How to Choose a Native American style flute?

You have heard the call to play a Native American style flute. Now you are exploring our website to learn more about Native American style flutes and find the flute that is right for you. The first step is to follow your heart. It’s a tricky subject but you know what I mean so I’m going to have to leave that to you and move on.

 The type of flute you are interested in is commonly called a Native American flute, a Native American style flute, a Love flute, an Indian flute, a courting flute or technically a dual chambered duct flute. They are basically the same instrument - a five or six-holed flute with two chambers tuned to a pentatonic scale.

A Native American flute is one made by an enrolled member of a registered tribe. It’s a legal issue. There are lots of 100% American Indians who can’t legally say that they make a Native American flute. There are also a lot of Individuals who are the children of cross-cultural marriages who can say they make Native American flutes. If you feel called to own a flute from a Native maker our flutes are not for you. We are not Native American and we make a contemporary Native American style flute.

Now the appearance of a flute doesn’t mean much. You’ll find some Native American style flutes that mimic the appearance of a culturally native instrument – beads, feathers, and carved animal heads, the whole works. Conversely some of the best Native American flutes I have seen and played look as contemporary as mine.

Remember it is your heart that is looking for a flute. Not your wallet. So, we will next discuss the money issue. Small amounts of money – a few hundred dollars say – is easy for most of us to come by. So don’t let money be the deciding factor in your decision-making process. If you must, save up and get the flute you really want. Taking a Love flute into your life is a potentially life changing decision. So, take your time. Look around and find the flute that you feel is right for you. Then spend what it takes to bring the flute of your dreams into your life. It is certain you’ll always be glad you did.

Don’t waste your money on a cheap beginner’s flute. I know you may be hesitant to buy a more expensive instrument your first time out. But cheap flutes are just that. They have no re-sale value. If you want to make beautiful music spend a little extra and play an instrument whose craftsmanship and tonal quality will thrill your heart and encourage your growth as a musician.

Be warned, there are some very expensive Native American style flutes that may look impressive but don’t sound very good. Conversely there are some reasonably priced flutes that are very sweet. Price doesn’t necessarily have a lot to do with how the flute sounds. You don’t have to spend an arm and leg to own a good flute.

You can break Native American style flutes down into two general groups. There are flutes that are made by the hundreds in a factory like setting and there are flutes that are made by craftsmen like Grayson and me. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the other because the mass producers try to blend in with the small craftsmen. You know ‘flutes made by so and so’ and the guy has never touched or even seen the flute you are buying. You will see these flutes being sold all over the place – at fairs, in gift shops, on websites. But you will never see where and how these flutes are made. Some are imported.  If you’re looking for a flute with heart don’t get a mass-produced product. They look, feel and play like exactly what they are.

Types of Ancient Territories Native American Style Flutes

We make Native American style flutes in five types – Backpacker, Craftsman, Sundance, Turtle Island and Collectors. All five Ancient Territories flutes are made to the same exact specifications in respect to the sound generating mechanism. Therefore, they all produce a great, concert quality sound. The difference in price is in proportion to the amount of labor that goes into making each type of flute.

Grayson and I are constantly absorbed in the perfection of our flute making skills. Our goal as instrument makers is a flute that has clear, sweet tone and dynamic volume. By dynamic volume, we mean a flute that has a range of expressions from a whisper to a shout.

Every Ancient Territories Native American Style flute comes with a complete tutorial booklet. The booklet will give you all the information you need to get started playing your flute. There are also extensive lessons on our website.

We maintain an inventory of Native American style flutes of each type for sale in our online store. After you order a flute, it will usually be shipped to you within 48 hours. We ship USPS Priority mail, and the flute arrives in 3 to 4 days.

Grayson and I are not trying to get rich in making flutes. We earn craftsman wages working with our hands making a quality instrument that we sell at a wholesale price to you - our customer and friend.

If you have any questions, feel free to email or call us. Before calling, please familiarize yourself with all the information provided on the website. This will expedite our conversation. Payment may be made by check, money order or by credit card through Papal. We don’t take credit card info over the phone.

Every Native American style flute that we make is guaranteed to meet with your 100 percent satisfaction for sound quality, tuning and craftsmanship. If you wish to return the flute for any reason you may do so – no questions asked. The flute must be in its original condition. You will receive a full refund of your purchase price. The cost of shipping is not refunded.