How Do You Make North American Indian Cedar Flutes?
Legend has it that the flute came from the woodpecker, who drilled holes in the tree branches. When the wind blew through these branches, it enchanted those who heard it, and they honored the woodpecker by creating flutes of their own. Native American flutes have a distinctive sound because they are made with two inner chambers which resonate together to produce a drone and a melody at the same time. Cedar has always been a popular choice of wood for these flutes because it is soft, aromatic and pleasing to blow. Choose your cedar carefully, preferably finding a suitable piece in the forest. You will need a flat board, about 2 feet long. Rip the cedar board on the table saw to make a stick about 2 to 3 inches square and about 18 to 24 inches long. Cut the stick in half lengthwise with a band saw. Hollow out both halves of the stick with a chisel to form two inner air chambers separated by a 1/2-inch wall. These two chambers are called the slow air chamber, which is the one near the mou
