Coast Redwood Branch Flute in F#
sound sample of this flute
  
Measuring
21
7/8"
in
length, with a 7/8" diameter sound chamber, this
6
holed,
unsplit
Coast Redwood (Sequoia
sempervirens ) branch
flute
is
tuned to an F# minor
pentatonic scale, modes 1 & 4, playing 3+ upper octave
notes as
well
as the gypsy scale. One of the joys of branch flute
making is the
unique qualities that appear in the process of finding the
voice in
each individual branch. This branch ended up with an
amazing
ability to sing a couple very high, in tune, extended
range notes,
above the usual three upper octave notes. These
notes are heard
in the second half of the sound sample and are
played by
overblowing the second and third hole up. This takes
about twice
the amount of air as normal as well as a bit of practice
to get the
hang of it, but it's doable and a nice special feature on
this
flute. Some
of the red bark has been left on, contrasting
nicely
with the exposed and finely finished wood
grain. Any knot holes have been inlaid
with
crushed malachite. This branch was gathered from a
grove of Coast
Redwood trees
that grow at Descanso
Gardens. Elk
lacing
with malachite and
horn bone
beads holds
the
bird to the nest, the bird fitted with a redwood heartwood
shoe to aid
against
wetout.
Home Page About Dryad Flutes Available Flutes Gallery Quality Testimonials Green Branches On The Marsh Under the Oaks Butterfly Blue Schedule Living Lightly |
