How to Make an F# Native American Flute with PVC -- Updated, Expanded

These instructions are for a flute in the key of F#. PLEASE NOTE: THE SOUND HOLE IS LOCATED 14 CM FROM BLOWING END. THE VIDEO'S LISTED MEASUREMENT IS ERRONEOUS. ALL CORRECT MEASUREMENTS APPEAR BELOW. MY APOLOGIES FOR THE TYPO.
Stay tuned after the credits for a couple of extra tips. This video is an updated, expanded version of the original video to include supplemental information. If you have any questions, comments, or advice about Native American flute crafting, please contact me through my website at csfuqua.com, Facebook at / c.s.fuqua.author , or Twitter @CSFuqua.
If you want to go further in both crafting the instrument and in learning about native flute history, check out Native American Flute ~ A Comprehensive Guide at www.amazon.com/Native-America.... Native American Flute ~ A Comprehensive Guide provides a thorough, documented history of the native flute and step-by-step, photo-illustrated crafting instructions of native flutes, ancient to modern, in wood, bamboo, PVC, and more.
Thanks for watching.
Good luck with your crafting!
This flute will be in the key of F#. With all fingers holes closed, the note that will play is F#. Cut the PVC pipe longer than needed. Shorten the barrel incrementally, testing often, to attain the fundamental F#
Materials and tools:
• good quality dust mask
• guitar tuner with built-in microphone
• fine-tooth handsaw
• high-speed drill or rotary tool such as Dremel
• 1/8-inch drill bit or rotary tool bit
• flat and rounded needle files (1/4-inch or less width)
• standard flat file
• fine grade sandpaper
• 3/4-inch diameter PVC
• 3/4-inch diameter cork
• 1/8-inch or 1/16-inch hobby wood
• 2-inch x 2-inch x 3/4-inch wood (for fetish)
• rubber band or leather tie
Measurements:
PVC pipe:
• 3/4-inch diameter
• 55 cm long
Placement of air and sound holes, measuring from head (blowing end) to hole center. Make initial hole no larger than 1/8-inch:
• air hole 12.2 cm
• sound hole 14 cm
Placement of finger holes, measuring from flute foot (opposite head) to hole center. Make initial hole no larger than 1/8-inch:
* All finger holes closed -- F# (after drilling sound & air holes, shorten the sound barrel incrementally to attain fundamental note)
• 1 12.8 cm -- A
• 2 15.8 cm -- B
• 3 18.7 cm -- C#
• 4 22 cm -- Eb
• 5 24.85 cm -- F
• 6 27.7 cm -- G