Making wooden piccolo's

[mattyacht]

I'm interestined in learning how to make wooden piccolo's. I spoke with Lillian Burkhart and she was rather evasive with her answer not wanting to breed competition. I know it may be a long road and require a career commitment. Can anyone out there steer me in the right direction?

Thanks,

Mattyacht

[Mark]

that sort of depends upon how serious you are about it.

there are several places to get pointers on making simple flutes
of various sizes. Here are a couple to get you started.

http://www.markshep.com/flute/
http://www.cwo.com/~ph_kosel/designs.html

those deal in keyless pvc
here's one that looks at bamboo:
http://www.webspirit.com/fluteman/book/ ... basics.htm


and then, Erik will sell you plans and a kit to get started with bamboo:
http://www.eriktheflutemaker.com/Flute_making_kit.htm

to migrate into wooden you will get more involved. I have stayed with
bamboo and cane myself due to time and equipment restraints.

there are various flutemakers lists aroudn the web as well.

mark

[mattyacht]

Thanks for the info Mark. I am fascinated with Eric the Flutemaker's product and story. His flutes sound beautiful. The only drawback is that they are not fully chromatic. But the low maintenance and artistic beauty make up for it. Do you sell your flutes too?

Interested,

Mattyacht

[fluteguy18]

Normally learning how to make a concert flute or piccolo takes years of careful training under either a master craftsman, or a sort of internship at a flute maker's actual factory. You would probably benefit from first learning flute/ piccolo repair to get an idea of exactly how a flute works, then advancing to working with an already established flute maker. From that point on, once you have mastered the idea and process of drawing a tube of silver, or drilling the bore for a piccolo, then making toneholes to a proper scale and then crafting the individual pieces that make the flute itself, you should be set to go out on your own to make concert flutes and piccolos.

This is a very specific craft that takes a long time to learn properly. Most individuals who are involved with flute/ piccolo making have made a career out of it.

[Mark]

Thanks for the info Mark. I am fascinated with Eric the Flutemaker's product and story. His flutes sound beautiful. The only drawback is that they are not fully chromatic. But the low maintenance and artistic beauty make up for it. Do you sell your flutes too?

Interested,

Mattyacht

His is indeed a fascinating story.

as to my flutes.. when I have time to make them, they usually end
up as gifts.

mark