This rim-blown flute is a simple open-ended tube (See diagram above). The blowing edges were flat and sharpened (Example). They are some of the hardest flutes to learn, because they require an embouchure similar to the one used on a Shakuhachi; the lips have to be in a certain position to be able to blow onto the edge and make a sound. The blowing edges I utilized will vary from shakuhachi style to a quena style. I generally make these flute with two pieces of wood. The center sections of each half will be removed with a gouge chisel or a router so that when the two halves are glued together, they will form a tube. Some tubes I will drill out with a long drill bit so that there are no glue lines on the side of the flute.The average length I make these flutes is around 26-29 inches. Most of the ancient flutes were around that length, though I have made shorter ones as well. The inside bore diameter will be 3/4 inch wide or even a little wider. These flutes can have 4 to 6 holes. I will not generally tune my flutes to any key, but I can if there is a need to. Most other makers will tune the holes on this type of flute. Some makers call these flutes, "Anasazi" Flutes. I use the term "Pueblo Flutes", or more specifically, "Pueblo Style Rim-blown Flutes", because these flutes have been in continuous use since the earliest days of Pueblo Culture of the American Southwest. Hopi-style have a 5 hole configuration, Jemez-style and Room 33 (Chaco Canyon, Pueblo Bonito) have a 4 hole configuration. Broken Flute Cave-Style have a 6 hole configuration. For more information on this type of flute, go to the links below:
TUNINGI tune each hole with an electronic tuner (A=440hz), but I generally make my holes the same size, in-line and equidistant with each other and not tuned any modern scale. Offset holes will be added upon request. I also tune them to the scale of the original Broken Flute Cave flutes: A#, C, C#, D, F, G, A. |
Painted Room 33 replica flute.
TYPES OF MATERIALS I USESome of the wood I use I collect myself in the Jemez and Zuni Mountains. I also use 2X1's and PVC from the local Home Depot. The river cane comes from a seller on eBay and a friend from Kentucky. Wood types: Fir, Maple, Pine, Red Oak, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Alligator Juniper, One-Seed Juniper, Aspen, Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, White Fir, Rio Grande Cottonwood, Birch, Bocote, Red Heart, Spalted Maple PVC- Schedule 40 |

