Making a piece of bamboo into something that makes a noise is not difficult, but this is a whistle and not a flute. It must first sound good and then look good. Below is the first page of my 'How to Make' a side blown flute document. When preparing this I tried to go down the workshop manual route. There is very little theory in it, just step by step photos and concise descriptions of every stage of flute making - from harvesting to the finished flute. Many of my friends advised against giving such a detailed account of how it's done. No one will buy a flute if you show them how to make their own. I don't agree. To make a perfectly tuned flute is incredibly difficult even when you do know how. No book can give you the expierence and feel you need to produce great flutes on a regular basis. However my fact sheet will give you a great start and a perfectly tuned flute is possible at the first attempt. To play a flute you made yourself is absolutely fantastic.

I do intend to produce a fact sheet for the 'Native American system' flute at a later date, if the demand is there, but the side blown are the easiest to start with.

Have a look at the introduction below and if you want the full document it's free, just register as a member. You can then have a go. All the secrets are there!