HOMEGROWN MUSIC: MAKE A BAMBOO FLUTE (PART II)

(Page 2 of 4)

January/February 1983
 
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DOUBLE UP

You'll likely be glad to know (if you don't already) that your homemade flute is capable of producing a second octave, which is played by simply blowing harder than usual into the instrument while using the same finger positions as those employed for the "normal" scale. Once you've shaped the holes to your satisfaction, then, you'll want to check the tuning of those higher notes. If your bamboo's natural taper is just right — that is, if the tube's inside diameter decreases very uniformly from its closed to its open end — the upper octave may be naturally in tune.

Chances are, though, that at least some of the notes will be flat. To remedy the situation, carefully sand all, or a portion of, the area inside the tube between the mouthpiece and the hole closest to it (use the same dowel-and-sandpaper tool you made to smooth the interior while making your flute). If all the notes are flat, of course, you'll have to work on the entire gap . . . if the three notes closest to the blow hole are the bad ones, sand just that half of the region closest to the mouthpiece . . . and, likewise, if the three notes farthest from the mouthpiece are flat, smooth the other half of the area. Again, always proceed gradually, and check the flute's performance frequently as you make your adjustments.

FINISHING

Once you're done drilling and tuning your flute, you'll probably want to lightly sand and contour the surface edges around the holes to make it easy for your fingers to form tight seals on the openings (this is, of course, essential if you intend to produce good clear notes). In addition, you may also decide to sand and polish the entire outer skin of the bamboo, and to smooth out the joints as well, to give the final product a truly professional appearance. Do be careful, though, not to sand too deeply into the wood, or you'll destroy the natural beauty of the instrument.

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