Experiment: Making a branch flute

Jul 07, 2023

I'm writing a new middle grade fantasy book that features a stone age flute. While doing research, I came across this tutorial on how to make a branch flute and decided to give it a try.

First, I had to find a good stick. Out on a hike one day with my son, I came across this one and proceeded to cut it in half with the band saw at my school.

Then, I used my dremel to do the rough work, and a variety of wood chisels for the fine work of hollowing it out.

Next, I carved out the sound mechanism. This was the hardest part.

Last, fitting the sound block and cutting finger holes.

Tuning the flute proved tricky. It sounds okay and produces pure notes but I may have gotten the finger hole spacing off a bit. I'll have to try again (with a large stick this time).

< back