I’m a professional oboist and I also play recorder. Are the fingerings somewhat similar to soprano recorder? Oboe has similarities to recorder in that regard. I want to get a native flute. I was thinking more in the bass range. I play english horn also which is a larger finger spread so I imagine it wouldn’t be so different?
The NAF is similar to recorder, but more geared for diatonic, rather than chromatic scales. There is no thumb hole on a typical NAF and most are 6-hole.
There seems to be a universal phenomenon among world flutes, not just the Native American Style Flute, but all kinds of world flutes, and that is the phenomenon of a standard pitch. For the Native American Style Flute (NASF) that key is the F Sharp above middle C. For the Irish Flute and the Shakuhachi, that standard key is the D above middle C. For the South American Quena, that key is the G above middle C. Whichever of these flutes you choose, if the key is higher than the standard key, even if just by a half step, the flute sounds light, bright and on the high side. Conversely, if the key is lower than the standard key, even if just by a half step, the flute sounds dark, mellow and low in tone. What's interesting about this video you made is that you failed to show the most mid-range Native Flute of them all, which is the standard key of F# - you didn't even go that low. In my opinion, F#, G and A are the most commonly played midrange keys on the Native Flute, with A actually being a bridge between the middle range and the higher keys and ranges.
Most Native American-style flutes range from $150 to $350 for basic models. Higher-end flutes, made from exotic woods, with custom designs, can be priced from $800 to $3500 and up.
Great stuff Kalani! Thanks for all you do in the flute community! :)
My pleasure
Very informative. Thanks Kalani. You are the best Native Flute instructor on the web. Bravo!
Thank you!
The high E is quite sweet
How to get these flutes in India? I need E flute
I’m a professional oboist and I also play recorder. Are the fingerings somewhat similar to soprano recorder? Oboe has similarities to recorder in that regard. I want to get a native flute. I was thinking more in the bass range. I play english horn also which is a larger finger spread so I imagine it wouldn’t be so different?
The NAF is similar to recorder, but more geared for diatonic, rather than chromatic scales. There is no thumb hole on a typical NAF and most are 6-hole.
G# would like to protest
No C?
There seems to be a universal phenomenon among world flutes, not just the Native American Style Flute, but all kinds of world flutes, and that is the phenomenon of a standard pitch. For the Native American Style Flute (NASF) that key is the F Sharp above middle C. For the Irish Flute and the Shakuhachi, that standard key is the D above middle C. For the South American Quena, that key is the G above middle C. Whichever of these flutes you choose, if the key is higher than the standard key, even if just by a half step, the flute sounds light, bright and on the high side. Conversely, if the key is lower than the standard key, even if just by a half step, the flute sounds dark, mellow and low in tone. What's interesting about this video you made is that you failed to show the most mid-range Native Flute of them all, which is the standard key of F# - you didn't even go that low. In my opinion, F#, G and A are the most commonly played midrange keys on the Native Flute, with A actually being a bridge between the middle range and the higher keys and ranges.
I do mention that F# is “right in the middle” of the range. This video is about “mid to upper-mid” flutes. Thanks for your thoughts and comment.
What is the price ranges on these flutes? Thanks!
Most Native American-style flutes range from $150 to $350 for basic models. Higher-end flutes, made from exotic woods, with custom designs, can be priced from $800 to $3500 and up.
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