"These flutes were completed before or during 1997. At the time they were created, we were still doing shows on occasion and selling more than Native American flutes. We had a catalog which we were forced to discontinue when I undertook the duties of co-executor of my parents' estate after their deaths."
These are transverse flutes similar to the Keltic fife or the Indian bansuri, the ancestors of the modern orchestral (silver) flute. This type of flute requires a trained lip to be played properly, so those who are used to a recorder, tin whistle, or any other type of block flute must take some time to learn how to make the correct sounds. Nor can this type of flute be adjusted for changes in temperature or for the shape of the lip. Under most conditions, the tuning will hold sufficiently to play with other instruments. The tuning is always sufficient for solo work. Each comes with a PVC carrying case (hard case) and a tube sock to be used to cover the flute while in the case. The case is not fancy, but very durable, and is white in color. It can be cleaned with soap and water when it becomes dirty.
The way these flutes were created is simple enough and it is being mentioned here in case someone would like to make his or her own - and making one's own is a great way to appreciate why the sale price is high for something that is made of plastic.
1. Buy a length of PVC schedule 40 pipe and cut it to the size you need.
2. Drill the holes where you want them. This is easy to do when you have the flute design computer program. Otherwise you need to experiment for a time.
3. Use emery paper wet to take off the markings on the PVC, remove the glaze, and create a surface which can act as a woodgrain for the finishing steps.
4. Use a knife to trim the holes - especially the hole you blow across and into. This hole requires an 11 degree slant and a reasonably sharp edge.
5. Place the cork in the flute, and the tubing for the tie, and trim the tubing.
6. Add the silicon sealer that keeps the cork and the tube in place. Let it cure.
7. Sketch the scene or object you wish to depict on the barrel with a pencil.
8. Use a scribe to make the "scrimshaw" lines (technically, scrimshaw is done on ivory).
9. Use more emery wet to remove the pencil marks and the rough edges of the scribed lines.
10. Use oil paint of the color desired to place pigment in the scribed lines. Let it dry.
11. Use more emery to remove the excess oil paint.
12. Use more oil paint to coat and rub in the simulated woodgrain finish - but only if a woodgrain finish is desired. Let it dry. If no woodgrain finish is desired, skip this step and the next, and go directly to step fourteen.
13. Remove any excess oil paint.
14. Add a thong if it is desired.
15. A carrying case can be made by purchasing a length of PVC of the desired type, two PVC caps for the ends, and some glue for PVC. Wet emery should be used on each piece to take off the markings and the glaze if desired. One cap should be glued on for best results. The other should be removable. The edges of the PVC tube where the cap is removable should be carefully blunted with emery. Sponge rubber may be placed inside each cap for better cushioning.
16. A tube sock is a handy item to be used to prevent the flute finish from being damaged. The flute should be placed in the tube sock and end of the sock folded back over the flute. Then the flute and sock should be placed in the PVC case, folded end first. The removable cap should then be tightly placed on the end of the case. Now the flute is ready for safe carrying.
The above can be used on any type of flute when PVC is the material used.
PVC makes a very good flute with sufficient resonance and a mirror-like interior. It is perfect for pursuits such as hiking or backpacking because of its durability. If there is a woodgrain finish on it and the finish eventually rubs off, it can be easily replaced. If the scribe marks become invisible due to surface wear, they can be re-inscribed.
The flutes which follow are on sale and there are no plans to make more like them.
GRAY WHALE
This flute is one-of-a-kind, diatonic, tranverse, tuned to the key of "E", and has
a range of two octaves. It is designed for medium to large hands, is about 1 inch
in diameter and 20 inches long, and has 6 playing holes. It is made of schedule
40 PVC and is ideal for those who like enjoy hiking or backpacking. There is a
simulated woodgrain finish on the flute exterior with the "scrimshawed" image of
gray whale on the side of the barrel. Comes with a PVC carrying case and playing
instructions.
#GW1 Sale price: $85.00
ORCA
This flute is one-of-a-kind, diatonic, tranverse, tuned to the key of "E", and has
a range of two octaves. It is designed for medium to large hands, is about 1 inch
in diameter and 20 inches long, and has 6 playing holes. It is made of schedule
40 PVC and is ideal for those who like enjoy hiking or backpacking. There is a
simulated woodgrain finish on the flute exterior with the "scrimshawed" image of
an orca on the side of the barrel. Comes with a PVC carrying case and playing
instructions.
#RC1 Sale price: $85.00
JAY ON THE WING
This flute is one-of-a-kind, diatonic, tranverse, tuned to the key of "E", and has
a range of two octaves. It is designed for medium to large hands, is about 1 inch
in diameter and 20 inches long, and has 6 playing holes. It is made of schedule
40 PVC and is ideal for those who like enjoy hiking or backpacking. There is a
simulated woodgrain finish on the flute exterior with the "scrimshawed" image of
a "jay on the wing" on the side of the barrel. Comes with a PVC carrying case and
playing instructions.
#JW1 Sale price: $95.00
FLYING CARDINAL
This flute is one-of-a-kind, diatonic, tranverse, tuned to the key of "E", and has
a range of two octaves. It is designed for medium to large hands, is about 1 inch
in diameter and 20 inches long, and has 6 playing holes. It is made of schedule
40 PVC and is ideal for those who like enjoy hiking or backpacking. There is a
simulated woodgrain finish on the flute exterior with the "scrimshawed" image of
a "flying cardinal" on the side of the barrel. Comes with a PVC carrying case and playing
instructions.
#FC1 Sale price: $95.00
RISING PHEASANT
This flute is one-of-a-kind, diatonic, tranverse, tuned to the key of "E", and has
a range of two octaves. It is designed for medium to large hands, is about 1 inch
in diameter and 20 inches long, and has 6 playing holes. It is made of schedule
40 PVC and is ideal for those who like enjoy hiking or backpacking. There is a
simulated woodgrain finish on the flute exterior with the "scrimshawed" image of
a "rising pheasant" on the side of the barrel. Comes with a PVC carrying case and playing
instructions.
#RP1 Sale price: $95.00
GULLS AROUND
This flute is one-of-a-kind, diatonic, tranverse, tuned to the key of "E", and has
a range of two octaves. It is designed for medium to large hands, is about 1 inch
in diameter and 20 inches long, and has 6 playing holes. It is made of schedule
40 PVC and is ideal for those who like enjoy hiking or backpacking. There is a
simulated woodgrain finish on the flute exterior with a "scrimshawed" image of
a seagull on the barrel done in such a way as to create the illusion of more
than one gull. As the flute is turned, many gulls continue to fly by.
Comes with a PVC carrying case and playing
instructions.
#GA1 Sale price: $120.00
NOT READY TO BE SOLD AT THIS TIME.
HUMMINGBIRDS
This flute is one-of-a-kind, diatonic, tranverse, tuned to the key of "D", and has
a range of over two octaves. It is designed for medium to large hands, is about 1 inch
in diameter and 22 inches long, and has 6 playing holes. It is made of schedule
40 PVC and is ideal for those who like enjoy hiking or backpacking. There is a
simulated woodgrain finish on the flute exterior with the "scrimshawed" images of two
hummingbirds and a blossom on the side of the barrel.
Comes with a PVC carrying case and playing instructions.
#HB1 Sale price: $110.00
The flutes which follow are a tranverse type similar to the Keltic fife and the Indian Bansuri. They require lip training to play them well just as does the fife. Each has six finger holes, a range of at least two octaves, and is diatonic in scale but is played chromatically with cross-fingering and half-holing. The key specified for each is approximate in the sense that these flutes, like the fife or bansuri, have no joint to be moved to correct for temperature changes. However, some adjustment can be made by moving the cork with a dowel.
These are made from plastic or copper water pipe and a cork. They are extremely durable and the cork may be replaced by one from a wine bottle if necessary later on. Because of their durability, they may be taken without fear of damage when hiking or backpacking. Some of them come with a cord which may be placed around the wrist when walking or used to hang the flute from a peg.
With the exception of the those which have handpainting on them, they may be easily washed with soap and water. More care must be taken for the paintings. Excessive heat can be a problem and a plastic flute should not be left in an automobile in a parking lot (or any other place where the temperature can become extreme).
The longer flutes require larger or very facile hands from the flutist. Sometimes, the flutist may substitute his right little finger for the right ring finger for a better reach.
There are several styles of flute according to the way they are cut at the ends. Traditional style has ends that are cut perpendicular to the length of the flute. Pleiades style at the head is cut at 60 degrees and at the foot perpendicular to the length of the flute. Orion style at the head is cut at 60 degrees and at the foot 45 degrees to the length of the flute. Celeste style at both the head and the foot is cut at 45 degrees to the length of the flute (the two cuts are parallel to one another).
Flute type TC1:
Key of C above middle C, celeste style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 13 1/2 inches long.
#TC1 Price: $25.00 each. (One or two are not celeste style and are only $20.00 each.)
(11 in stock)
Flute type TC2:
Key of C above middle C, celeste style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 13 1/2 inches long, with
red cord.
#TC2 Price: $28.00 each.
(10 in stock)
Flute type TC3:
Key of C above middle C, celeste style, white in color, 3/4 inch in
diameter by 13 1/2 inches long, with
brown and tan cord. The bust of a dragon is handpainted on the barrel.
#TC3 Price: $41.00 each.
(one only)
Flute type TB2:
Key of B above middle C, orion style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 14 inches long, with blue
or white cord.
#TB2 Price: $31.00 each.
(6 in stock)
Flute type TB3:
Key of B above middle C, pleiades style, grey in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 14 inches long, with green
cord.
#TB3 Price: $32.00 each.
(6 in stock)
Although fine for adults, the aged bone finish flutes which follow are perfect for
use by children.
Flute type TBb1:
Key of B flat above middle C, orion style, aged bone finish, 3/4 inch in diameter by 14 1/2 inches long,
with blue.
#TBb1 Price: $32.00 each.
(8 in stock)
Flute type TBb2:
Key of B flat above middle C, pleiades style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 14 1/2 inches long,
with blue or white cord.
#TBb2 Price: $32.00 each.
(5 in stock)
Flute type TA1:
Key of A above middle C, traditional style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 15 1/2 inches long.
#TA1 Price: $29.00 each.
(several in stock)
Flute type TA2:
Key of A above middle C, pleiades style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 15 1/2 inches long, with
green cord.
#TA2 Price: $32.00 each.
(one only)
Flute type TA3:
Key of A above middle C, pleiades style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 15 1/2 inches long, with
green, yellow, or blue cord and glass faceted "jewel" at head end. Specify color of
cord when ordering.
#TA3 Price: $35.00 each.
(5 in stock)
Flute type TA4:
Key of A above middle C, traditional style, aged bone finish, 3/4 inch in diameter by 14 1/2 inches long.
#TA4 Price: $29.00 each.
(3 in stock)
Flute type TA4a:
Key of A above middle C, traditional style, aged bone finish, 3/4 inch in diameter by 14 1/2 inches long.
Each flute has a particular sticker on it. The stickers are: raccoon, fawn,
chipmunk, skunk, squirrel, puppy, bluebird, rabbit, and collie. Specify the one you
want when ordering.
#TA4a Price: $29.00 each.
(9 in stock)
Flute type TA4b:
Key of B flat above middle C, traditional style, aged bone finish, 3/4 inch in diameter by 14 1/2 inches long.
Each flute has a particular small handpainting on it. The paintings are: two
elves, bust of elf, bust of dragon, and head of fawn. Specify the one you want when ordering.
#TA4b Price: $33.00 each.
(4 in stock)
Flute type TGs1:
Key of G sharp above middle C, traditional style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter
by 16 7/8 inches long.
#TGs1 Price: $29.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type TGs2:
Key of G sharp above middle C, celeste style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter
by 17 1/4 inches long, with blue cord.
#TGs2 Price: $32.00 each.
(4 in stock)
Flute type TG1:
Key of G above middle C, celeste style, white in color, 3/4 inch in diameter by 18 1/2 inches
long.
#TG1 Price: $29.00 each.
(out of stock)
Flute type TG2:
Key of G above middle C, traditional style, cream of light tan, 3/4 inch in diameter
by 16 3/4 inches long.
#TG2 Price: $29.00 each.
(4 in stock)
Flute type TF1:
Key of F above middle C, celeste style, aged bone finish, 3/4 inch in diameter by 20 3/4
inches long with rawhide thong.
#TF1 Price: $35.00 each.
(3 in stock)
Flute type TFs1:
Key of F sharp above middle C, celeste style, white, 3/4 inch in diameter by 19 1/4
inches long with green cord.
#TFs1 Price: $29.00 each.
(10 in stock)
Flute type TFs2:
Key of F sharp above middle C, celeste style, aged bone finish, 3/4 inch in diameter by 19 1/4
inches long with green cord and scrimshawed fire-breathing dragon on barrel.
#TFs2 Price: $60.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type TFs3:
Key of F sharp above middle C, celeste style, white, 3/4 inch in diameter by 19 1/4
inches long with green cord and Keltic wild boar scrimshawed on barrel.
#TFs3 Price: $50.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type TE1:
Key of E above middle C, celeste style, cream colored, 3/4 inch in diameter by 20 5/8
inches long.
#TE1 Price: $30.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type TE2:
Key of E above middle C, pleiades style, cream colored, 3/4 inch in diameter by 20
inches long.
#TE2 Price: $30.00 each.
(two in stock)
Flute type TE3:
Key of E above middle C, orion style, cream colored, 3/4 inch in diameter by 20 1/2
inches long.
#TE3 Price: $30.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type TD1:
Key of D above middle C, traditional style, white in color, 1 inch in diameter by
23 3/4 inches long.
#TD1 Price: $32.00 each.
(10 in stock)
Flute type TD2:
Key of D above middle C, Celeste style, white in color, 1 inch in diameter by
25 inches long.
#TD2 Price: $32.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type TD2a:
Key of D above middle C, Celeste style, white in color, 1 inch in diameter by
25 inches long with white cord.
#TD2a Price: $34.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type TD3:
Key of D above middle C, celeste style, white in color, 1 inch in diameter by 24 1/2 inches long, with
white cord to use for carrying flute on back as one would a quiver.
#TD3 Price: $35.00 each.
(3 in stock)
Flute type TD4:
Copper flute, key of D above middle C, traditional style, heat treated copper in color,
13/16 inch in diameter by 24 inches long with plate where lip goes (similar
to that on modern orchestral flutes).
#TD4 Price: $100.00 each.
(5 in stock)
Flute type TCs1:
Key of C sharp above middle C, traditional style, white, 1 inch in diameter
by 24 inches long.
#TCs1 Price: $31.00 each.
(only one)
Flute type PC1:
The Pricepipe is simple little block flute that has a slightly breathy sound. It
is played by blowing into the end like one does with a tin whistle or recorder, so no
lip training is necessary. It has a two octave
range, six finger holes, and is tuned the diatonic scale. We have a few left in the
key of C above middle C. Each is white in color with a blue cord, and measures 3/4
inch in diameter by 13 1/2 inches in length.
#PC1 Price: $31.00 each.
Ordering
All flute sales are final after 10 days. If you are planning to order a transverse flute, it is wise to be sure that you will be able to play it before placing the order. If you do not like the flute and both it and the carrying case are returned within 15 days, undamaged, your money will be refunded
Orders are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. It might be wise to have a first and second choice in your request. If an order arrives after a desired flute has been sold, the second choice (if indicated) will be honored or the money returned to the customer.
We do not accept forms of payment other than those shown in the paragraph below. In some countries, postal international money orders are available.
Please provide the information on the Order Blank and send your order to the address below.
Lew Price
PO Box 88
Garden Valley, CA 95633
USA
The above prices include both shipping and handling for customers within the United States. Customers in countries other than the U.S. should inquire for additional shipping costs and other means of payment when appropriate. Customers in California should include a sales tax of seven percent (yes, it may be more now but I prefer to round it to seven percent). A check must clear before a flute is sent, so a money order will make a flute arrive more quickly.
Unless otherwise specified and paid for accordingly, orders will be sent via U.S. postal first class mail or international air mail. Orders will be insured. Please inquire via e-mail to see if insurance is available for your country. If we receive and order that is to go to a country where insurance is not an option, the order will be cancelled and the money returned to the customer. Due to the increased possibility of mail theft during the holidays, orders will not be sent between December 6 and January 2 (the holiday season). Please do NOT send cash in the mail.
Questions may be sent via postal mail or via e-mail. lewprice@softcom.net