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 I 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. 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.
There are several factors that determine the price you will pay for a Native American style flute.
First is the amount of time that is devoted to making an individual flute. When I started making Native American style flutes my ear and other senses were not highly developed. As my craftsmanship has evolved I find that I am devoting more attention (and time) to the very fine details of making each individual instrument - especially the voicing and tuning. This 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 very nature.
A Native American style flute made in the shape of a tube can be turned (shaped) on a lath very quickly. We choose 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 making a flute this way is labor intensive and thus adds to the cost of the flute.
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 work 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.
The second reason for lower price is that the maker is new to flute making and trying to capture a share of the market. Because he has not developed a reputation he has to appeal to the monetary factor -"I'm a guy who can sell you a flute at a lower price." To do this you either work for a lower wage or you compromise on quality – usually both.
So with Ancient Territories you get what you pay for - a quality, hand crafted Native American style flute with soul. Enjoy, John and Grayson