How to Make a Bamboo Flute

Making instruments dates back to the beginning of ancient society. Since they lacked movies and television, societies would make crude instruments and entertain each other by making music. Making a bamboo flute is a tad challenging, but once you've completed it, it's very rewarding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Propane torch
• Steel rod 1/2 inch in diameter
• Oven mitt
• Fine-tooth saw
• Grease pencil
• Fine sandpaper
• 1/4-inch drill bit
• Pair of vice grips
• Old bamboo fishing pole
• Measuring tape
• Small container of linseed oil and a rag

1. Cut the pole. Cut the fishing pole into a section between 18 and 20 inches. Be sure that there is at least one "knot" or "knuckle" or piece of "fibrous material" between the two ends.
2. Measure and mark your bamboo flute. From the base of your flute measure 1 inch. Place a small mark there. Then measure 6 inches from that mark and place another mark. Place four more marks from the second, all of which are 1 inch apart. It may seem confusing, but essentially you should have one mark an inch from the base, then move 6 inches and place a mark every inch for 5 inches.
3. Heat the steel rod. Holding the rod with your oven mitts, heat the opposite end of the rod with the butane torch until it is significantly hot.
4. Insert the rod. Now that the rod is heated, insert it at one end of the bamboo and push it slowly yet forcefully through the fibrous tissue or knots. However, stop before reaching the last knot. It must remain intact!
5. Heat the 1/4-inch drill bit. Using a pair of pliers, heat the drill bit with the butane lighter.
6. Push the drill bit into each place you've marked on the bamboo. This should be six total. Remember not to make a hole that travels through to the other side but rather meets the tunnel you've created with the steel rod.
7. Sand your instrument. Take your fine sandpaper and roll it tightly so that it can fit into the drill bit holes. Gently sand each hole, removing any charcoal that may have accrued. Also sand your blow hole. But be cautious to just clean it up and not make it too large.
8. Take your rag and linseed oil, and oil your instrument well to protect it.
9. Play your instrument. Purse your lips and blow gently over the blow hole as if you were blowing over a glass bottle to emit sound. Once you get a steady stream of sound, experiment with covering different holes to emit different sounds or notes. Congratulations--you have made your very own bamboo flute and are ready to make music!

Tips & Warnings

• Get some friends to join in with other instruments. Whether you're on a camping trip or just hanging around the house, have friends bring other instruments (even homemade ones) and make music!
• Do not drill your holes, since this may cause the bamboo to crack!