Voicing
construction characteristics
(showing two styles both in key of G)
For an explanation please go
here
Finger-hole spacing typcical for Plains style (top)
Hear it
Finger-hole spacing typcical for Woodlands style (bottom)
Hear it
Why are the holes
spaced differently?
The sound characteristics of an instrument is known as the Voice,
just as the sound associated with different people is also known as the
voice. Native American style flutes typically have two different voices
with variations of each. Different people prefer different voices, so I
offer the option for either of the two, or any variation between the two.
Due to construction techniques required to make the various voices, slight
variations in the instruments are required. Part of this involves a different
spacing of the fingerholes, even on flutes using the exact same key and
scale. Typically the holes are closer on my flutes that are given a voice
typical of the plains style flute.
Although both flutes pictured above, are in the exact same key of G and
are tuned to the exact same G-minor Pentatonic scale the differences in
hole spacing is obvious. Flutes pictured are my very basic
flutes made from western cedar with oil finish.
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Tim Van Dusen
Flute Spirit - flutes & music
P.O. Box 433 - Edgemont, Pa - 19028
