Native American Style Flutes
Attention to those interested in ordering flutes:
At the present time, I am unable to make a flute for you. I humbly apologize to all
who have requested one recently. Feel free to check back, as this will change in the near
future. Thank you for your understanding.
Greetings!
Thank you for visiting! I have been a woodworker for over twenty years and I must say there has not been a venture more pleasurable than the reawakening of a tree's song.
I make my flutes similar to the Native-American tradition. They are end-blown rather than traverse, fipple style (a channel with either leather and/or a fetish on top), and 5-6 holes. They can range in size from 12" to about 32" in length (generally speaking, the longer the flute, the lower the tone and the larger the hand required to traverse the hole spacing). Most flutes are 'tuned to the tree' with one octave though I can make flutes in specific keys (usually 7 notes).
Each flute is custom-made to its caretaker, not only in hand but in heart. I can not make production order flutes (it would be like sending you a soulmate in the mail without ever knowing you! LOL) A part of flute-making is the ability to be a matchmaker so to speak. A flute's song should match your
soul's song, its hole-spacing -your hand, and its adornment -your spirit and personality. And finally and probably most important is its purpose -is it played mostly for yourself or others? -is it for meditative, spiritual, or medicinal purposes? -is it for ceremonial, recreational, or another particular purpose?
The woods I have used so far include the softwoods of pine, fir, white cedar, red cedar, and redwood; and the hardwoods of maple, oak, cherry, mahogany, and walnut. I am willing to try other woods as well as long as they are not endangered species or it is 'found' wood.
A favorite tree of the caretaker that has passed on often makes a very special flute.
Workmanship includes woodburning, carving, inlaid bandings, fetish styles, tonging, beading, and featherwork. You may also send items you wish incorporated into the flute such as feathers, stones, designs, etc. If you would like to participate in the making of your flute, this can also be arranged. I also try and work closely with the caretaker in selecting adornments that reflect their clan, totems, signs, or preference.
The price of the flutes are based on materials, workmanship, and sound quality. Because all of these factors will vary greatly among caretakers, price quotes are done on an individual basis. The average flute ranges from $75 to $150 though I have accepted a feather and a stone for payment on one and would not sell my own spiritual flute for any amount of money!
I will try my best to place a flute in your hands! For I wish all to share the pleasure and gifts mine have brought me.
Much of what I do is by the Spirit. You do not have to believe as I do for me to make a flute for you; however, it has been my experience that if you do not have an appreciation for such methods, it would be far quicker to find another
flute-maker. (You may wish to read the front section of my Flute-making Homepage). There are many fine flute-makers out there and I will try and help if that is your wish.
I make flutes only when I am led and expect those wishing one to choose me in this way as well. Please understand that I do not have ready-made flutes on hand. I am only able to make one flute at a time and for a specific person. For this reason, I do need to get to know the person a little before we can begin.
I also ask the person to try and allow the flute to choose them. I see flute-making as this type of mutual process. If you are interested in embarking on such a venture please contact me through my e-mail address below.
Excerpt from "The Last Buffalo"
Every tree has a soul....
Every soul,
A song!
Click to see if I am on to talk personally with you.
Walk in Peace,
Woodsman
Email: bgage@uky.campus.mci.net
