I’m a transit bus driver, one-off my holdover parking spots I wait at has a prolific bamboo grove nearby. So yesterday I cut a nice piece and made my first flute! Thanks for taking the time to show us this fun project
I have lots of cane and bamboo in my shop I've accumulated over the years, and you finally told me what to do with it!!! From a burned out software engineer... THANK YOU! And to everyone else... THANKS FOR THINKING!
Just made my first bamboo flute and I have now found a whole new hobby. I am making adjustments to tune it, but I must thank you for making these videos!
I came across this series and gave it a shot using some bamboo that grows in my yard. After about five hours I have a flute😆 It actually sounds nice. However, I think I'll leave it to the pro to make a beautiful Native American flute for me, so I ordered one from your website last night and excited about that. Thanks Charlie!!!
This 3 part series was great. After four attempts over the course of a few months, I just finished a bamboo flute that sounds very nice. A very personal experience, it is as if the flute, the notes and I are one.
I enjoyed this set of 3 videos. It is very interesting to see it really is possible to make a flute with very basic tools, it just takes more time. The modern tools make it possible to get the jobs done more quickly. I like to try to visualize how people would have made flutes hundreds or thousands of years ago. I think that living a lifestyle in which everything takes longer to accomplish would foster patience and persistence.
Once again, a great set of instructions! "Excellent!" I do appreciate you showing alternative methods and tools. Some of your "prattle" contains significant tips and tricks, such why you use leather and only using your knife "sideways". Very much appreciated.
Okay I'm 15min into this and I'm going to stop for now. You have done a fine job at laying out the basics. I'm going to get started. I can see that getting that area where the block goes, perfectly flat is the biggest challenge. Woo-hoo. I made a flute. It sounds like a wounded cat. But there are unfinished areas that need attention. But it flutes! Thanks Charlie 😊
I make self bows and cedar arrows for hunting. I have come to love my 6" tile saw. Its a basic open frame saw like yours, using a burred round wire blade which I use to cut shafts, knocks as well as scoring bamboo. Its a wider cut but is excellent in place of sticky toothy blades for fragile work! Great video, cant wait to find some time to use some of my dried canes!
+Tracy L Also, I knew there was a reason I spent too much time brain tanning all of my hides, realistically this will likely be my first use for my leather!
Just made my first one thanks to you @BlueBearFlutes. I used a piece of all thread to sand down the blocked chamber at the end worked great with little chance of damage.
Cool. With the millions of flutes I've made, I have not yet used all-thread to clean them out. Well, not that I remember anyway. Drill and sanding rods work great, too!
Hi. Just wanted to say thank you and happy holidays to you. Today my girlfriend was trying to make a flute out of a plastic Candy Cane tube for her Daughter but failed badly. It had dawned on me that I chopped down some bamboo this summer and had it off to the side of the house. But I didn't know how to make one. I'm a carpenter by trade and I figured I would try and make one. So I went on RUclips looking for the answer and found you. Honestly I couldn't have found a better video for this situation. You make a good teacher and it's obvious that you know what your doing so don't let people say differently. I have many different ways to make this flute and all kinds of tools but that's not what I had in mind. The whole idea was to do it with less and that's what the adventure was all about. Patience and practice is the lesson and to understand the people can do this with a little bit of patience and practice just by trying. I owe you a great thanks for this video.
Great series of videos, loved the way you used different techniques to teach the many different ways of making a flute. i really look forward to more videos in the future and will soon try to make my first flute. thanks for all the instruction
Thank you for these tutorials! I followed it today and now have a fully functional bamboo flute! Mine sounds really quiet and breathy, because I wasn't able to get the sound holes very refined, but honestly, I don't even mind. I started out thinking I was unlikely to get any sound out of it at all, and the fact that it plays (and plays in tune) is really awesome.
Hey. My brother also makes and plays native flutes. I have a back yard full of bamboo! Your videos are great and appreciated. I would like more info on tuning and how to gage the sound holes on larger and smaller circumference sizes. Great videos and happy days
Shout out thanks to bluebearflutes!! I learned how to perfect the sound hole and the burn technique you showed in previous videos. Just perfect and thank you for the videos and knowledge!!🙌
Tools needed for project: 1. Hacksaw 2. Pocket knife 3. Extra pieces of bamboo to use as tools 4. Sand paper 5. Small clamp, to hold small parts 6. Table saw, used as work bench 7. Drill bit, to make holes bigger. 8. Torch, used to heat wood burner 9. Metal rod, used as a wood burner 10. Belt sander 11. Leather cord Now your statement about there is that one guys saying you didnt use just a hacksaw and knife is a true statement. I got your back. Good video.
I guess that means 14. Air 15. Breakfast 16. Patience and humility of a saint 17. Cunning wit to overcome said Mr thumbs down and so on. Stir that all together along with a little bit of "this statement was already true" and heat at 98.6 degrees.
the cold steel Finn wolf has a Scandinavian blade grind and its a folding knife ...I think you would do wonders with one or a cheap morakniv because of the scandi grind...cuts bamboo like butter...great video and thanks for keeping tradition brother
Thank U so much for this inspiring video. It’s freaking awesome! And an answer to my dream last night where I was playing a flute. There can’t be coincidence.....this afternoon I sat at a garden, full of bamboo, which will soon be removed due to house demolition. Greetings from Amsterdam, the Netherlands!
well basically you did that with a stone (hammer) flintstone knife and an arrow. I loved this video...i personally use round supply and sound hole with a bit deeper of a track...I would definitly try squares and see how it goes. Thank you so much for this amazing presentation man.
Thank you so much for the effort you go to in sharing your gift of flutes and life in general. I feel it a great privilege to view and learn from your videos these past couple months. Just received my order of 25)6'x1" bamboo from Lowe's and I'm preparing to wade into "flute making" for my grandchildren (8&6). 66YO crippled by many years of hard labor & hard living, your videos give me inspiration. I'm tone deaf and can't play a lick of music but I am mechanically inclined. So with electronic tuning and your guiding hand I figure I can "getter dun". You must use a ton of 1# propane. There is an adapter & hose from 20# propane grill tank ($13.00 per refill or $19.00 for exchange here) to your type of torch and no disposal. BTW: Is that Jesse, River or another family member accompanying you during the video speed bump? Beautiful music!
I wish there was a thumbs middle that I can put out instead of a thumbs up or down because your comment is all over the place! 😂 I can certainly see how some people can benefit from "structure"! I hate being bipolar too it's awesome!
I have lots of that bamboo. Gonna take a couple days journey to make one. It will be nice to be able to say I made one myself. It’s one thing to say you know something or someone but unless you know how it’s made or their make up(ways) then you can yadah it or them. Tinkering is fun!
@@BlueBearFlutes yes you do and very helpful. You are highly skilled. I am glad I have enough to practice on. I will need it. Your experience made it look easy. I also be getting your book. That will help me I am positive!
Thank You for sharing your knowledge. I have made some flutes including bamboo. I have a stand of it behind my shop, handy indeed! I have found that if I don't heat treat the bamboo it will split eventually. So before I make the holes I will turn it around and around until I see some sap comming to the surface. I spin it using a dowel rod inside. This will prevent any cracking or splitting. Of course you do need to be sure there is a hole if the bamboo hasn't been drilled at all as it will explode or pop. I should say that I will drill tiny finger holes first then proceed after heating. Have you ever done this? So I am learning more from you and kind Thanks again! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Recently found a considerable amount of bamboo driftwood (I didnt take most of it) and been needing to find projects to do. Seems as if im going to make a flute
EXCELLENT Tutorial.. I have always wanted to know how to make a Native Indigenous flute out of bamboo. I have a yard filled with it and now I can finally make one. I have enough to make mistakes and still have enough until I get it right.. :-).. and with much thanks AND gratitude .. WANKA TANKA NICI UN (Walk with the Great Spirit Always) my brother..
It really depends on the flute you're making. They would be random various sizes and diameters depending on what tone flute you want to make. Please check out my other videos for more details.
Great series of videos on flute building. Can you explain why you chose to use sunflower oil? I have read a recent tip of using tea tree because of its anti fungus nature. many thanks
Thank you! Sunflower by itself would go bad without adding the tea tree oil to it. Tea tree oil by itself would dry the flute out. We've always used another main oil as a carrier and as the moisturizer. We do have a video on making our wax/oil combo which may help you out.
I had a good laugh at 2:25 with "I used my pocket knife" on the lace...Ahaahaaa! haters be damned, the title doesn't have to list EVERY damn thing you use, thanks for the series, I will be trying to make one myself!
I have that exact model pocket knife. Pretty decent knife, but I badly need to sharpen the poor thing. Also, Charlie, you remind me of Bob Ross for some reason.
very amazing work bro, im from mexico and im making flutes too, lol... i watched some videos for native american flutes, im trying to build my 1st one, but im kinda stuck at the supply and sound holes... kind u give some advice about how is the form from the inside carving, from those holes, i understand that if its 45 degrees or something, its gives the separation of the air... ill be watching some more videos of u n i hope one day we can meet to exchange some ideas about traditions and flutes, im gonna do a channel tho about all kinds off flutes and how to make them... thank u n have a cool day!
No wonder i was doing everything wrong, I just made wholes and started blowing but nothing happend hahaha. thank you for the tips and hints i can't wait to make one but this time your way sounds promising. Once again thank you very much. One question though! can i add more wholes for more notes?
Good question! The answer is very critical. It is simply another part of the tuning process. If it were too short or too long, the bottom note would be too high or too low. It is possible to make it longer however and drill are escape holes for intonation.
Hello it is great video. I tried it out however the sounds for each hole is out. May I know what is the note for each hole? I use a tuner to identify the notes. Thanks in advance.
Donald Preston Hi Donald, thanks for watching my videos. The shop in the video is a portable garage, however I recently purchased a new shop last week where the new videos will be made! Keep watching as we have a couple planned this week.
Hi , I enjoy your videos and have learned a lot about the flute. I completed my first flute from a tiki torch. It works but seems to change tone if blown just a little too hard. it seems to be overly sensitive about this, more so when the bottom three holes are covered. Is there something I've done wrong to cause this and can it be corrected? Thanks
Thank you for a great video series Charlie. I am pumped to get started. However I drilled out a 3/4 inch piece of Chinese bamboo and didn't leave a blockage on the inside. Is there a way to insert a plug? Best wishes, Mike
Hey Mike, absolutely! I hope you have already found my video on that by now! if you need any other help, send me a message on my website and I'll be glad to help!
Hey Charlie, this was a great series of videos! I really enjoyed them and they gave great guidance to me. I just tried to make my first flute but I couldn't get any sound out of it. Is there anything you would recommend that I check or fix? I know it's kind of a vague question but just thought I'd ask, thanks!
Hey Noah! Great to hear from you! There could be a number of reasons it's not making sound. Can you email me a picture of it? Contact me through my website bluebearflutes.com and I will reply with an email address. 🙂👍
BBA you worry to much, it's kind of obvious that one can make a flute with the simple tools you claim. One might even do with out the hack saw if ya' got lucky and found the right length of cane...Cool video. What about making a titanium blow gun from a repurposed high end ski pole and a safety pin? LOL the deluxe model has cane stoppers to boot.
Sorry for the delay. You're right, it is difficult to teach others to play the quena. I think the real trick is not to give up on trying and when you get it, you get it. Its always best to look in the mirror when learning a embouchure controlled instrument. I do have a couple of bansuris and I love them! Thanks again for watching my friend!
I started to make another flute...based on the dimensions you have provided. I cut the air supply hole, the sound hole and the track. I have not yet cut the 5 holes for the notes. The problem is I have to blow very lightly to get a 440 Hz A or it pitches up. Is it possible I cut the track a bit too deep?
TheZooman22 Contact me via my website so I can have you email me some pictures. I have an idea what's going on, but I would like to make sure I see it.
It's almost true Bob! I have made flutes and instruments out of so many things. What I need to do is go back and make videos for several of them the I haven't posted on RUclips. Thanks for watching my friend!
Roger ( Little hawk) Casteel I have used tooling leather for a tone block found it seals as good or better than wood. Is there any feedback on this idea?
@@BlueBearFlutes Smart guys often have the same ideas... ;) (even more when the Ideas are so obvious like this one) I've just finished my first flute following (mostly) Your instruction videos and I'm really amazed about the result! You can see it here: ruclips.net/video/Tq53bz1i1AE/видео.html Thanks again for this inspiration!
Many people, including Charie herself, ask themselves this one question. This is my answer as a flute player. First a 5-hole flute, now a 6-hole flute? Why is this so now, think about it? Is the third hole realy and only there to keep it closed for all times while playing the flute? For people who are taught this: Only use flutes with 5 holes. For people who want to use flutes with 6 holes and this just because this 6th hole is there? Use this 6th hole for what it is intended to close and then open again and close again and again, just like all other holes in the flute, because this is the 6th hole, the third hole in the flute, there, that's what it's meant for. Pentatonnic scale, what does this mean in a 5-hole flute? Only the 5 tones from top to bottom and nothing else? NO, because if you, for example, open certain holes halfway, you will also get half tones, and just before that, this 6th hole in a 6-hole flute, or 3rd hole in the flute, is meant as an enrichment and added value to the flute and an enrichment for the flute player. Have courage and play the music that you would like to play, and if you need half notes so more than on a 5-hole flute, there is the possibility of a 6-hole flute because for this reason a 6-hole has flute 6 holes. It is the best of all worlds. As Charlie would say, didn't he, Charlie? ;)
I’m a transit bus driver, one-off my holdover parking spots I wait at has a prolific bamboo grove nearby. So yesterday I cut a nice piece and made my first flute! Thanks for taking the time to show us this fun project
Awesome!!!
I have lots of cane and bamboo in my shop I've accumulated over the years, and you finally told me what to do with it!!!
From a burned out software engineer... THANK YOU!
And to everyone else... THANKS FOR THINKING!
Time to get busy I'd say lol
Just made my first bamboo flute and I have now found a whole new hobby. I am making adjustments to tune it, but I must thank you for making these videos!
I came across this series and gave it a shot using some bamboo that grows in my yard. After about five hours I have a flute😆
It actually sounds nice. However, I think I'll leave it to the pro to make a beautiful Native American flute for me, so I ordered one from your website last night and excited about that. Thanks Charlie!!!
Thank you my friend! You are appreciated. Keep in mind we do have flute playing videos as well as music videos and a little comedy once in awhile!
Bronco2
Thank you Charlie, for the three videos. My wife is part Cherokee and I hope to make one of these flutes for her.
That's great! I am sure she will love it :)
I am doing the same for mine who is also part Cherokee.
An excellent series of videos. Thanks very much.
Greetings from Northern Ireland.3 excellent videos, thank you.
Thank you!
Greeting from Brazil 🇧🇷 what’s the sound track of this video ? Thank you
Now that was some good detailed info! Thank You
😇🙏👍
😃
This 3 part series was great. After four attempts over the course of a few months, I just finished a bamboo flute that sounds very nice. A very personal experience, it is as if the flute, the notes and I are one.
TheZooman22 Thank you, it is always great to hear when someone is successful!
I enjoyed this set of 3 videos. It is very interesting to see it really is possible to make a flute with very basic tools, it just takes more time. The modern tools make it possible to get the jobs done more quickly. I like to try to visualize how people would have made flutes hundreds or thousands of years ago. I think that living a lifestyle in which everything takes longer to accomplish would foster patience and persistence.
Lovely video. Thanks for making this.
You bet! Thanks for watching!
Nice one, Charlie. Great tutorial and very entertaining!
Once again, a great set of instructions! "Excellent!" I do appreciate you showing alternative methods and tools. Some of your "prattle" contains significant tips and tricks, such why you use leather and only using your knife "sideways". Very much appreciated.
Okay I'm 15min into this and I'm going to stop for now. You have done a fine job at laying out the basics. I'm going to get started. I can see that getting that area where the block goes, perfectly flat is the biggest challenge.
Woo-hoo. I made a flute. It sounds like a wounded cat. But there are unfinished areas that need attention. But it flutes! Thanks Charlie 😊
Nice job and video. Thanks for posting .
You bet my friend! Thanks for watching!
Great and very helpful videos Charlie -- like your style of presentation !
+Mike Hamper Sr Thank you sir!
Just viewed the 3 youtube, and now I want to make one, well worth watching many thanks
You can do it! Here is another video. ruclips.net/video/LKOFcBQWxYo/видео.html
I make self bows and cedar arrows for hunting. I have come to love my 6" tile saw. Its a basic open frame saw like yours, using a burred round wire blade which I use to cut shafts, knocks as well as scoring bamboo. Its a wider cut but is excellent in place of sticky toothy blades for fragile work! Great video, cant wait to find some time to use some of my dried canes!
+Tracy L Also, I knew there was a reason I spent too much time brain tanning all of my hides, realistically this will likely be my first use for my leather!
Just made my first one thanks to you @BlueBearFlutes. I used a piece of all thread to sand down the blocked chamber at the end worked great with little chance of damage.
Cool. With the millions of flutes I've made, I have not yet used all-thread to clean them out. Well, not that I remember anyway. Drill and sanding rods work great, too!
Much enjoyed your tutorial and anecdotes. Thank you for sharing!
Be sure to subscribe because we have more comical tutorials and anecdotes on the way!
Hi. Just wanted to say thank you and happy holidays to you.
Today my girlfriend was trying to make a flute out of a plastic Candy Cane tube for her Daughter but failed badly.
It had dawned on me that I chopped down some bamboo this summer and had it off to the side of the house.
But I didn't know how to make one.
I'm a carpenter by trade and I figured I would try and make one.
So I went on RUclips looking for the answer and found you.
Honestly I couldn't have found a better video for this situation.
You make a good teacher and it's obvious that you know what your doing so don't let people say differently.
I have many different ways to make this flute and all kinds of tools but that's not what I had in mind.
The whole idea was to do it with less and that's what the adventure was all about.
Patience and practice is the lesson and to understand the people can do this with a little bit of patience and practice just by trying.
I owe you a great thanks for this video.
Thank you for teaching this part, now I have an idea on how to make the block. AHO brother. 🙏🏽☀🌕🌎
Thank you for your kind words, be sure to check out all the rest of my videos.
That was an awesome video! Thank you so much.
Glad you liked it! Expect to find more just like this very soon!
I really appreciate you and this video, this is my favorite by far
Charlie you rock man , your videos are extremely helpful. gonna try. making my own flute soon.
I hope you know just how cool this is
Thanks! You should check out my video making a flute blindfolded!
BlueBearFlutes oh yea I already have! That was awesome. Going to give it a try hopefully soon. You are an excellent teacher by the way.
@@Blayze1017 thank you! But OMG no! Don't try making a flute blindfolded!!! That was crazy!
BlueBearFlutes lol I’ll probably not use a blindfold
Great series of videos, loved the way you used different techniques to teach the many different ways of making a flute. i really look forward to more videos in the future and will soon try to make my first flute. thanks for all the instruction
Thank you for these tutorials! I followed it today and now have a fully functional bamboo flute! Mine sounds really quiet and breathy, because I wasn't able to get the sound holes very refined, but honestly, I don't even mind. I started out thinking I was unlikely to get any sound out of it at all, and the fact that it plays (and plays in tune) is really awesome.
Great job! We have lots of other videos that will help any other problems! Thanks for watching!
Hey.
My brother also makes and plays native flutes. I have a back yard full of bamboo! Your videos are great and appreciated.
I would like more info on tuning and how to gage the sound holes on larger and smaller circumference sizes.
Great videos and happy days
Thank you! We do have hundreds of videos on making native american flutes including the videos you asked about. Please check out my channel!
Nice videos. Thanks for your time spent on this it really helps.
Shout out thanks to bluebearflutes!! I learned how to perfect the sound hole and the burn technique you showed in previous videos. Just perfect and thank you for the videos and knowledge!!🙌
Thank you...this is where I'm going to start...
Thank you for sharing your knowledge
i enjoyed watching and learning from your video
+The Stratford Busking Association Thank you for watching!
Tools needed for project:
1. Hacksaw
2. Pocket knife
3. Extra pieces of bamboo to use as tools
4. Sand paper
5. Small clamp, to hold small parts
6. Table saw, used as work bench
7. Drill bit, to make holes bigger.
8. Torch, used to heat wood burner
9. Metal rod, used as a wood burner
10. Belt sander
11. Leather cord
Now your statement about there is that one guys saying you didnt use just a hacksaw and knife is a true statement.
I got your back. Good video.
I guess that means 14. Air 15. Breakfast 16. Patience and humility of a saint 17. Cunning wit to overcome said Mr thumbs down and so on. Stir that all together along with a little bit of "this statement was already true" and heat at 98.6 degrees.
the cold steel Finn wolf has a Scandinavian blade grind and its a folding knife ...I think you would do wonders with one or a cheap morakniv because of the scandi grind...cuts bamboo like butter...great video and thanks for keeping tradition brother
Great video. I Will try to make one myself.
So awesome, thank you for the education and your time....
You bet my friend! Thanks for watching!
I just made my first one. Thank you so much, great tutorial!
This is really awesome! Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Thank U so much for this inspiring video. It’s freaking awesome! And an answer to my dream last night where I was playing a flute. There can’t be coincidence.....this afternoon I sat at a garden, full of bamboo, which will soon be removed due to house demolition.
Greetings from Amsterdam, the Netherlands!
Thanks for your kind words my friend! You can always save a piece of the bamboo to make a flute! :)
Hey thanks alot im thinking about getting one of your flute kits, awesome talking to you!!
thank you… excellent job👏🏻👏🏻
@@danielmerkofer5284 thanks for your comment! Please be sure to check out my hundreds of other videos making and playing Native American flutes!
just wanted to say thank you again! i just made my second and third flute and i still enjoyed the jokes ;)
:)
EXCELLENT VID, Thank you so much. You ARE a MASTER. WOW
Thanks so very much! You should check this video out too, we just posted it the other day.
ruclips.net/video/LKOFcBQWxYo/видео.html
Fantastic video!!
Thanks Joel! Glad you're watching!
well basically you did that with a stone (hammer) flintstone knife and an arrow. I loved this video...i personally use round supply and sound hole with a bit deeper of a track...I would definitly try squares and see how it goes. Thank you so much for this amazing presentation man.
Thank you so much. I used to always make round holes for years.
Perfect... I'm gonna start with it in the weekend...
Thank you so much for the effort you go to in sharing your gift of flutes and life in general. I feel it a great privilege to view and learn from your videos these past couple months. Just received my order of 25)6'x1" bamboo from Lowe's and I'm preparing to wade into "flute making" for my grandchildren (8&6). 66YO crippled by many years of hard labor & hard living, your videos give me inspiration. I'm tone deaf and can't play a lick of music but I am mechanically inclined. So with electronic tuning and your guiding hand I figure I can "getter dun". You must use a ton of 1# propane. There is an adapter & hose from 20# propane grill tank ($13.00 per refill or $19.00 for exchange here) to your type of torch and no disposal. BTW: Is that Jesse, River or another family member accompanying you during the video speed bump? Beautiful music!
Thank you. Made my first bamboo flute. Will finish it tomorrow while i wait for my doctors appt. Let you know how it goes. Again Thank You.
omg I really don't like how unstructured your teaching and your videos are but they are still the best I could find on youtube
I wish there was a thumbs middle that I can put out instead of a thumbs up or down because your comment is all over the place! 😂 I can certainly see how some people can benefit from "structure"! I hate being bipolar too it's awesome!
I have lots of that bamboo. Gonna take a couple days journey to make one. It will be nice to be able to say I made one myself.
It’s one thing to say you know something or someone but unless you know how it’s made or their make up(ways) then you can yadah it or them. Tinkering is fun!
I've got lots of videos to help out...
@@BlueBearFlutes yes you do and very helpful. You are highly skilled. I am glad I have enough to practice on. I will need it. Your experience made it look easy. I also be getting your book. That will help me I am positive!
you have inspired me too Finnish my sumac flute
great vids very interesting
It is great I tried it out myself and it worked
Mission accomplished!!!
Thank You for sharing your knowledge. I have made some flutes including bamboo. I have a stand of it behind my shop, handy indeed! I have found that if I don't heat treat the bamboo it will split eventually. So before I make the holes I will turn it around and around until I see some sap comming to the surface. I spin it using a dowel rod inside. This will prevent any cracking or splitting. Of course you do need to be sure there is a hole if the bamboo hasn't been drilled at all as it will explode or pop. I should say that I will drill tiny finger holes first then proceed after heating. Have you ever done this? So I am learning more from you and kind Thanks again! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Glad you're watching! Thanks!
good job ..
Thank you! I will start building tomorrow!
Recently found a considerable amount of bamboo driftwood (I didnt take most of it) and been needing to find projects to do. Seems as if im going to make a flute
Sounds good! We have lots of videos that should help!
@@BlueBearFlutes Awesome! thank you.
I really want to make a flute of this kind, although my country dose not provide bamboo of any species
EXCELLENT Tutorial.. I have always wanted to know how to make a Native Indigenous flute out of bamboo. I have a yard filled with it and now I can finally make one. I have enough to make mistakes and still have enough until I get it right.. :-).. and with much thanks AND gratitude .. WANKA TANKA NICI UN (Walk with the Great Spirit Always) my brother..
Thank you so so much , a new passion , what is the overall length ?
It really depends on the flute you're making. They would be random various sizes and diameters depending on what tone flute you want to make. Please check out my other videos for more details.
Great series of videos on flute building. Can you explain why you chose to use sunflower oil? I have read a recent tip of using tea tree because of its anti fungus nature. many thanks
Thank you! Sunflower by itself would go bad without adding the tea tree oil to it. Tea tree oil by itself would dry the flute out. We've always used another main oil as a carrier and as the moisturizer. We do have a video on making our wax/oil combo which may help you out.
@@BlueBearFlutes excellent i'm going to check it out
I had a good laugh at 2:25 with "I used my pocket knife" on the lace...Ahaahaaa! haters be damned, the title doesn't have to list EVERY damn thing you use, thanks for the series, I will be trying to make one myself!
Thanks so much..I really enjoyed this..will be making one soon!
We do have a couple of other videos on making flutes the simple and easy way. Be sure to check those out too! Thanks for watching my friend.
I have that exact model pocket knife. Pretty decent knife, but I badly need to sharpen the poor thing.
Also, Charlie, you remind me of Bob Ross for some reason.
+Jason Ripley (Vixen) You're not the first person to say that (about Bob Ross)! I consider it a great honor. Thank you :)
Fabulous!
put the measurements in the description! great stuff, thanks for sharing.
That sounds like a great idea except you would miss so much of my rhetoric!
very amazing work bro, im from mexico and im making flutes too, lol... i watched some videos for native american flutes, im trying to build my 1st one, but im kinda stuck at the supply and sound holes... kind u give some advice about how is the form from the inside carving, from those holes, i understand that if its 45 degrees or something, its gives the separation of the air... ill be watching some more videos of u n i hope one day we can meet to exchange some ideas about traditions and flutes, im gonna do a channel tho about all kinds off flutes and how to make them... thank u n have a cool day!
I'll be glad to help. Check out our other videos. Here's one that will get you started: ruclips.net/video/yYLQYhH-xDY/видео.html
Ure awesome, sir. Ty
Great. Thanks.
You bet!
Thank you very much!!!!!
No wonder i was doing everything wrong, I just made wholes and started blowing but nothing happend hahaha. thank you for the tips and hints i can't wait to make one but this time your way sounds promising. Once again thank you very much. One question though! can i add more wholes for more notes?
These videos were great! I do have a question: How critical is the length beyond the bottom hole?
Good question! The answer is very critical. It is simply another part of the tuning process. If it were too short or too long, the bottom note would be too high or too low. It is possible to make it longer however and drill are escape holes for intonation.
Hello it is great video. I tried it out however the sounds for each hole is out. May I know what is the note for each hole? I use a tuner to identify the notes. Thanks in advance.
i love your flutes and videos, can you tell me what your shop it made of?
Donald Preston Hi Donald, thanks for watching my videos. The shop in the video is a portable garage, however I recently purchased a new shop last week where the new videos will be made! Keep watching as we have a couple planned this week.
awesome videos! Many thanks to you for sharing tou knowledge. just a clarification, are both chambers in between the bamboo segments knocked out?
+Andrew Goss for sharing your* knowledge. not sure what happened there.
thanks and very understandable and easy to follow
Excellent my friend! Thanks for watching!
Hi , I enjoy your videos and have learned a lot about the flute. I completed my first flute from a tiki torch. It works but seems to change tone if blown just a little too hard. it seems to be overly sensitive about this, more so when the bottom three holes are covered. Is there something I've done wrong to cause this and can it be corrected? Thanks
Hi! Great video, thanks for uploading. Just wondering, is it possible to make a flute like this from clay?
Yes, it is possible. We actually have some videos planned on making clay flutes.
BlueBearArts Great! I'll keep an eye out for them. :)
NOW i just Need to learn how to Play haha
Here are some of my newest playing videos: ruclips.net/video/pPwhCQy24gE/видео.html
Thanks for your video....
May you tell me; What kind of oil do you use for it, and what for.......??
Thank you for a great video series Charlie. I am pumped to get started. However I drilled out a 3/4 inch piece of Chinese bamboo and didn't leave a blockage on the inside. Is there a way to insert a plug? Best wishes, Mike
Hey Mike, absolutely! I hope you have already found my video on that by now! if you need any other help, send me a message on my website and I'll be glad to help!
what's wrong when you blow just a little too hard and it's like the flute's voice cracks?
Which end do you hollow out. I'm making my first flute to go along with my rain stick
Thanks, Sir!
Hey Charlie, this was a great series of videos! I really enjoyed them and they gave great guidance to me. I just tried to make my first flute but I couldn't get any sound out of it. Is there anything you would recommend that I check or fix? I know it's kind of a vague question but just thought I'd ask, thanks!
Hey Noah! Great to hear from you! There could be a number of reasons it's not making sound. Can you email me a picture of it? Contact me through my website bluebearflutes.com and I will reply with an email address. 🙂👍
BBA you worry to much, it's kind of obvious that one can make a flute with the simple tools you claim. One might even do with out the hack saw if ya' got lucky and found the right length of cane...Cool video. What about making a titanium blow gun from a repurposed high end ski pole and a safety pin? LOL the deluxe model has cane stoppers to boot.
the Track erea is good to focus on. Making Quena flutes ususally is more tricky explaining how to play. Have you made any Bansuri flutes by chance?
Sorry for the delay. You're right, it is difficult to teach others to play the quena. I think the real trick is not to give up on trying and when you get it, you get it. Its always best to look in the mirror when learning a embouchure controlled instrument. I do have a couple of bansuris and I love them! Thanks again for watching my friend!
I started to make another flute...based on the dimensions you have provided. I cut the air supply hole, the sound hole and the track. I have not yet cut the 5 holes for the notes. The problem is I have to blow very lightly to get a 440 Hz A or it pitches up. Is it possible I cut the track a bit too deep?
TheZooman22 Contact me via my website so I can have you email me some pictures. I have an idea what's going on, but I would like to make sure I see it.
BlueBearArtsThank you for the help via email. It sounds great now.
Sorry, no you speak englisch! Eine sehr kreative Arbeit! Werry, werry good!
So did you not bust out the membrane at the node in the top? Or did you? Not sure if I missed that part. Thanks for the great video!
Charlie- in 15 minutes, you could make a Brick sing!
Bob. Athens. GA
It's almost true Bob! I have made flutes and instruments out of so many things. What I need to do is go back and make videos for several of them the I haven't posted on RUclips. Thanks for watching my friend!
Can i use raw bamboo
thanks!!!yeah!!!!!!
You made a Reed between the 2 holes....I get it ...cool
What can i do if I accidentally punctured a hole on the track? Should I use some glue or make another one?
Actually have another video called what to do if your track is too deep. After you check it out, let me know if I can help you any further.
So your square ended rods are tapered round at the other end? I have ordered your kit that includes a rod...hope it does round and square
Roger ( Little hawk) Casteel
I have used tooling leather for a tone block found it seals as good or better than wood. Is there any feedback on this idea?
Ive also heard of thin leather glued to the bottom of the block...
I'd improvize a bow drill (like for fire making) to drill the holes.
Over one and a 1/2 million flutes made, you figure I probably have done that already too! :)
@@BlueBearFlutes Smart guys often have the same ideas... ;)
(even more when the Ideas are so obvious like this one)
I've just finished my first flute following (mostly) Your instruction videos and I'm really amazed about the result!
You can see it here: ruclips.net/video/Tq53bz1i1AE/видео.html
Thanks again for this inspiration!
Many people, including Charie herself, ask themselves this one question.
This is my answer as a flute player.
First a 5-hole flute, now a 6-hole flute?
Why is this so now, think about it?
Is the third hole realy and only there to keep it closed for all times while playing the flute?
For people who are taught this: Only use flutes with 5 holes.
For people who want to use flutes with 6 holes and this just because this 6th hole is there?
Use this 6th hole for what it is intended to close and then open again and close again and again, just like all other holes in the flute, because this is the 6th hole, the third hole in the flute, there, that's what it's meant for.
Pentatonnic scale, what does this mean in a 5-hole flute?
Only the 5 tones from top to bottom and nothing else?
NO, because if you, for example, open certain holes halfway, you will also get half tones, and just before that, this 6th hole in a 6-hole flute, or 3rd hole in the flute, is meant as an enrichment and added value to the flute and an enrichment for the flute player.
Have courage and play the music that you would like to play, and if you need half notes so more than on a 5-hole flute, there is the possibility of a 6-hole flute because for this reason a 6-hole has flute 6 holes.
It is the best of all worlds.
As Charlie would say, didn't he, Charlie? ;)