Testimonials From Ancient Territories Flute Customers

John, both you and Ancient Territories are the greatest....   my flute arrived today and is beautiful and very fast shipping.   I researched many flute sites before deciding on yours and I'm now convinced my decision was the correct one....   all I need to do now is call you to order a felt case since I forgot to order one with my Flute.

Hi John,
Just a note to let you know I received my flutes today....tnx so much! I must express my delight....they are beautiful!! And my first notes sound wonderful......they truly are a work of art! I look forward to future purchases. Am listening to the new CD by Memo.....a tribute to you and your flutes....again...beautiful!!

Blessings,

Hi John,

The flutes arrived safely today. I am truly speechless in trying to relay how special your flutes are. I played the cherry flute briefly since it needs to be saved for my friend's birthday present.

I have been playing my walnut/ph heart flute and it feels like it has a soul of its own. You can hear and feel the voice of the past and present...it is timeless. And the warble is beautiful.

When I was studying for my Master's degree in fine art, I asked our Dean, who is a gifted, well educated artist, why a particular piece of art can withstand centuries of time and still have an impact on people generations later...he said that he believed that the artist is "at one" with the tools that he chooses...the artist, the tools, and the subject are all in sync.

John, I think what you are creating is what my teaching was describing.

Thank you again,
Cindy

Hi John!!!! My E Bubinga flute arrive yesterday!!!!! I´m really impressed with it, its sound, the wood, the construction... I´m playing it carefully, because is new, a new climate for her. The sound really is complex, cristal, profound, sonoric, I see I have to learn slowly, step by step a lot of possibilities she offers. I want to thank you for this wonderful, sure now is a new member of my family, yesteray with my wife we were enjoying she. Ok, now you know that from here, at the "heart" of South América, there is a beautiful sound singing from your hands. Thanks, blessings to you!!!!!

Dear friend John... I just open up the box she is exquisite... I can feel your heart soul and many spirits in this 1 for sure. ...thank you for the honor and the opportunity... She really is special and reflects that kind and gentle side of you...thank you again and I truly feel honored... Her voice is more than magnificent because of all the complex layers involved... Much light to you gentle spirit... Kim

The new flute arrived today.  It is more beautiful then the picture could show.   The tone is amazing.  I played for friends and their words were smooth and flowing.  It made me realize just how bad my old flea market flute was.  I love my new flute.  Thank you so much.

John, Thank you so much for helping me make a great flute selection. It arrived earlier this week just as you said it would, and words cannot express how much I am enjoying this wonderful instrument. It feels so good in my hands, that even when I am done playing, I can't stop holding and looking at it. The clarity of the notes are so bright and true. I was able to initially play a chromatic scale, hitting each and every note clearly. I can really appreciate the craftsmanship and care you put into each and every flute ~ from the selection of the wood, through all of the steps to produce such and exquisite, final quality product that is not only beautiful to look at, but FUN to play. My sister is enjoying her F# flute as well and we refer to you as the flute doctor as your instruments have restored a sense of balance and harmony to our lives. We jokingly say to each other, "Blow two notes and call me in the morning!" for anything that ails you. Now that's an excellent prescription. Sincerely, Mri L

P.S. The brochure was a wealth of information. Thank you again. I will be back for more!

Came very late last night.  Have played it for about 30 minutes today.  This is physically a beautiful flute, but more important it's easy to play and sounds tremendous.  This was a replacement for my first flute, a popular, commercially made flute that I though sounded nice but almost turned me off because of its narrow abilities.  Granted I'm a little better now, but after playing your flute I can see that many of my early challenges were not mine, but the flutes.  Bottom line is I can't tell you how pleased I am with your flute.  If I was still stuck in the 60's I would say far freakin' out, but I will leave it with a comment my 14 year old niece made - awesome!

Hi John. My flute arrived yesterday, and boy, what can I say. The universe has answered and brought me my medicine. A stunning piece of workmanship. I can clearly see how much pride and love goes into crafting these beautiful instruments. The colours and tonal qualities are out of this world. I look forward to many wonderful moments with my flute and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only coming into my life at this time, but also for the joy and happiness you are bringing all those who come your way. I look forward to keeping in touch with you. I would truly love to be able to meet you and shake your hand.

Yours Respectfully,  Simon

I received my flute today and it is absolutely beautiful!  It is so far from what I expected, and even as a beginner, I am already producing wonderful sounds from this flute.  I have longed for the ability to play one of these as I think the music is just so peaceful and comforting.  Your craftsmanship is amazing and  I am thoroughly pleased with this gorgeous flute!

John

I received my custom made flute from you today and would like to say it has spectacular looks, great craftsmanship and excellent tone. I believe these are the core of your flutes. I’ve honestly loved the way this instrument shows just as much as the way it plays. It’s awesome-looking, awesome-sounding, and holds the type of perfection in craftsmanship I’ve learned to expect from a John Stillwell flute. Anyone will probably get a bit spoiled after owning one of your flutes.

Flute received and I can not put the thing down.  Music has been an untouchable skill for me for some time.  Keeping it simple with the pentatonic makes life easy and I will play this thing after biking or hiking out into the middle of the woods.  On the technical side, your tuning is letting me explore the ridiculous range of this instrument through half-hole trickery which lets me try my hand at playing some favorite tunes.

Hi John,

I received the flute this morning and "WOW" was all I said.  Once I played the flute it made me even more amazed at how good the sound quality was.  I have bought other flutes from different makers but I have to say that yours is the loudest and has the best sound.  I will be back to order another flute from you.  At first I was hesitant to order because of the price. I have never paid that much for a flute before but I know now that you get what you pay for. 
Thanks again,
Aaron

Hello John, Just received the Beautiful Wenge and Zebrawood Flute today and The Beauty of the Craftsmanship and the Voice of this Flute literally brought Tears to my Eyes and a Warm Feeling in my Heart. Thank You Brother for this Wonderful Piece of Art. I know it will bring many Blessed Memories for my Spirit to enjoy and will allow me to Make a "Joyful Noise" to My Creator. Many Blessings...Robert Mullinax

Hi John, I just received flutes and CD now. The flute tone is 
wonderful. I'll enjoy flute practice everyday. Thank you very much.  
Hitoshi

Dear John:
The Flute arrived a couple of hours ago - safe and sound.  And what sound!  It's really beautiful and I am very very happy with it.  I am really surprised at what a difference it makes to have the finger board flattened instead of the usual round flute design.  It is much easier and more comfortable to finger than my other flutes.  I can soar with it, effortlessly.   The tuning is excellent.  Back pressure is perfect.  The best way for me to describe it is that I feel blessed by it. 
Thank you so very much. 

Dear John, I can't tell you how much I appreciate all you have done, and all the work that goes into making a flute. I visit your web site often and listen to some of the albums and I read it front to back over and over agin trying to gain some insight into playing the flute. With every passing moment of everyday I find the flute magical and what a stress reliever it is. Thanks Again for a GREAT JOB WELL DONE!

HiJohn, the flute arrived today, thank you so much for helping me realize my dream of three years, it is the most beautiful piece of artwork I have ever purchased! I can't wait to break it in thanks for all you've done and for this wonderful creation.
-Katrina

Hello John,

I wanted to thank you for your wonderful flutes, I have been playing them ever since they arrived, the sound is beautiful and so are the flutes. Thank you very much.

Hello John, flute made me very happy, it was exactly what I wanted, I work on healing with sacred plants of India, in the sessions we played different instruments, and the flute is going great, it's a beautiful sound, that takes you deep very nice places, makes me play the flute very well, I'm sure I chose the best place to buy my first flute, just recently I was reading your page and I like the bond you have with the instrument, thank you very much for everything, we are contact, I hope you're well, a hug.
Pablo

“John's craftsmanship is incredible. Everytime I play my Stillwell flute in public, folks have to come up to look closely at the construction of the instrument. Folks are always amazed to see the detail. The unique design of this flute is very comfortable in your hands, making it a joy to play."

“John Stillwell's flutes are among the most sweetly voiced and beautifully made flutes that I have played. They are uniquely designed and artfully crafted - each one is a joy to play.
They are always in my gig bag."

“I received the flute you sent me yesterday afternoon. I cannot believe the difference in not only the appearance and feel, but the sound quality of this flute! It is so awesome! The flute is so responsive, the tone is strong and clear,it makes my other one look, feel, and sound like a toy! I kept breaking out into a smile when I was playing it and my kids were watching and grinning "Daddy's happy!" I am. The stretch on the E took a few seconds to work out and I'll occasionally duff the fundamental, but I should have it down cold soon.Thank you so much for your professionalism in the business transaction and your craftsmanship in the construction of the flute (and the special bird, it looks great!). I am just beside myself with joy! You have definitely got my business when I order my next flute (which will probably be soon, they are so addicting!)”

p.s. The song that I wanted to play along with is "Sun" from Burning Sky's album "Creation". The flute you made was in perfect pitch!

"I just received the flute and it's beautiful!!!!!! I loved all the cool and unique features on it, and it seems to be wonderfully in pitch... Thank you SO much! And I'm glad Vince showed me your flute! What I would appreciate, is a stack of business cards. I let my students try flutes and then they take cards and order flutes from makers whose flutes they have played in my music room. Thank you again for your gift of song!!"

"I've been enjoying playing the flute I got from you, really enjoying it's tone and note bending capabilities. I have yet to wet the flute out, so I must conclude that your wet out prevention system works. ... Well, here is the $100 that I owe you to pay off my flute. Thanks for cutting me a good deal. I will be sure to show it off, especially since it's such an eye catcher. "

“I Like the full-bodies tonal qualityof my John Stillwell flute. It is finely crafted and easy to play. The turtle fetish and turquise bead is both simple and elegant. I appreciate the time John spent in helping me get use dto my new flute and his availabiliy when I had questions to ask."

 “John's flutes are as gorgeous in sound quality as they are beautiful to look at. His innovative flute style and artistic craftsmanship, makes John's flutes a must have in any serious flute players collection. As a performing artist, I am very selective about the flutes I own. I must be able to trust the sound that comes out of them. The beauty of John's flutes is what attracted me to them, but more importantly, the sound quality is what hooked me on his flutes. I own three and look forward to having many more in my collection.”

“I was lucky to win one of John's flutes on ebay. I bid on it just because of what he said on one of the listserv I belong to and seeing pictures of flute on ebay. When it arrived I was in awe, not only did it sound beautiful it looked awesome also. Very unique design, triangular type bore with vee cut inlays. The finish on it is unbelievably shiny, it literally shines and is almost translucent. I would recommend his flutes to anyone. They are of the highest quality and backed by his personal guarantee. Thanks John for creating such I flute that I treasure.”

“I recently added a flute of John Stillwell's to my collection. Not only is the combination of woods a feast for the eyes, but the tone of this F# minor flute is amazing. It can be played loudly or quietly; it is easy to find the half steps; and the tuning is impeccable. The sound is both resonant and brilliant and has inspired my playing to a new level. When I choose a flute to take with me, I readily reach for John's flute. Thank you. I'm just about ready for another!”

“The flute arrived safely this morning! WOW.. Your work is beyond words! Truly beautiful and the engineering you have put into is incredible. This is definitely not your average flute. I have about 35 or so flutes and I have some nice ones that makers have put alot of energy and effort into but this one is in a class by itself. I lost count cause I do gift some from time to time to help someone go on their flute journey. The different woods compliment each other and are definitely put together like a fine piece of furniture. And the voice...It is right on too! Very good voice........one that you can bear down on if you want to and one that will whisper if you need to !. And I have only explored this incredible instrument for a little bit !!
I usually swab my flutes down a little after playing.... removing the bird and just swabbing inside out a little ....nothing drastic. Is it OK to run a pipe cleaner from the drain hole through the mouthpiece? That is a solid piece of metal through there? WOW man this flute is something!
Mark had told me that his flute from you was fast becoming his favorite and I can see why!! Again thanks! You have taking flute making to another level ! Blessings!”

John - I was so excited that I was going to call you over the weekend, but didn't want to bother you. I got a call from my brother early Saturday morning. He had received the flute at work on Friday. You were right. He was so excited he could hardly talk. You really chose a fantastic flute for him. He just couldn't stop talking about how beautiful it was John. He has an art studio at home with good acoustics and told me he played it late Friday night. He really commented on the turquoise stone that was on it. Just a touch that he really admired that made it special. I can't thank you enough for choosing the right flute for him. I will be ordering again next year if not sooner. You truly did a great job John. Thank you for all you did for me. Thanks!

Dear John,
Tonight I came home to a wonderful surprise!! I didn't expect to get my flute so soon...so I am thrilled. It's beautiful and I am having so much fun learning to play it. I would like to get some info on a protective bag to transport it.
Thanks again and your little note was a nice touch! I love the instructions that came with it. Without those I would be lost. I look forward to hearing back from you regarding the cover.
Happy New Year!

Hi John,
Just wanted to let you know that I received the flute today in great
condition ... now ... what end do I blow into? ;-)
Seriously, it is a beautiful flute, exceeding my expectations. I love its sound and beauty and I am anxious to start enjoying the learning process.
Thanks so much and have a wonderful Holiday Season!

I recently ordered one of your Backpacker flutes and received it yesterday.
Being a woodworker of sorts myself and recognizing the workmanship that goes into creating a handmade piece, I am more than happy with the quality of workmanship and ease of play....what a fine instrument!
I have never played a flute before, but have always been attracted to the calming sounds of the native American style flutes.
Within minutes, I was creating the sounds that I wanted to hear (OK, and some that I didn't.....but that's what practice is for :)
Thank You for offering such a fine, handmade instrument with clear instructions and guidance.
I will definitely be back for another......
Thanks Again.

I received my flute on Saturday which happened to be my 46th birthday. I'm very pleased. It's beautiful and sounds great! I was making music in just a few minutes...not great music (yet), but it will come with practice.
Thanks again. If I ever decide to get another NA style flute, I'm sure I'll come back to you.

I received my flute today, Key of A... and I would like to say that you undersell our masterpieces! It is not only beautiful, but the craftsmanship is outstanding. I was immediately taken back by the wood finish, and the beauty ( not to mention the fact that it plays as beautiful as it looks ) The flatness on the top is so well designed for my fingers. You are a genius ! Actually I'm purchasing an other one just like it as a gift to someone special. Keep the beauty in your work... as it is a reflection of your soul!

I just wanted to pass on my gratitude for making this purchase a pleasant one. I knew that I had chosen the right artist to buy from when I first visited your website.
I am a musician and a woodworker also, so my appreciation of your craft is deep.
The flute arrived yesterday and I find it hard to put down. Even when I walk by the flutes resting place, I am called to pick it up and play a few notes. This instrument has already become a friend and I am sure the bond will only grow as my skills improve.
Thank you for bringing peace and beauty to my life. I will cherish this flute.

Hey John it feels like I was driving a beat up volkswagen and got into a brand new BMW the flute is so wonderful.

Wow! Thanks John. I have a beautiful handmade flute now. It is proving to be too big for my small hand. I was grateful on your web for the advice to get the A key. Your web was very helpful. I am in my almost middle 70's. The flute playing keeps my brain working. I have found great improvement in my memory - especially bringing up names since I started playing 1-2 hours a day. Good thing I enjoy it. I will look forward to receiving the flute. Are you from Maine? I stipulated flutes in Maine but you came up first! You are right about the hand made flutes.

Hello John, I received the F# flute this morning. The flute looks great, unique and not to be compared with what we see on the websites. The work is the result of the finest skill, experience, effort and passion. The sound is gentle, peaceful, quiet and melodious. It is also strong, clear and steady. Looking at it, touching it and playing it makes me feel close to nature and it teaches me how to become what I very often forget to be. It is a living instrument with which I can travel harmoniously into my own being. Thanks again for making such great flutes.

The first flute I recived from John Stillwell was a masterpiece.I could't believe my eyes.It had an incredible voice. John and his flutes have given me something special in my life. I will always be in debt to him.

Received the flute today. Wow!! Totally awesome! The look and feel is beautiful and it sounds great. I'm glad I went with the 'Collectors' model. I often ride my bike on a bike trail near my house. Looking forward to taking it with me and playing it under Gods' creation. I would highly recommend your flutes to anyone who is thinking of purchasing a Native American style flute.

Dear Mr. Stillwell,
I received your flute over the weekend and it was waiting for me when I came into work this morning. All I can say is it is just magnificent. It truly took my breath away. You have an incredible talent that you share through your creations. Thank you, Thank you, I feel very honored to be giving this beautiful flute to my boyfriend for his birthday. I look forward to doing business again when I purchase my own. You are truly a gifted artist. Thank you!

Thank You John. I received my flute and it is beautiful. My husband is excited about it too. We are going on a ten day backpacking trip next week in Yosemite National Park and are planning on taking my new backpacking flute with us. This is a new venture for us. I was surprised to see his interest in my flute. I guess I will have to share with him. Thanks again.

John today I played for thirty people on the river. One lady was crying she said it sounded so good it made her cry. Thanks John for making a flute that can make people cry.

John, just dropping a note to let you know my flute arrived today in the mail. It is beautiful, and I love the wood.  The sound is so relaxing and a joy to play instead of just listening to someone else play. Thank you very much for your help on the phone and the very quick shipping. I can't wait to get playing it down enough to make a little song of some sort, practice, practice. Thanks again.