Events Calendar
Flutes
Saturday 04 February 2006, 08:00am - 09:30am
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Bob Aldea got things tuned up today with his class on building flutes. After discussing some basic types of flutes - pan, open tube, penny whistles, recorders, and ocarinas - he went into detail on making Native American type flutes.
Examples of the two most popular hollowing methods were shown - splitting the piece and using a router with a cove bit, and drilling (with examples drilled with a rifle boring setup done by GWA member Bob Atkinson). Several examples and diagrams illustrated the internal configuration of the flute, the relationship of various holes, and the specifics of the relative geometry of different parts of the instrument that are used establish and tune it for a specific key and tones.
Bob discussed the impact of moisture and temperature on the wood that must be managed to get the right tonal qualities in the actual playing environment. He demonstrated actually burning the finger holes in a flute and the use of a tuning meter (e.g. Korg CA30 for less than $20).
Besides all the great information on making your own flute one of the best parts was getting to hear examples of them being played. The all sounded great. Thanks Bob for a great class and for showing us the wonderful examples of your work.
Paul Proffitt - President
Examples of the two most popular hollowing methods were shown - splitting the piece and using a router with a cove bit, and drilling (with examples drilled with a rifle boring setup done by GWA member Bob Atkinson). Several examples and diagrams illustrated the internal configuration of the flute, the relationship of various holes, and the specifics of the relative geometry of different parts of the instrument that are used establish and tune it for a specific key and tones.
Bob discussed the impact of moisture and temperature on the wood that must be managed to get the right tonal qualities in the actual playing environment. He demonstrated actually burning the finger holes in a flute and the use of a tuning meter (e.g. Korg CA30 for less than $20).
Besides all the great information on making your own flute one of the best parts was getting to hear examples of them being played. The all sounded great. Thanks Bob for a great class and for showing us the wonderful examples of your work.
Paul Proffitt - President
Location Stone Mountain Power Tool Corporation / Kentec, Lilburn, GA