Bone Flutes in Stock
We have a new batch of bone flutes in stock, and available for immediate despatch. The sound samples were recorded on a poor quality computer microphone, in a dry acoustic with no reverb, but do show something of the different characteristics of each flute.
Flute 1
Sheepbone flute, length 123 mm, 3 finger holes, small hole in back for hanging cord. A reserved mystical flute, distant but not breathy. Fairly easy to play with a uniform gentle breath. The concentration needed for the gentle breath gives this flute a meditative quality. The sound produces an atmosphere of mourning for something only half remembered. Best played with the end half closed, almost fully closing for lowest note. Easily plays first 6 notes of major scale (or 5 note minor with flattened leading note), top note with end almost closed, tricky seventh note by slurring upwards, opening fingers slightly more than for the sixth and blowing harder. Listen (scale and Swedish cowhorn melody). £75, includes felt bag and instruction leaflet.
Flute 2
Sheepbone flute, length 140 mm, 4 finger holes, small hole in back for hanging cord. A very beautiful sounding flute, distant, but quite loud, slightly breathy. Best played with end almost blocked with two fingers, pretty much completely blocking for lowest note. Plays first 7 notes of major scale, or nice minor with sharpened or flattened leading note. Notes 'drop away' beautifully with dropping breath pressure, great for imitation eagle calls etc. Listen (scale, Finnish Kantele melody, Eagle calls). £75, includes felt bag and instruction leaflet. SOLD
Flute 3
Sheepbone flute, length 113 mm, 3 finger holes. Not an easy flute to play, requiring good breath control, but when played gently has a wonderfully mournful quality of sound. Playing this flute transports me to an otherworldly fjord where Sea Eagles circle above the grey water. Best played with the end almost stopped with two fingers, almost completely blocking for lowest and highest notes. Easily plays first 6 notes of major scale (or 5 note minor with flattened leading note), top note with end almost closed. Listen (scale and improvisation). £75, includes felt bag and instruction leaflet.
Flute 4
Sheepbone flute, length 124 mm, 3 finger holes. A very balanced instrument, quite loud, slightly breathy. Easy to play and very accessable, would be lovely to play for dancers. Best played with the end half closed, almost fully closing for lowest note. Easily plays first 6 notes of major scale (or 5 note minor with flattened leading note), top note with end almost closed. Listen (scale and Bear Dance, traditional Cornish dance tune). £75, includes felt bag and instruction leaflet. SOLD
Flute 5
Sheepbone flute, length 112 mm, 3 finger holes, medium sized hole in back for hanging cord. This flute is tremendously extrovert, easy to play, loud and clear though not shrill. Best played with the end almost stopped with two fingers. Plays first seven notes of major scale (or 6 note minor with flattened leading note), with a flattened seventh squeezed out of the second register by opening the two end covering fingers slightly more than for the 6th , and blowing harder. A good flute for a beginner or someone wanting an especially loud instrument for unamplified public performance. Listen (scale and Capel y Ddol, traditional Welsh air). £75, includes felt bag and instruction leaflet.
Flute 6
Sheepbone flute, length 136 mm. 3 finger holes. A large robust flute with clear, solid tone, good for open air performance. Best played with the end half closed, completely covering for the lowest note. A seven note major scale with flattened seventh is played easily, and unusually seven note minor scale can also be played through cross fingering.£75, includes felt bag and instruction leaflet. SOLD
To Buy a Bone Flute