A sincere and heart felt thank you from Erik, for those customers helping with his project with children who were once at a garbage dump more in....
Flutemaker Ministries Erik's Music
Buy a song from Erik and help the
Kids of Cascabel
This is a most unusual flute, in deep mellow harmonic tones.
History:
About twelve years ago, ancient flutes said to be 9,000 years old were found in Henan China made from the wing bones of cranes. I discovered that one had five holes. I took the dimensions of this one and found it was almost the perfect tuning of the Japanese Shakuhachi. I wonder therefore if this is where the shaquhachi began and later crossed over. See our Jiahu Crane Flute.
In Japan this flute was played by former Samurai who could no longer carry their swords by government decree. So they made the flute out of the root stock and now could use it for protection too. Comes in side and end blown.
Side blown: Press and roll the flute against a soft grin. You can roll the fute to bend the note as found in the enchanting 'bending' of shakuhachi music.
End blown: Lift the flute against a lower relaxed grin and tilt the flute so the air will split across the notch as you ''spit out watermelon seeds'. Once you get the sound you don't have to tilt unless you want to get the bending oriental inflection. Always keep a bit of lifting pressure upwards for good contact.
Hi Erik,
I received my flutes about a week ago and I just want to express to you that
these flutes are by far THE most wonderful flutes I have ever experienced.
And I have LOT of them, many different types from many different places.
There is no question in my mind that there was deep care and love put into
every step of the process in creating them. Not least of which includes
Linda's beautiful artistry on the Shakuhachi. Breathtaking!
You've exceeded my expectations by a quantum mile and I will without a doubt
be purchasing again. I have finally found my flute maker home. (smiles).
Blessings to you, Jodie Fisher inZumbrota, MN April 2010
Dear Mr. Erik,
I am writing to thank you for the excellent flute. Recently my parents came down to Florida from Toronto and ordered an oriental flute from you. They've just returned and given it to me. I was so very excited to get it. I absolutely love this flute! They had nothing but good things to say about you. They really appreciated your hospitality (especially the tour you took them on, which I am jealous of). They came home happy to have met a very good and special person. I too would like to thank you for dedication and hard work. I believe music is a great way to unify people, and you are helping to do that.
Thank you again,
Constantine H.
Toronto, Canada. November 2009
Dear Brother Erik!
My Deep Oriental End blown came today.
It is not the Flute I expected to come.
It is the Flute I dreamed of to come!
It does not sound like Shakuhahchi or Quena or any Flute.
It sounds like whisper of an Angel.
I think that You have made Your best Flute in Your career!
Maybe some day You´ll make better one. Who knows.
With respect and gratidude and blessings.
Juha Rikka in Helsinki, Finland, Feb 2010
Greetings Erik,
Thank you for such a wonderful and enriching experience. I bought your Oriental Sakahachi flute (dark and carved) a few months back and could not be happier with it. The craftsmanship of this instrument is excellent and it sounds awesome. In fact several of my family members have expressed interest in acquiring one of your creations after hearing the music it makes. It is truly a rewarding instrument to play and has given me an excellent outlet for stress relief.
I look forward to purchasing from you again.
Kind regards, Dan in Illinois, Feb. 2010
Hi Erik!
I ordered the Oriental flute from you. I gave it to me as my christmas gift. You truly make extraordinary flutes! It took a while, but now what a sound! Once when I played it I felt like the holy spirit came down on me. Totally peaceful.
Thanks Erik. The next will be the Arabian flute. for sure :)
Raphael, Austria. January 1, 2010
Dear Mr. Erik,
I am writing to thank you for the excellent flute. Recently my parents came down to Florida from Toronto and ordered an oriental flute from you. They've just returned and given it to me. I was so very excited to get it. I absolutely love this flute! They had nothing but good things to say about you. They really appreciated your hospitality (especially the tour you took them on, which I am jealous of). They came home happy to have met a very good and special person. I too would like to thank you for dedication and hard work. I believe music is a great way to unify people, and you are helping to do that.
Thank you again,
Constantine H.
Toronto, Canada. November 2009
Wow!!! The shakuhachi arrived today.....amazing how responsive it is! Your shakuhachi almost plays itself as soon as I breathe on it....and what heavenly tone and timbre!!!!!! The leather carry case is beautiful too.....thank you so very much!!!!! Gretchen in Ketchikan Alaska Nov. 2009
I recieved my flute. It is is beyond my expectations. Simple but elegent. I have been involved in the martial arts for years and enjoy many aspects of the asian culture. I am also a law enforcement officer which you can imagine is very stressful at times. In the short time I have been playing, I feel new agian as I feel the stress leave my body. Thank you so much for such a small thing as my simple flute. Peace always my friend.
Chad Campos in San Jose California, Sept. 2009
Brother,
I received your craftsmanship earlier this week. I went to the post office and they told me it had arrived. I must say, I was touched by the wrapping as well as your cartooned story. My Brother... I know this oriental flute will give me peace in the mind.... peace, the most precious diamond and...when I master it I will extend that peace to others. I want to say thanks to the entire team at Bamboo Friends who made my flute possible and especially to you Erik for being an inspiration, because of the faith your have shown in God and humanity, I did not just want any flute, I wanted one of yours. I have wanted a bamboo flute for three years and yours for a year.... what I do with it... is my gift to you and to the Holy One you serve. May God grant that I may honour this trust.
In the paradise of Jamaica.
Haile, May 2009
Hi Erik,
Bliss and joy! The end-blown deep Shakuhachi & large Arabian arrived today. Breathtaking!
Sublime craftsmanship and excellent customer service.
Divine flutes, Sir Flutemaker
I look foward to doing business with you again.
All the best and lots of it,
Julian in Denmark March 2009
Dear Erik,
I am delighted with the Arabian and the side-blown Shakuhachi that I recieved yesterday. I can still smell the smoke from the workshop on the flutes! And the sound is so rich, deep, and beautiful. Erik, you make flutes easy, enjoyable and exciting to play.
I also bought your DVD, and have picked up new techniques to try out.
Your products are wonderful, and I can feel the love, time and excellence of workmanship that are put into them. You have a customer for life.
You a wonderful flutemaker. God bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Catherine Yu Toronto, Ontario, Canada. August 07, 2008
Erik,
I have just received my Oriental flute in the Japanese Shakuhachi tuning and it is amazing. It sounds great just by going up and down the scale. It sounds better than most Shakuhachis I've heard. The carvings on it are amazing, Leo did a great job.
Many thanks, Ignacio Fígallo Miami, Florida. July 2008.
Dear Erik,
I received my side-blown Shakuhachi last August. I absolutely love it! It is so soothing to come home from a hard day at work and sit down on the floor and just play. The notes come so freely and naturally. I usually try to take it wherever I go. Thank you so much for creating these wonderful flutes! Peace, Leah in Ohio Feb. 2008
Hi Erik, The side blown Shakuhachi you made for me is very nice. The 'Dark and Carved' finish is truly excellent. I certainly found the right flute maker. Cheers, Richard Wixner, Wisconsin January 2008
Hi Eirk, I would just love to say thank you very much, i received the flute just as my holidays started. receiving this flute has made me so happy after being in such a long search for one within Australia. A few of my mates are thinking of getting one too, I definitely recommend you. For others looking at your site, they sound the same as the audio clips that erik play's in. Once again thanks! Jus Lee, Canberra, Australia, April 26, 2007
Erik, your timing couldn't have been better. The Oriental flute arrived today, my birthday; I could not have asked for a better gift. It sounds absolutely wonderful! It is truly a work of art in sight and sound.
Sincere Gratitude,
Alan Hobbs, Mississippi, Feb. 2007
Erik,
I have had my (Concert D Oriental) flute for about a week now.
Everyone, I have showed it to, has been completely impressed!
But that is not why I bought one of your works of art.
I bought the flute for personal enjoyment.
That enjoyment expectation has been completely exceeded!
The first day, I was able to play after about 30 minutes to an hour of
practice.
While I am not concert ready, like the flute is, it has brought nothing but
smiles to my
face, not to mention the faces of my family!
I look forward to my next purchase and will be indebted to your wonderful
skills
for as long as I own this wonderful instrument.
Thanks for the spirit of love, Music!
Hi Erik
I got the Oriental Flute! Thank you! It's fantastic! Great sound and energy! It was a Christmas present but I could not wait, for it . Thank you very much
Scott Davidson, Brisbane, Australia
Hey Erik:
I would just like to let you know that your masterpiece has arrived!
I began to play it and within about a half an hour I got it. AMAZING! Utterly amazing! None can match the skills of Erik the Flutemaker.
When you first receive your flute and open the box you are greeted by the scent of bamboo kissed by hot irons...
Then you start to put it to your mouth and grin and blow...and the sound is that of a novice.
You look back at Erik's video and contimplate how he does it. This time listening to him and not just the instrument. Then you get the hang of it... Erik's magic comes to life. When you understand your flute it comes alive. So thank you Erik and God Bless you!
Vic in NY
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that the flute arrived today. The carvings are spectacular! You've done such a wonderful job, I never imagined it would turn out so well. It totally exceeds my expectations, and my wife just loves it. Thanks for doing such a great job with it.
Mike in Las Vegas Nevada, Nov 29, 2006
I just received my shakuhachi. It sounds unreal, like its not made on earth by the hands of man. I live in a post war, isolated and poor country. For me this flute is a symbol of hope that soon all hearts in the world will be as one-joined in the love for God. Thank you and God bless you.
Miroslav Trninic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe. October 7th 2005
Hey Eric,
A few months ago I bought a Shakuhachi from you. It is a great sounding instrument. I never thought it would sound so beautifully. I recorded this simple asian melody my first week playing. (see attachment) Keep up the good work.
Kyosuke Hayagawa El Paso, Texas, Oct. 18th 2005
Erik:
Last year I purchased your shakuhachi end blown flute. I have to say that it is a very versatile instrument. I did not realize the amount of tonal qualities could come from just one flute, I play it almost daily. Thank you again for these remarkable instruments, I plan on looking you up next time I'm in Florida.
Thomas Hordin, NY Dec 22, 2005
Hi EriK:
I love my Bamboo Flute!!!
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy the Japanese Shakuhachi Oriental Flute that I purchased from you. It has a such a BEAUTIFUL sound!!! I can't believe how GREAT it sounds!!!
I have NEVER played a flute before but I was able to play it the first day after blowing on it for awhile. I have a lot of fun with it!!
Before finding your website on the Internet, I had read some bamboo instrument horror stories on the one of the Internet newsgroups and was really worried
about getting a piece of junk for an instrument. I had searched and found several other bamboo flute sites. I played their sound MP3's (the ones that had them) but I did not care for the way they sounded.
They sounded horrible!! On some of the other sites I didn't care for the way their bamboo instruments looked. They looked more like junk than musical instruments. I guess that I was just too picky.
Several other flute sites carried some flutes that sounded okay but I thought they were way over priced for their tone quality. I had trouble finding a Japanese Shakuhachi flute that I could afford or that I really wanted to buy.
When I found your webpage I played your sound MP3's and I was floored!!! Your bamboo instruments sounded so GOOD!!! I wanted to let you know that after I heard the sound of several of your bamboo instruments I decided to order my Shakuhachi from you.
It seems like so many of the things that we buy now a days are poorly made. When I received my flute I was amazed with the QUALITY of it!!! It's a real instrument not a toy!
I am really picky but my flute looks great and feels just right in my hands. It's just something that you can't explain with words. My wife and I love the smell of the holes that you burnt into the bamboo !
Please feel free to use this email on your webpage if you want to. I am planning to purchase several other bamboo flutes from you later. I just HAD to tell you
how I feel. I love my Bamboo Flute!!! Thanks Erik.
Gerard Remillard Oct. 2002 Oxford, Mi
Erik the Flutemaker.com Contact us: 954-424-6502
14701 SW 18 Court Davie, FL. 33325 Email us: info@eriktheflutemaker.com
