Frequently Asked Questions

Q Is the NAF an easy instrument to play?

A. Yes, It’s really one of the most simple and straight forward instruments to play, just place mouth to end, blow and dance with your fingers. So yes it’s very easy for young and old. This is why so many people are attracted to it, those with and especially those without a musical background.

Q. What is the difference between Standard flute and Gallery Flute?

A. The difference is only wood species used and extra work. A gallery flute is crafted the same as a standard flute but may be more decorated with end cap accents, inlays, woodland leather wraps, and or made from woods in short supply which may cost up to 5 times more for me to buy. Prices are extra for these reasons. Both are concert quality in voice and tuning. Choose from concert and gallery flutes already made and in stock or design your own.

Q. Do two flutes in particular woods sound different to each other in the same key?

A. Different woods indeed have subtle differences that can be heard to most people’s ears. Also being made from a natural material such as wood they are all unique - a piece of wood has a personality or difference even from different parts of the same tree, thus it is possible two flutes in the same key from the same tree can also have minor acoustic differences. Also being uniquely hand made they form differences as the spirit within them takes form through the maker’s hands.

Q. What wood suits certain Keys best?

A. Generally harder denser woods are best suited to Middle to high keys and softer lighter woods for middle to lower keys but as all woods have different properties there are certainly exceptions to this. Some woods for eg. Are dense but light and can be suited to high, middle and low keys. In the online store you will find keys that are best suited to the all the woods that are currently available. If you are ordering a custom flute you should opt for a next best choice in case the wood is unavailable.

Q. I understand flutes come in different sizes for different keys getting larger as the key gets lower. How do I chose a flute size and key that will suit me best?

A. The two main criteria that I focus on in guiding you to the best choice are; comfort first, and secondly the key must be one you resonate with. Listen to the sound samples and take notes of the ones that you feel a strong connection to. Also on a large piece of paper using the measurements for any particular key and a long ruler look at the way it will feel in terms of comfort then use that to make your final choice.
Generally there are 3 groups of hand sizes and from my experience those with smaller or petit hands should look at Keys Mid G and up, those with medium sized hands, keys F and up and those with large hands should be able to play all keys available. I consider large hands ones that feel uncomfortable in medium washing rubber gloves. This is a general guide only so look at measurements for any particular flute listed here. Generally men have larger hands than ladies though some ladies have equally large hands. If you are in doubt please check my page on flute measurements and if still in doubt then check with me before purchase, you can book a time for me to call you to discuss the best choice for you. You want to make a great choice so you will feel comfortable and encouraged to play instead of the opposite.

Q. How do I get started once my flute arrives?

A. I recommend starting by reading the e-book, experiment and familiarise yourself with the pentatonic scale so your brain hand coordination can get used to the flute. When you are more comfortable please call me for a lesson over the phone or in person. Lessons can be very helpful to begin but really the book and an enthusiastic attitude is all you need to teach yourself really and I believe this is the most empowered form of teaching anything, the rest falls into place once you have the basics and are confident with a few techniques. In the lesson I teach exactly that, I teach you to teach yourself. It’s a good idea to shatter now the belief that to progress at the NAF you will need ongoing lessons. This may have been the case with modern instruments and the dogmas that go with them usually, but the NAF is in a totally different world, you will be pleasantly surprised. As you progress you will find that it’s like a snowball effect, because confidence inspires more confidence. Pride in your new progression will also inspire more confidence. With anything, lack of experience is the only limitation. So play as much as you can.

Q. How do I care for my flute?

A. You will get all the information with your flute purchase in the e-Book which will be emailed to you. If you can’t receive email a hard copy can be mailed. Basic care covers common sense such as keeping your flute protected and dry and not exposing it to hot sun such as mistakenly leaving it in a car. Other the simple care instructions outlined in the e-book, all you need to do is take general care. Maintenance is low and just general care is the maintenance.

Q. How do you make them?

A. Basically the answer is I start by selecting, sizing and squaring the blank. Then I rip saw it in half and plane the join edges. I then hollow out the insides of the flute with a hand operated machine, create the sound holes and glue the various sections together. Next it gets shaped round on a lathe or carved with a knife depending on the style of flute I’m making. I then sand through to 600 grit sand paper and then finish with natural oils or poly based finishes and rub them in to 1200 grit. Then I am ready to create the playing holes and bird. Next I tune it with a high quality analogue tuner enlarging and undercutting the holes until the flute plays in tune. I sand inside the finger holes and remove any dags and apply finish inside the holes. All this can take over at least a few weeks but I do a small batch at a time usually, unless it’s a custom job, so I can be efficient and not be constantly setting up jigs and machinery. Most processes are done by hand; other processes are done by hand using modern machinery.