How to Maintain a Good Sound in Native American Flutes

Traditional Native American flutes are made from wood. The length of the first air chamber and the distance from the windway to the first hole are the same as the length of your fist. The flute will have up to 6 holes, each a thumb-width apart. These all affect the sound of the notes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Learn what type of wood your flute is made of. Flute-makers don't always agree on what type of wood produces what type of sound, but many traditional flutes are made of red cedar, spruce or fir. These are said to have a bright or crisp tone.

2. Check the inside of the flute, from the far end up to the windway. If there is any glue or debris inside, clean it out thoroughly. Use a small stick wrapped in cloth, or a fine sandpaper, to help clean out any materials you find.

3. Look at the size of the windway. If it is too large, your sound may be breathy and low. If it's narrower, you could get a higher pitch. Sand it to make it wider, or narrow it with carefully-applied glue or the addition of a thin metal piece.

4. Make sure the windway is clear, and open it if it's clogged. If it isn't clear, your breath can't get from the first air chamber to the main body of the flute.

5. Examine the block that sits atop the windway and sometimes has the windway carved into it. If it isn't attached securely, it can't properly direct the air flow into the sound chamber. It may also need to be cleaned.

6. Inspect the holes. They should all be the same size opening, and their edges should be smooth. Sand them if necessary. Make sure that your fingers can completely cover each hole.

7. Scrutinize the mouthpiece, and remove it if possible. Make sure that it's clean and smooth on the inside and outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Traditional flutes are made from all types of wood, from soft woods like red cedar and white pine, soft hardwoods like redwood or spruce, medium hardwoods like black walnut and cherry, and hard hardwoods like birch, beech and oak. The hardness of the wood affects the tone of the flute, but which hardness gives the best tone depends on the flute player or maker you ask.
• Some Midwestern and woodland traditional flutes don't have a block. They have a wrap of leather over the windway instead. If your flute is one of these, make sure that the wrap is the right size and that it is snug enough to prevent air from escaping anywhere but into the sound chamber.
• Don't let your flute get wet. Many flutes are made in two pieces then glued back together. Water can loosen the glue, which affects the sound quality. It can also affect the wood, particularly the softer woods, and that also affects the sound quality. Keep your flute in a case when you're not playing it.