F# Contrabass (Long Ago, Deep Within) - Native American Flute in a Tunnel, 2 (2 of 4)

[themeleed]

You should play the last of the Mohicans theme on it.

[lazzzy]

This huge flute reminds me of a book I read for an Anthropology class called The Forest People by Colin Turnbull and the had a dance with something that conjures the image of this flute called the molimo. You should read it, great book.

[Royalmerc]

Great stuff ! :)

[JasonKelly4]

Vibrations our souls yearn for, very peaceful, makes me think of how negative I feel when listening to mainstream music

[Uvisir]

just wow

[RedEyedDragoon]

I dont know why, but the sound of that flute its so beautiful that it made me cry

[DesertSmeagle]

is there a name for this style of flute? id realalllyy like to learn how to play one.

[piriajeoshi]

@DesertSmeagle It's a Native American-style flute, thogh this one is a bit non-standard, to say the least! Most commonly, they're much smaller and play pitches that occupy mid-range keys of F#, G, and A. They're actually not difficult to play at all, though this particular giant can be something of a bear to get your hands around. I encourage you to look around for one that suits you. I don't recommend starting with one of these behemoths, though! Baby steps....

[86Alofur]

@DesertSmeagle The name of american fute is SIYOTANKA

(SIYO-VOICE and TANKA-SPIRIT); so Voice of spirit.

They are so spiritual people and they had a spiritual thoughts with spiritual events also the sound of lakotah language.

[hipepleful]

is it bigger than an oboe?

[piriajeoshi]

@hipepleful Yes, it is. In fact, it is much, much bigger.

[hipepleful]

@piriajeoshi cool......

[zebanon5]

@hipepleful I play oboe and native flute, and I just held up my G flute to my oboe and it is shorter than my oboe with the reed in. The inside diameter is a little bigger than the inside diameter of the joint for the bell of the oboe.

Jon Romer is a professor of music in Minnesota and has done a lot to keep the tradition alive on reservations and other native communities too. If you youtube him you should find some vids of a G size flute.

[bannanapancake]

wow, you got a perfect mix of the flute, and the birds and things out side.....love it!!

[woodwhips]

now thats a flute

[megabubblez98]

<3

[mskherynn]

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! that sound is beyond beautiful!!!

[bizintin]

Draws me back the long corridar to the Ancients and slow smoke and powerful dreaming and I am soothed in the beauty of it all. 

[coyotecrow4]

How's the stretch on that? I.E. do you need bigger hands? Probably takes quite a bit of air too, huh?

[piriajeoshi]

@coyotecrow4 Yes on all counts. It's 36" long, & the outside diameter is over 2", so even though I have fairly large hands, they start to cramp up after 5 minutes. To deal with the bigger air requirement, simply plan the phrases a few seconds in advance so that you can breathe more frequently. These flutes are not meant to be played fast. The point is to allow each note its own space to sound long & clear. That's the best way to capture the overall sonority that they provide.

[ltuomela]

one of mine is a f#m 3/4 inch bore...how can this be a f#..mine is concert tuned perfect pitch...i guess it must be a way lower octave in f# but i sure dont hear it...lol..why dont you make a vid with out echo effect so we can hear the true tone my man...

[piriajeoshi]

@ltuomela It is indeed an F# but pitched one octave below the one you have, which would be classed as a midrange flute. Look in the sidebar for the video "F# Contrabass - More Native American Flute" to hear the sound in a small room setting. Personally, I much prefer the tunnel, but that's just me. YMMD. Btw, I love a lot of the music you have featured on your site. I started on guitar way back in 1975 playing mostly rock, & you can still hear "riffs" in my flute playing, LOL!

[ltuomela]

@piriajeoshi lol..cool..yea i plug my flute into my amp with a mic and use delay for the guitar...haha...i love that when you can get 1 full second delay, one can really run with that..yea i believe ya, i just was like wow man, so i plugged my guitar in, de-tuned and played F# i hear it now...weeeeeeeeee

[xgi36]

Wonderful !! Thank you

[aneranam]

¿Estas debajo de un puente o algo asi? Suena con eco. Muy bonito te quedo.

[GoldenFinchFellow]

that's not a flute! that's a tree that sings and dances with a man! the way only trees can....

[DanKsNAF]

Very REAL, nothing FAKE. Interesting that the title of this video would begin with "Long ago..."

I have the next size smaller (G) in the "Side Blow" style.

I used this flute on the CD "Silver Heritage" for the low track in the tune "Long ago and once again", which can also be seen with a video here on YouTube.

Great job, Nice sound!

[KOPOMUMBA]

great stuff mate!

[MrChinesespecial]

FAKE!

[piriajeoshi]

@MrChinesespecial Um, no. Definitely for real. Nothing at all FAKE about it.

[MrChinesespecial]

@piriajeoshi That shaft is way too big to be real

[piriajeoshi]

@MrChinesespecial : The decidedly large size of the flute (36" long x 2" inside diameter) doesn't render it "fake". There are even larger contrabass Native American-style flutes than this .(See Russ Venable's site - he makes a contrabass D drone!) Of course, contrabass flutes such as this are modern creations that the Native Americans didn't have. check out the link for the flute under the video (High Spirits) Look for contrabass flutes in the left-hand column.

[Jazzman5456]

@piriajeoshi You'd be suprised how big some of these flutes can get I have 3 none like this one but I have a friend of mine Hawk Heries a very populare flute player in my area and he has two like this btw I've always loved you videos you have a true gift no everyone can get pick up a flute and play it really takes a certain energy to play like you do-Peace my friend

[EvannRachel]

Sounds wonderful.

[Eagle8199]

the Bass Flutes are Awesome! I have one just like that made by the same maker. Mine is in the key of Low G

[wiidude5532]

i'm looking to buy a contrabass like this one, (not a side-blown) what would you recommend?

[piriajeoshi]

@wiidude5532: Go to the High Spirits site (URL is under the video) and look at their contrabasses. The new version of the F# is a much better design than the one I play in the video, and it probably has a better sound overall. I checked out the low A when visiting the High Spirits booth at an arts & crafts festival in Colorado, and I was impressed! Spanish cedar, though very plain to look at, is nonetheless quite a responsive wood for NA flutes.

[ChineseCalligraphy]

This is stunning. I found it under the "Reccommended for you" section. Beautiful sound. I love the flute. Currently Im looking for a deep bass Dizi.

But this is a stunner.

Well done.

[xatzidakis]

very soulfull sound,remind me of voice frequencies' identity....i'd love to have one!

[EDBO23]

Captivating!

[sweetytwouity]

hi thank you for sharing this video !! The sound is just amazing, so profound...I really love it !!

Where did you find a flute like that ??

Thank you !

[piriajeoshi]

@sweetytwouity: Thanks! This tune is on my upcoming CD. I found the flute while perusing the High Spirits site. This particular laminated flute is no longer made, but its successor of solid Spanish cedar is a better design (and almost $100 more). I'm quite happy with the one I have, though.

[blackcatspirit13]

Wowzer! Mesmerising and relaxing! Do you need a lot of lung capacity to play this big puppy? Awesome song, mate! :)

[piriajeoshi]

@blackcatspirit13: Thank you kindly for the wonderful comment! Yes, it does require a lot of air, but the key is to think about each phrase to allow yourself ample opportunity to take breaths.This tune is on my upcoming CD, btw. It's got an F# drone and a higher octave F# flute mixed with it in a few places. Thanks again for listening & commenting! Peace ~ Bruce

[davidkozelsky]

when you make the cd you should include a booklet so we all can learn your songs.....you know the one with the little flutes and holes blackened....always enjoy your music

[piriajeoshi]

@davidkozelsky That's an idea, though I've found making such things a bit more tedious than I have patience for! However, if there were enough demand, I could probably be persuaded provided someone else is willing to do the transcriptions... CD is finished and undergoing the Discmakers treatment, so it should be out in mid-August, if not before.

[todoporlapaz]

beautiful!

[fcmortgat]

The space between the holes seems to make it hard to play, but I really like your playing. This is simply beautiful.

[a0e0roberts]

If there is one thing all musicians hate, it seems to be early mornings. But if you want to catch the ambient sounds of birds and crickets without traffic, invest in an alarm clock! Heh. Better you than me.

Your flute playing is great. Unadorned, but zen-like in simplicity. Add some percussion. Tie some deer toes around your ankles.

[piriajeoshi]

@a0e0roberts: I appreciate your comments - so glad you found it engaging! Unadorned works best in some cases, and this was obviously one of those. In fact, I've included this track on my upcoming CD, and it does in fact include percussion in the form of frame drums & rattles. Oh and btw, this was done late in the morning or early in the afternoon, so I didn;t need to get up so early (and you'd have to rise EXTREMELY early in Korea to avoid any traffic noises... I just got lucky here.)

[djhogan65]

Stunningly beautiful. Haunting and soulful. I am definately going to get one of these flutes. Thank you for sharing your beautiful hobby with us.

[ltuomela]

@djhogan65 if you haven't yet, start with a small bore flute so you may learn to breath correctly cause native flutes are not blown into...dont work that way...one breaths into them, to play a large bore like this takes time and lots of practice from small bore to even get to play one such as this...

[Utlrapilot123]

One day you should try some grace notes or embellishments like on bagpipes. That would sound pretty cool!

[piriajeoshi]

You're right -it would and does sound very cool. In fact, I often DO use grace notes & embellishments, just not in this video. These low flutes need space for their notes to fully resonate & then dissolve, so keeping it simple and mostly rooted in the minor pentatonic scale is more effective for the typew of mood I'm after here. At any rate, thanks much for the comment!

[VampireChick1231]

thats beatiful

[pipacsember]

This is very nice. I just turn up your music and relax all the day, really great music :) thanks for shearing :)

[yanikv]

where can I buy that thing?!!!!!!!!!

[piriajeoshi]

Look to the right of these comments where it says 'more info.' You'll find the address for High Spirits flutes. Scroll down the left sidebar until you find 'Contrabass Flutes'. This particular model, which is made of laminated birch with a walnut mouthpiece, block, and end cap, is no longer produced. However, its successor is an all-around better flute made of Spanish cedar.

[yanikv]

its as good as bough. thanks

[KimCedarSong09]

Awesome sound, resonating down thru that tunnel and back again! I love to play my flute in unusual places that have great accoustics, for the same reason!

Keep up the great work!

[piriajeoshi]

Thanks again for the nice comment... and I will never stop playing in these sorts of places. It's completely addicting, let me tall you!. Peace ~ Bruce

[piriajeoshi]

Actually, I DON'T often carry it around with me, but when I do take it outside, it goes in my large backpack (I can't close the top of it, though). The finger stretch is pretty reasonable considering its length. More critical is the external bore diameter - hard to hold for a long time. Actually, my Laughing Crow low B flute has the tougest hole spacing. That said,hands do adjust over time, so now I find it easier to play than I did originally although it's still challenging.

[acepperson]

why...why do you need this lol...it does sound good however

[bagOprions]

"it does sound good however" answered your own question....

[acepperson]

ok point taken....well done sir

[4sineweaver2]

Wow, that's nice!

[carnright]

So this is a F3# ~=185hz flute?

[piriajeoshi]

You know, I'm not so sure. It may be lower than that (F2#).

[bagOprions]

It's F#2/Gb2 92.50Hz, I'm pretty sure. So, how do you carry that one around with you? How is the finger stretch?

[RandomlyThoughtOut]

so the bigger the flute the deeper the sounds?...

its common sense but i would like to make sure :P

[piriajeoshi]

Generally, that's true.

[bagOprions]

bore diameter and length => the size of the resonating chamber, the volume, i think, is key, but the shape must also matter, but haven't studied the physics

[screamineagle506]

stands alone's heart cries out in joy at the beauty of your music. peace and joy my friend

[piriajeoshi]

What a lovely comment! Thanks for sharing it. Peace and joy right back at you! ~ Bruce

[carnright]

Beautiful, thank you :-)

[JHONKENYI1982]

impresionante donde puedo comprar uno de esos?

felicitaciones... tocas muy bien...

[OlkiOhra]

Soul musik...wonderful!!!

[hominidae7sp]

o.O :) great! very nice bro! it sounds good for meditating this is quite a lot relaxing! heh

[ChrisMartensson]

Sweet spirits, this is beautiful! :)

Is it possible for you to measure the flute? You see, I'm interested in the length of the flute and the diameter of the "bore".

You get an amazing natural echo in that tunnel. Great video! Take care!

/Chris

[piriajeoshi]

Hello Chris. The flute is 35 3/4 inches long (90.5 cm), and the bore is 2 inches ( just over 5 cm) It is a very mellow-sounding flute. This flute is no longer made; the one that supercedes it is, imho, a better design. Nice guitar playing on your site, btw. I would hope that you would try the Native Amercian flute, too as it complements acoustic guitar very well. It is an extremely simple but beautiful instrument that will cast its spell over you. And btw, Swedish prog rock rules! Peace ~ Bruce

[DJAvOne]

wow, amazing sound

[shantivikalpa]

thank you very much bruce peace u2

[shantivikalpa]

great..the first time i see such a flute and listen..i have only experence bansuri (indiaflute)in all size

but now this is very good flute..i would like to have one...it means i have to travell to usa to the n8tiv ?can you tell me how much dollar? thanks for nice meditation

[piriajeoshi]

Thanks for the nice comment! I ordered this and all of my other flutes online. Look to the right of the video and click on "more info". You'll see the web address for High Spirits flutes. Click on that, and then scroll down to contrabass flutes. The flute I play in this video is no longer being made, but a newer, better version is. It costs $445.00not including shipping. A bit pricey, but it's worth it! Peace ~ Bruce

[ctanonymous]

That's very impressive! :D

I play the concert flute, because I think it sounds pretty, but it's nothing compared to your flute! (:

I like the song a lot!

Is it very hard to play?

[piriajeoshi]

Thanks a lot for the lovely comment! It isn't especially hard to play, but it can be hard to hold for a long time. Actually, I held it out and away from my body in this video just so people could see the whole flute as I was playing it. Normally, I wouldn;t do that, and it is very hard to keep it in that position for a long time. As for these contrabass Native American flutes, anyone with fairly large hands can play them relatively easily.

[suelovan]

I also have a contra bass F# (side blown), and I have to tell you that your improvs are absolutely fabulous. Keep improvising and keep posting. Also, keep playing in the tunnel. Here in the states we play in the park bathrooms, and it sounds really great, but there are limitations!

sue

LOPING WOLF

[piriajeoshi]

Thanks for the wonderful comment! I'll always do improvs in tunnels, but I have to wait until the weather is a little warmer. Right now, it's -20 degrees celcius!

[CoryAdkinsMusic]

I think this is my favorite song that you've posted so far. Absolutely gorgeous...and that's the second biggest flute I've ever seen. :) I love the tone...I think I also hear a little bird or an insect singing with you in the background (1:34). Whatever it is, it really adds to the music. Do the birds over there usually sing while you play?

[pwnmonkey227]

dang that's huge! and your pretty good at this flute.very good song, listen to it when i wanna make my friends think i'm indian.

[piriajeoshi]

Thanks... LOL!... Yeah, it's certainly large. Actually, I don't think it was a good idea to hold it way out away from my body like that because it became very hard to play that way.

[whiteoakart]

Is this flute electronically amplified in any way? A little mic or something? It has pretty decent volume for such a huge bore.

How thick is the wall of the flute?

I really enjoy your performances in this little tunnel.

[piriajeoshi]

Hi! There is no amplification or externel micing going on here. It's just flute, my 48-year-old lungs, the hard concrete tunnel walls, and the tiny built-in mic on my Canon PowerShot A650 IS camera all interacting. Yes, the volume is quite decent though probably not quite as grand as it may seem from these videos. The flute is laminated from birch with black walnut for the mouthpiece. As far as I'm able to detect, the wall thickness appears to be around 1/8". Thanks much for the nice comments!

[4Farmer]

That flute sounds great. Is that a High Spirits flute? If so is it a custom piece. If not where can I get one?

[piriajeoshi]

Yes, that's a High Spirits flute. This one is the older design; the newer design is better - easier to hold & made of Spanish cedar. It's about $350.00

[4Farmer]

Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated. Which flute makers are your favorites? They all sound awesome. I bought my first flute in the Smoky Mtns this past summer while on a motorcycle trip. It is a Dreamwind Flute in the key of E and I really love it. I play it a lot on the Chesapeake Bay while sailing my boat. I basically make everything up through improvisation. I think my next purchase will be a Contra Bass from Odell. Keep up the good work I really enjoy listening.

[vtxrider3]

Sir do you mind answering a few questions?

1. How long have you been playing?

2. Have you ever played in front of people, besides in this environment.

3. Do you find it easy to play with other music and do you find it to be difficult?

You may not find you want to answer my questions and that is truly fine. I just enjoy listening to you and trying to follow you.

[piriajeoshi]

I've been playing since March 1, 2007. I've played in front of people at the local meditaiton center on a few occasions. I've got an upcoming "performance" in front of students at our university. I also use the flute in my English Writing class: I bring in almost my whole collection, and the students get lots of info as well as some 'hands-on' experience. Most have never heard of the NA flute, but they all LOVE the sound. I have them write a paper "Why Play the NA Flute?" I'm spreading the love!

[choo2oo8]

melody from deep inside or

from ancient ?

[piriajeoshi]

That's a very good question! Perhaps it is a little of both but ultimately not for me to know...