The Value of an Ancient Territories Native American Style Flute

 The Value of an Ancient Territories Flute 

When we discuss price we should also be thinking about value.  Value; as the word tries to convey, is a measure of what we feel a strong attachment to. Value is what we feel positive about.

Grayson and John are simple American working craftsmen, and we earn our living by making wooden flutes with our hands.  We are able to fashion with our heart and hands something that you will value; a Native American style flute. We make a musical instrument that brings positive energy into the creation and into your life. 

John has devoted more than 25 years to shaping and refining the art of flute making. I am learning this craft beside him, at the bench, where wood, tools, and patience teach their own lessons. Together we fashion Native American style flutes by hand, guided by experience, careful listening, and respect for the instrument.

We do not go into the shop to churn out flutes based on a desire to enrich ourselves.  We work to bring something of value into the world. All we ask from the person who wishes to purchase a flute from us is a living wage. 

If you value our labor you will be happy to share with us the fruits of your labor. You share with us, and we with you - and the circle is complete.

What Determines the Price of a Native American Style Flute?

There are several factors that determine the price you will pay for a Native American style flute.

Understanding these factors will help you see the difference between price and true value.

Time and Attention to Detail

First is the amount of time that is devoted to making an individual flute.

When John began making Native American style flutes his ear and hands were still learning. Over time, with steady practice and careful listening, his craftsmanship deepened. Today, every flute reflects that long devotion to tone, voicing, and tuning.

As I learn beside him, I see how much attention is given to the smallest details. This increased devotion in detail is evident in the sound quality.

We could save time by compromising our devotion to excellence and make a less expensive flute. But to do so would go against our nature as craftsmen. 

(For more insight into how we craft each flute, visit our Process page.)

Design and Contstruction Choices 

A Native American style flute made in the shape of a tube can be turned (shaped) on a lath very quickly.

We choose instead, to make a flute with a flattened top. Most people who have played one of our flutes agree that the flattened top makes for a more comfortable and more dynamic playing experience. It is also a more graceful, interesting shape.

However, shaping a flute this way is labor intensive and thus adds to the cost of the flute.

Mass Produced vs Handcrafted 

You can reduce the amount of time devoted to making an individual flute by mechanizing the process.

Computer controlled machinery can churn out flutes in a fraction of the time it takes us to handcraft an individual instrument. Sophisticated computer controlled machinery is like having mechanical slaves. You plug them in and program them and they spit out flutes.

A person who works this way is an engineer first and a craftsman second.

Their flutes can be sold for less because machines are doing most of the work. But these flutes look, feel and sound like something that has come off an assembly line.

A handcrafted flute carries not only the skill of the maker, but the years behind that skill. It carries the steady hand of experience and the careful eye of someone who has shaped thousands before it.

Experience and Reputation

Lower prices can also reflect a maker who is new to flute making and attempting to establish a market presence.

Without a developed reputation, the only competitive tool may be price.

To sell at a significantly lower price, a maker must either:

• Work for a lower wage

• Compromise on quality

• Or both

Craftsmanship matures over time. So does tonal refinement.

What You Receive With an Ancient Territories Flute

When you bring an Ancient Territories Native American style flute into your life, you are receiving something made slowly and with care.

John brings more than 25 years of experience to the workbench. I am apprenticing under him, learning the craft the old way, by watching, listening, and working with my hands. Together we carry forward the same standards of care and attention that have shaped every flute from the beginning.

We care deeply about what leaves our shop.

Each flute is handled many times before it ever reaches you. We listen closely to the tone and make small adjustments. We sand and shape until it feels right in the hands. The flattened top is there because it feels natural to hold and comfortable to play.

We build our flutes for real people. Beginners. Seasoned players. Young and old. Anyone who feels drawn to the sound of the flute. We believe a musical instrument should carry warmth, honesty, and the quiet spirit of the hands that made it.

What you receive is a flute shaped with patience, experience, and respect for the wood and for you.

Enjoy, John and Grayson