key of A. I have also made some larger flutes in the key of F. Many steps are taken in the tuning of a flute. I use a electronic tuner in getting a more precise key. My hearing is not as tone sensitive as it use to be (age may have something to do with that) and the electronic tuner assures me that it is tuned properly. Most importantly I want the spirit of the wood and tree from which the flute was born to be heard while playing. I always have a small selection of flutes on hand but most are made on order. It normally takes from two to three weeks, depending on how many I am working on. Be patient and you will not be disappointed. If you are in a hurry for a flute, I can connect you with other reputable flute makers who may have what your are looking for on hand. I will try and keep some pictured here that I have ready for sale. So keep checking back if you are not certain what you want and will only know when you see it. |
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