Holy cow's lol. I saw your podcast after watching a great review on Blue Bear Flute's. Nice composure Charlie 😅. Having recently stopped (keeping me & my 40+ yr business out of Superior court), the 7th attempt to make me bow down, I take My hat off to You Sir. Nice job saying it like it is! P.S. life is grey, not Black & White. Caring for one another's the way to go. Your Care Shows Chris
Some people seem to live just to complain. I've been a commercial artist all my work life and at times sold online and at craft shows. There are always people that make an impulse buy, then later want to return it. They can come up with all kinds of reasons to return an item but rearly tell the truth. They changed their mind. Unfortunately, their lame excuses can sometimes damage the seller's reputation not to mention their spirit. For some reason, they are the ones with the biggest mouths. The truth is probably his wife made him return it. Keep up the good works, they will return to you. Gene in Tucson.
I have adopted a no return policy just for myself. If you by at item and return it. It will just be thrown away. I often wonder how many landfills are overrun do in part to returned items. I don't buy anything unless I'm sure I want that item. People's excess is killing the planet. I don't drink soda pop anymore partly because I don't like the cans and bottles. Besides soda pop is nasty anyway. Water is what your body needs so just drink water. I went off script there a little bit but it's ok, lol great comment. Great point.
Brother.. I believe you are among the best in the world, for both teaching and manufacturing naf's. I hope to send you an example of the flutes I've learned to build myself.. honestly.. all by your teachings. It has become a true passion. And I hope to open a flute business soon.. I am so unbelievably grateful for everything you do, and the patience of your teachings.. Your a bit of a hero to me my man. And just want to say thank you.
Well.. we all have to hang a hat at some point. A question for you? Well 2. One would be is there a certain exotic wood that you enjoy the most. And the 2nd being a far more difficult question. What 2 keys would you say you enjoy the most. I intend on building you both a necklace flute, and an in-line hiking stick drone flute. I'm working with every kind of wood up to a density of Brazilian cherry. And it would be really cool to hook you up. If your interested of course. I guess I'm being kind of bold at the moment. But.. you only live onc,. And some times you gotta send it!!!
That flute's voice is beautiful. It just takes practice to find the instrument's voice. Some find it faster than others. I hope that flute has found a forever hope to bring out its lovely sound.
I have several of your flutes, I love to play each one. They all play beautifully. Thank you! You are loved and appreciated. Don’t let anyone, or any thing grind you down.
People are jerks most of the time. Period. You make great flutes. I am a draftsman, I used to make topography blueprints. Pandemics aside, clients are growing irrational about everything and blatantly ignorant. I had a couple of "episodes" regarding blueprints and jerk clients. And I am not the kind of person that thinks "clients are gods". Most of the time they are just jerks. Sorry for the rant, thank for sharing this and your craft in general.
Native stand up from a sitting position 😅 I enjoy your video’s so much thank you for sharing and yes I met Sam Walton he actually got in the ditch we were installing plumbing in a strip mall he invested in in Oklahoma. Talked to my father in law and I for about 15 minutes he was a true gentleman. Beautiful flute by the way sounded awesome!!
Love your passion for the craft. Wife is finally going to let me order an instrument from ya for my birthday this year. Man I can’t wait. Keep up the awesome work, sir. 👍
Charlie, Received my flute from you yesterday and it is beautiful looking and sounding. I am amazed of the workmanship that you have put into it. I have never played any musical instrument but even I can tell the beautiful sounds that your flute makes. Thanks so much and keep up the great work of making and promoting the Native American Flutes.
Thanks for your efforts on behalf of people everywhere. I own two of your flutes and have your book in hopes of making my own some day. That was the calmest, most polite rant video ever. 💖 Chris in Seattle
I appreciate you! Sorry this person wasn’t the nicest. I got my flute today and it’s beautiful! It sounds beautiful! You also responded the fastest to my email. Thank you for your amazing customer service and workmanship.
Thank you for being honest! You are an inspiration to me as it should be to everyone that plays the flute. Yes it has a learning curve like most everything else. You have to practice and learn how to play any instrument, I don't care what one it is. As a former clarinet player and bass clarinet as well, it takes many hours of that practicing. I thank you and I really enjoyed seeing your passion for this subject!
Happy Anniversary to you & your wife. Am a customer who has bought a 6 hole Native American Flute from you. Key of G, love the quality and sound of it. Thank you, Sincerely Timothy Flanagan
Charlie, you are as professional, respectful, and generous as anyone could be. Obviously you went above and beyond for that customer, and maybe even bent over backwards a bit. Hopefully you don't have to deal with that kind of thing very much. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world, and thank you for being so generous with your sharing of knowledge!
That flute sounds fantastic. Of course it does help to cover the holes correctly. It does take practice. I'm just starting out myself and it's getting better but I still have way to go. Thanks for your videos. They've encouraged me quite a bit.
I just got my Blue Bear Flute and I love it, it sounds great. I've made several flutes of my own (thanks to Charlie) and played a HS flute they also sound good but I think the Blue Bear flute sounds the best. I will soon record them all just so I can hear and compare them from a spectator standpoint. When I was getting antsy about receiving the Blue Bear flute I called the 800 number and got the machine and just hung up. Charlie called back about a min. later. He checked on my order and we had a quick chat, a genuinely good person and buisness man. Keep it up Charlie (and Jessie) MOST of us really appreciate it!
I have just started watching your videos recently and I love them and appreciate all the hard work you put in them. I've been wanting to make my own flute, I have to say you have inspired me for sure! I always loved the sound of native flutes growing up but never had the chance to really get my own. I'm pretty sure I will make mistakes but I will learn, have fun, and cherish the spirit of the craft and I have you to thank for it! Philámayaye!
im catching on to your sense of humor....i think i got you. enjoyed this video. you were beyond courteous and prompt to this 'person'' who obviously had no clue.
Awesome! You have inspired me to want to play the Native American Flute! My Mom just passed away and my in-laws have asked me what I would like them to do in honor of my Mom. They want to give me some money to buy something that I can remember her by. After thinking about it for awhile I have decided this would be an awesome way to honor her and each time I play I would be reminded of her. We have a full blooded Cherokee Indian in our family tree and my grandfather loved to go to the mountains to the Cherokee National Forest to reconnect with his relatives past. Anyway, for a number of reasons I think this is a great thing to do to honor my Mom and your stories in some of your videos and the way you play the flute are beautiful and they have really touched me. Thank you! I’ll be in touch soon.
I am sorry for your loss my friend. I have found that the mournful sound of this flute helps to cope with much of life's troubles. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Thank you for inspiring me to make my own! Not sure ANYONE can do that, but they are simple to play and so satisfying. Not surprised you encounter some "difficult" customers. That's their problem.
Hi Charlie I can’t wait to get the flute I ordered , I am a drummer and flutes are strange to me but I’m self taught in drumming wich has caused me grief over the years but it never stopped me . I can tell you from my experience it absolutely takes time and by watching your videos I have covered the middle hole on the other flute I have that has six holes, because if I knew about your flutes I would never had ordered it , I can taste the Lacquer when I blow on the mouth hole , yuk , but it sounds good , so now it’s up to me to make it sing. Have a great day .
I bought your book several years ago on flute making and have made several bamboo flutes as a hobby. Your book was very informative. I know you are very good at what you do and I love your gentle spirit. The person who returned the flute to you reminds me of something I heard years ago. You can fix a lot of things but you can’t fix stupid.
Thanks Charlie, another informative vid. I love the sound of the F# flute I recieved from you. And it is unfortunate that some people think that playing any instrument - that they will magically get proficient in a couple of sessions of playing. Practice is so important. If one does not put in the time, it will sound obvious in their playing that instrument. Everyone is different and we all advance in playing the flute based on our desire to learn it. Nothing is automatic or instantaneous. Yet in this time in our world many people want the instant gratification without putting in the effort. This video was a great example to learn from. Thanks again. And it is one of the easiest instruments to learn to play.
received my drone flute about a month ago from BlueBear, and I love it. It's true that not everyone that picks it up can make pretty sounds out of it. That's not an issue with the flute!
I'm sorry about the bad review. I ordered the exact flute you show in the video from you and it sounds great and personally I love it! Keep up the wonderful work.
Hey Charlie, I agree with you and this video. I saw the the reviewer on your flutes and I think they play nicely but they had no idea what they were talking about. I have bought your flute kits, a flute with a custom totem to honor my dog and even bought river cane to make my own flutes. With your help and advice the flutes I made turned out nicely and the only problem with the flute I bought from you as far as sound goes was me, until I practiced and got better. If I can make and play Native American flutes most definitely anyone can, WHO PUT IN TIME AND PRACTICE. You my friend are a good and patient man, I love your passion for your craft and your willingness to help others learn how to play and make Native American flutes. I know this because I have asked you for help and advice and you've never not replied or said no. Keep on keeping on Charlie. Keep safe and all the best to you and your family. Your friend always Len from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Hey! I've watched your channel for years, bought your book, and built a few crappy flutes myself (still learning), but I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one of your drone flutes after watching his review because I like the "breathy" sound, as he described it. (I know he didn't review your drones, but I've always wanted one) I'm dying with anticipation waiting for it! Feel like a kid having to wait for Christmas day to get here! LOL! Anyways, don't sweat it too much. Like I said, his review made a paying customer out of me.
Honestly, you are a much greater person then any of those business tycoons or whatever you call them. I hope that you understand how much you've done for so many people, wether its simply help me with a hobby i have found to enjoy greatly, or i have seen some far more touching stories in the comments. Also, if you still do video requests, my first flute and second WIP have a very bumpy area around their track, which causes the block to sit off and allows air to escape, i have no power tools beside a small drill, and used a swiss army knife with a saw, a larger pocket knife, sandpaper, and a set of small files to make them, if you have any tips on how to make this area more flat, that would be amazing. PS. Congrats on your anniversary.
I ordered flute from you a few days ago. Very much looking forward to start playing - in the mean time I am enjoying binge watching all your vids. ❤ from Ontario
I don't actually own one of your flutes. Perhaps one day. I was gifted a slightly glossy one from another maker who at the time was using Tung oil and something else to harden them and make them never require oiling. (8 years later and it still hasn't been oiled) I don't dislike it, but it certainly does have a different "voice" when compared to yours. I do prefer your voice. I've decided to make the jump from the simplest instruments, NA Flutes and Tin Whistles, to one of the hardest, Violin. You might be interested to know, in my researching of violins I have heard luthiers repeatedly talk about how using the older, more traditional finishes gives a much better tone. As opposed to the ones who are making them with thick sprayed on, make the wood look like plastic, finishes. As for this particular flute. It is one of your more beautiful pieces, kudos to your wife, or whoever turns out to have made it. It sounds wonderful. I'm sorry you had to deal with a customer who couldn't respect your artistry enough to own up to the fact that the problem was him. And Happy Anniversary, may your have many more happy flute filled years together.
I have two of your flutes... and I love them. You are great at helping people, you helped me when I got my first one and your videos are great! . I'll make that one my third one if you haven't sold it. Let me know. 😁
What a beautiful looking flute the grain markings on the wood are really great looking. Just go's to show you can please some of the the people some of the time and not all of the people all of the time. Keep up the great work you and yours are extremely appreciated. Thank you.
Your spirit is amazing brother , my flute is on the way . Got my ups tag, thank you. I am enjoying your flute video. I am already excited to ou base my second flute , before I get my 1st 😂😂🙏🏽 I am Choctaw
I have wanted to buy one and try. I will soon. I love the sound they make. Such beautiful sounding instrument. If I never learn how to play I will just keep it. If I come across someone that does know how to play I would likely give it to them. I'd just ask them to play something so I can hear it in person.
This is the easiest instrument in the entire world to learn to play. I know you can do it! We do have videos on playing on my online class page of my website.
I ordered a backpack drone flute on March 8th. I am so excited to start playing and see what the drone has to offer. Btw if you're wanting to rid of that returned flute, I'll take it!
The "grew up in the 70s" line had me laughing. (been there, done that!) I love my G flute - it really is the easiest thing to play and sounds beautiful.
I knew when that flute was unboxed Charlie would play a sweet tune of redemption. Love your flutes and videos, man - keep up the good work! Thank you for all the FREE information and time you put into sharing your craft! Aho!
I learned by myself the Native American flûte and love it so much ♥️I practice give it some time like to go in the woods and sing to the birds and it is so relaxing that my guitar is getting jealous ☺️
Please check this video out and see if it helps you to decide. th-cam.com/video/NjEnpeD-z4E/w-d-xo.html One of my favorite flutes that I play is my Simple Traditions key of high B. They are made of sustainably harvested poplar and sound in my opinion much closer to the originals than any on the market today!
In the first few minutes or hours of learning to play the Native American flute it is pretty common for people to have trouble covering the holes properly. Please keep trying. Very soon it becomes second nature and welcome to the world of beautiful music. I guess there will always be some people who will just give up if they don’t sound like a master after only 5 minutes of learning.
It must be incredibly frustrating for someone who is impatient and a knowledgeable to criticize your work. It says more about this person than it says about you that he is so impatient and unrelenting and just plain without manners and compassion. One would think that if you are searching for an instrument; you would give it a chance to grow and try to make the best sounds that you can with the instrument. Obviously, this person really did not care and the instrument probably did not belong in his hands. I am impressed with your constraint with this individual and personally; I think this instrument sounds great. Charlie, keep helping people to create music with your wonderful flutes.
I started the pandemic in EMS before leaving that and moving back into law enforcement. I want to second Cesar's comment about growing irrationality and irritability in people. Probably a decent guy on the edge. Hopefully he grows from it.
I know what you mean. Also, it has been a theory of mine for a while and I wonder what you think? Are non-natives who like native culture and ideas more moody than other people?
Hi Charlie,I’d like to buy this flute let me know if it’s available and how much cost,I already bought some Flutes from you and y like the sound of this one,thanks
This flute represented a "standard model" for us which we make thousands of. They all sound at least as good as this one and yes I sold it on or by March 24th 2021! Let me know when you're ready to buy yours!
Preach on, Charlie! Great sounding flute and I hate you have people do this. Glad the southern, well-mannered sarcasm is alive and well other than in my family 😁
I really love the sound of that particular flute. I bought one from Stellar. I love it. It’s been 2 days. But I would like register than G. What key is that?
Customer to the flute: I can't play you, I don't like you! Flute: I was made with love, I sound great, so I don't want to stay with you! Want to go somewhere, where I feel good and bring joy! Glad, that I was send back to Charlie to find my new owner! Bye... have a nice Life! 😂
Hello Charlie, do you still make 5 hole flutes from”Eastern Red Cedar”? I’ve been trying to decide which flute I want to buy in remembrance of my Mom. All I see on your site are Western red cedar or poplar. I am just trying to see what my options are. I appreciate your help! Thanks,
Good video, to the point. I try and catch most of you videos as they are interesting (to me). The way you describe the instrument comes from the heart, it is after all your business and passion. Gibson and Fender are the same instrument but the player may prefer one over another and critizise one. It's just life and as we used to say "Life is just 10 cents a copy". Life goes on.
Thank you Charlie, you are an awesome human being. It doesn't seem like there are a lot of human beings. There are a lot of people, don't let people ruffle your feather... You are a good man.
That guy reminds me of one of my brothers after my dad had Ben playing the guitar for 30 or 40 years he came in and told my dad he had 5 minutes tell me everything you know about playing the guitar because he was smarter than everyone else on the planet he died a😊 couple of years ago I don’t think he ever learns to play one my other brother plays the guitar violin harmonica, tin whistle and recorders my mother played the guitar so did my brothers x-wife I play the harmonica the last few years I started playing the recorder tin whistles and getting better at the guitar it seems that our smartest brother is the only one in the family that didn’t ever learn to play any instruments I recently got an ocarina and leaking fingers seem to be a problem with a 12 hole model only having to cover 5 sounds a lot easier and I really love the sound of yours the only reason I haven’t pursued getting one is because the people on TH-cam were complaining about all the maintenance they have to do to keep there’s working so I just got a bunch of plastic instruments to night I just made a PVC flute and the top 2 holes were a little flat which is why I was going through your videos about making flutes maybe I’ll try wood next time or even buying one of yours so far I haven’t seen a low D for less than $150 I can play with a lot of plastic for that and when it gets to dirty you can just hose it off and I don’t have a place to protect a work of art like you make. Great videos keep making them I’ve been watching you for a couple of years now 👍👍👍👍👍👍💕👍
Thanks for your lengthy comment. Approximately 60 million people on the planet currently play the Native American flute. In my 36 years of making and teaching people about them, I have not once met someone who complained about maintenance. I have countless videos on taking care of these instruments and honestly there's nothing to it but I would love to see what you're talkin about with regards to their complaints. I know they weren't complaining about mine.
Lol love that sound Charlie. As always I enjoy all your videos. Sounds like that person had a "flute" up his butt, glad he took it out, he must feel much better now.
speaking from the future in 2022.. I love your straight talk videos. I have a YT channel under a different name.. and I totally understand your frustration. It seems the MORE training videos that are available the LESS people seem to learn. Hard to understand. Maybe the person used to play a traditional flute and had some MIND SET about how to play and how it would sound, who KNOWS.. lol. You can NOT please all the people ALL the time.. so I stopped trying. More power to you for your patience.
Hay Charlie, love your videos, learnt a lot from your videos and love your flutes. I will post a flute that I made to you if thats ok? would love to know what you think of my flutes. cheers, Frederick little fox.
Lots of folks expect immediate results, and discount the hours of practice true mastery takes. You should have mailed this customer back a bagpipe chanter as a replacement, with multi cams attached so you could watch their head explode.
@@lennieblue I will be making more promotional videos for them in the very near future but I also have low and A flutes that are easy enough for people with medium sized hands to play. 🙂
Hi Charlie - sounds like a case of unrealistic expectations and impatience! You make good points about not needing anything specific or special to be a flute player, or for the flute itself. This suggests that variety is fine. I am curious as to why, then, are you so opposed to diverse designs and aesthetics? You make PVC flutes, but seem opposed to a shiny finish or totems with personal meanings. Your flutes are lovely, and I also enjoy having flutes that reflect different makers creativity. Perhaps you could help me understand your objections? Thanks!
It would be as if I were in the market to buy an airplane and someone sold me a car instead. It is simply the fact that not only does it not represent well what a Native American was historically but also takes them beyond what they truly are today. They have become unfortunately trading cards to some and avenues for elitism to others.
@@alanajmozar9519 likewise, the only reason I have made videos about how to make PVC flute is because for some people that's the only material they have! I certainly don't sell them.😉
Thanks for the humor and story Charlie. I notice this flute has pretty large sound holes, so children and some people with slender fingertips cannot play this one. Perhaps size and weight should be asked of potential clients?
After starting with a 3/4" PVC flute made by another unregistered Cherokee, I've found much comfort playing We n De Ya Ho Morning Song to sunrises in the country for an audience of birds, bugs and wildlife...
That’s a beautiful flute. I hope it’s on it’s way to someone who will love it.
It's already there.;)
Holy cow's lol. I saw your podcast after watching a great review on Blue Bear Flute's.
Nice composure Charlie 😅.
Having recently stopped (keeping me & my 40+ yr business out of Superior court), the 7th attempt to make me bow down,
I take My hat off to You Sir.
Nice job saying it like it is!
P.S. life is grey, not Black & White. Caring for one another's the way to go. Your Care Shows Chris
Thank you my friend! I appreciate your kind words. Watch for a new video to come out today that you may want to see!
They also, message me through my website about which podcast you watched, I hope it was a good one!
Some people seem to live just to complain. I've been a commercial artist all my work life and at times sold online and at craft shows. There are always people that make an impulse buy, then later want to return it. They can come up with all kinds of reasons to return an item but rearly tell the truth. They changed their mind. Unfortunately, their lame excuses can sometimes damage the seller's reputation not to mention their spirit. For some reason, they are the ones with the biggest mouths. The truth is probably his wife made him return it.
Keep up the good works, they will return to you. Gene in Tucson.
I have adopted a no return policy just for myself. If you by at item and return it. It will just be thrown away. I often wonder how many landfills are overrun do in part to returned items. I don't buy anything unless I'm sure I want that item. People's excess is killing the planet. I don't drink soda pop anymore partly because I don't like the cans and bottles. Besides soda pop is nasty anyway. Water is what your body needs so just drink water. I went off script there a little bit but it's ok, lol great comment. Great point.
Brother.. I believe you are among the best in the world, for both teaching and manufacturing naf's. I hope to send you an example of the flutes I've learned to build myself.. honestly.. all by your teachings. It has become a true passion. And I hope to open a flute business soon..
I am so unbelievably grateful for everything you do, and the patience of your teachings..
Your a bit of a hero to me my man.
And just want to say thank you.
Thank you so much! I am so ready to retire! 😁
Well.. we all have to hang a hat at some point. A question for you? Well 2.
One would be is there a certain exotic wood that you enjoy the most. And the 2nd being a far more difficult question.
What 2 keys would you say you enjoy the most.
I intend on building you both a necklace flute, and an in-line hiking stick drone flute.
I'm working with every kind of wood up to a density of Brazilian cherry.
And it would be really cool to hook you up.
If your interested of course.
I guess I'm being kind of bold at the moment. But.. you only live onc,.
And some times you gotta send it!!!
These would be gifts only by the way.. no advertising what so ever.. no plugs. No name drops..
A true thank you, for doing what you do is all
That flute's voice is beautiful. It just takes practice to find the instrument's voice. Some find it faster than others. I hope that flute has found a forever hope to bring out its lovely sound.
🙏🙂🙏
I have several of your flutes, I love to play each one. They all play beautifully. Thank you! You are loved and appreciated.
Don’t let anyone, or any thing grind you down.
People are jerks most of the time. Period. You make great flutes. I am a draftsman, I used to make topography blueprints. Pandemics aside, clients are growing irrational about everything and blatantly ignorant. I had a couple of "episodes" regarding blueprints and jerk clients. And I am not the kind of person that thinks "clients are gods". Most of the time they are just jerks. Sorry for the rant, thank for sharing this and your craft in general.
Native stand up from a sitting position 😅 I enjoy your video’s so much thank you for sharing and yes I met Sam Walton he actually got in the ditch we were installing plumbing in a strip mall he invested in in Oklahoma. Talked to my father in law and I for about 15 minutes he was a true gentleman. Beautiful flute by the way sounded awesome!!
Love your passion for the craft. Wife is finally going to let me order an instrument from ya for my birthday this year. Man I can’t wait. Keep up the awesome work, sir. 👍
Charlie, Received my flute from you yesterday and it is beautiful looking and sounding. I am amazed of the workmanship that you have put into it. I have never played any musical instrument but even I can tell the beautiful sounds that your flute makes. Thanks so much and keep up the great work of making and promoting the Native American Flutes.
Thanks for your efforts on behalf of people everywhere. I own two of your flutes and have your book in hopes of making my own some day. That was the calmest, most polite rant video ever. 💖 Chris in Seattle
I received my Blue bear flute last week.. It is amazing, crisp clear sound. I would recommend Blue bear to anyone looking for a Native American flute.
I appreciate you! Sorry this person wasn’t the nicest.
I got my flute today and it’s beautiful! It sounds beautiful! You also responded the fastest to my email. Thank you for your amazing customer service and workmanship.
Thanks Amanda. You are appreciated
Thank you for being honest! You are an inspiration to me as it should be to everyone that plays the flute. Yes it has a learning curve like most everything else. You have to practice and learn how to play any instrument, I don't care what one it is. As a former clarinet player and bass clarinet as well, it takes many hours of that practicing. I thank you and I really enjoyed seeing your passion for this subject!
That flute looks amazing. The grains of the wood are special on that one. I already own 2 of your flutes and they play well.
Happy Anniversary to you & your wife. Am a customer who has bought a 6 hole Native American Flute from you. Key of G, love the quality and sound of it. Thank you, Sincerely Timothy Flanagan
Thank you my friend!
Charlie, you are as professional, respectful, and generous as anyone could be. Obviously you went above and beyond for that customer, and maybe even bent over backwards a bit. Hopefully you don't have to deal with that kind of thing very much. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world, and thank you for being so generous with your sharing of knowledge!
That flute sounds fantastic. Of course it does help to cover the holes correctly. It does take practice. I'm just starting out myself and it's getting better but I still have way to go. Thanks for your videos. They've encouraged me quite a bit.
I'm glad! That's what I hope to do! Thanks for watching. 😁
I just got my Blue Bear Flute and I love it, it sounds great. I've made several flutes of my own (thanks to Charlie) and played a HS flute they also sound good but I think the Blue Bear flute sounds the best. I will soon record them all just so I can hear and compare them from a spectator standpoint. When I was getting antsy about receiving the Blue Bear flute I called the 800 number and got the machine and just hung up. Charlie called back about a min. later. He checked on my order and we had a quick chat, a genuinely good person and buisness man. Keep it up Charlie (and Jessie) MOST of us really appreciate it!
I have just started watching your videos recently and I love them and appreciate all the hard work you put in them. I've been wanting to make my own flute, I have to say you have inspired me for sure! I always loved the sound of native flutes growing up but never had the chance to really get my own. I'm pretty sure I will make mistakes but I will learn, have fun, and cherish the spirit of the craft and I have you to thank for it! Philámayaye!
We have lots more videos Butterfly, thanks for watching!
im catching on to your sense of humor....i think i got you. enjoyed this video. you were beyond courteous and prompt to this 'person'' who obviously had no clue.
You teach me so much, and I so very greatly appreciate you sharing your culture and flute making with this community.
Awesome! You have inspired me to want to play the Native American Flute! My Mom just passed away and my in-laws have asked me what I would like them to do in honor of my Mom. They want to give me some money to buy something that I can remember her by. After thinking about it for awhile I have decided this would be an awesome way to honor her and each time I play I would be reminded of her. We have a full blooded Cherokee Indian in our family tree and my grandfather loved to go to the mountains to the Cherokee National Forest to reconnect with his relatives past. Anyway, for a number of reasons I think this is a great thing to do to honor my Mom and your stories in some of your videos and the way you play the flute are beautiful and they have really touched me. Thank you! I’ll be in touch soon.
I am sorry for your loss my friend. I have found that the mournful sound of this flute helps to cope with much of life's troubles. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Thank you for inspiring me to make my own! Not sure ANYONE can do that, but they are simple to play and so satisfying. Not surprised you encounter some "difficult" customers. That's their problem.
Hi Charlie I can’t wait to get the flute I ordered , I am a drummer and flutes are strange to me but I’m self taught in drumming wich has caused me grief over the years but it never stopped me .
I can tell you from my experience it absolutely takes time and by watching your videos I have covered the middle hole on the other flute I have that has six holes, because if I knew about your flutes I would never had ordered it , I can taste the
Lacquer when I blow on the mouth hole , yuk , but it sounds good , so now it’s up to me to make it sing.
Have a great day .
That’s correct and not just anyone can make it right. Love all your videos.
I bought your book several years ago on flute making and have made several bamboo flutes as a hobby. Your book was very informative. I know you are very good at what you do and I love your gentle spirit. The person who returned the flute to you reminds me of something I heard years ago. You can fix a lot of things but you can’t fix stupid.
Thanks Charlie, another informative vid. I love the sound of the F# flute I recieved from you. And it is unfortunate that some people think that playing any instrument - that they will magically get proficient in a couple of sessions of playing. Practice is so important. If one does not put in the time, it will sound obvious in their playing that instrument. Everyone is different and we all advance in playing the flute based on our desire to learn it. Nothing is automatic or instantaneous. Yet in this time in our world many people want the instant gratification without putting in the effort. This video was a great example to learn from. Thanks again. And it is one of the easiest instruments to learn to play.
I'll order the flute lol I have one of your mini flutes and love it ❤️. Love your work some people just like to complain 😉
received my drone flute about a month ago from BlueBear, and I love it. It's true that not everyone that picks it up can make pretty sounds out of it. That's not an issue with the flute!
Thank you for your kind words my friend!
I'm sorry about the bad review. I ordered the exact flute you show in the video from you and it sounds great and personally I love it! Keep up the wonderful work.
Hey Charlie, I agree with you and this video. I saw the the reviewer on your flutes and I think they play nicely but they had no idea what they were talking about. I have bought your flute kits, a flute with a custom totem to honor my dog and even bought river cane to make my own flutes. With your help and advice the flutes I made turned out nicely and the only problem with the flute I bought from you as far as sound goes was me, until I practiced and got better. If I can make and play Native American flutes most definitely anyone can, WHO PUT IN TIME AND PRACTICE. You my friend are a good and patient man, I love your passion for your craft and your willingness to help others learn how to play and make Native American flutes. I know this because I have asked you for help and advice and you've never not replied or said no. Keep on keeping on Charlie. Keep safe and all the best to you and your family.
Your friend always Len from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
That flute sounds good. There is nothing wrong with it.
Hey! I've watched your channel for years, bought your book, and built a few crappy flutes myself (still learning), but I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one of your drone flutes after watching his review because I like the "breathy" sound, as he described it. (I know he didn't review your drones, but I've always wanted one) I'm dying with anticipation waiting for it! Feel like a kid having to wait for Christmas day to get here! LOL! Anyways, don't sweat it too much. Like I said, his review made a paying customer out of me.
The only thing you really need to play the NAF is some "GottaWanna". In any case, if you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!
Honestly, you are a much greater person then any of those business tycoons or whatever you call them.
I hope that you understand how much you've done for so many people, wether its simply help me with a hobby i have found to enjoy greatly, or i have seen some far more touching stories in the comments.
Also, if you still do video requests, my first flute and second WIP have a very bumpy area around their track, which causes the block to sit off and allows air to escape, i have no power tools beside a small drill, and used a swiss army knife with a saw, a larger pocket knife, sandpaper, and a set of small files to make them, if you have any tips on how to make this area more flat, that would be amazing.
PS. Congrats on your anniversary.
Thanks so much!
I would 100% purchase one of your flutes (or maybe two) if i only could afford it, so for now i content watching your videos
IMOP Charlie...someone is messing with you. You are a great teacher; great mentor. Moving forward; doing good things. Keep the Faith.
I ordered flute from you a few days ago. Very much looking forward to start playing - in the mean time I am enjoying binge watching all your vids. ❤ from Ontario
The flute I have ordered is not in the same key but if I can get it to sound as good as that flute, I couldn't be any happier.
I don't actually own one of your flutes. Perhaps one day. I was gifted a slightly glossy one from another maker who at the time was using Tung oil and something else to harden them and make them never require oiling. (8 years later and it still hasn't been oiled) I don't dislike it, but it certainly does have a different "voice" when compared to yours. I do prefer your voice. I've decided to make the jump from the simplest instruments, NA Flutes and Tin Whistles, to one of the hardest, Violin. You might be interested to know, in my researching of violins I have heard luthiers repeatedly talk about how using the older, more traditional finishes gives a much better tone. As opposed to the ones who are making them with thick sprayed on, make the wood look like plastic, finishes.
As for this particular flute. It is one of your more beautiful pieces, kudos to your wife, or whoever turns out to have made it. It sounds wonderful. I'm sorry you had to deal with a customer who couldn't respect your artistry enough to own up to the fact that the problem was him. And Happy Anniversary, may your have many more happy flute filled years together.
This video is priceless, I love your humor Charlie!
I have two of your flutes... and I love them. You are great at helping people, you helped me when I got my first one and your videos are great! . I'll make that one my third one if you haven't sold it. Let me know. 😁
What a beautiful looking flute the grain markings on the wood are really great looking. Just go's to show you can please some of the the people some of the time and not all of the people all of the time. Keep up the great work you and yours are extremely appreciated. Thank you.
A case of user error, I would love to have purchased this flute from you. You are truly an artist from top to bottom. Thank you for what you do.
I love that flute! The sound and the finish is amazing.
THANK YOU! 😁
@@BlueBearFlutes What key is this particular flute?
Your spirit is amazing brother , my flute is on the way . Got my ups tag, thank you. I am enjoying your flute video. I am already excited to ou base my second flute , before I get my 1st 😂😂🙏🏽 I am Choctaw
I have wanted to buy one and try. I will soon. I love the sound they make. Such beautiful sounding instrument. If I never learn how to play I will just keep it. If I come across someone that does know how to play I would likely give it to them. I'd just ask them to play something so I can hear it in person.
This is the easiest instrument in the entire world to learn to play. I know you can do it! We do have videos on playing on my online class page of my website.
I ordered a backpack drone flute on March 8th. I am so excited to start playing and see what the drone has to offer. Btw if you're wanting to rid of that returned flute, I'll take it!
The "grew up in the 70s" line had me laughing. (been there, done that!) I love my G flute - it really is the easiest thing to play and sounds beautiful.
Happy anniversary btw!
Thanks Charlie, you are so patient. Hope that fellow learned something from your video. 😉
I knew when that flute was unboxed Charlie would play a sweet tune of redemption. Love your flutes and videos, man - keep up the good work! Thank you for all the FREE information and time you put into sharing your craft! Aho!
love youre work.. blessings to you brother
Thanks! And you as well my friend!
I learned by myself the Native American flûte and love it so much ♥️I practice give it some time like to go in the woods and sing to the birds and it is so relaxing that my guitar is getting jealous ☺️
Charlie what flute recommend for small hands ? I do have your backpack drone flute which I love love but I was looking at buying the cedar one
Please check this video out and see if it helps you to decide. th-cam.com/video/NjEnpeD-z4E/w-d-xo.html
One of my favorite flutes that I play is my Simple Traditions key of high B. They are made of sustainably harvested poplar and sound in my opinion much closer to the originals than any on the market today!
In the first few minutes or hours of learning to play the Native American flute it is pretty common for people to have trouble covering the holes properly. Please keep trying. Very soon it becomes second nature and welcome to the world of beautiful music.
I guess there will always be some people who will just give up if they don’t sound like a master after only 5 minutes of learning.
It must be incredibly frustrating for someone who is impatient and a knowledgeable to criticize your work. It says more about this person than it says about you that he is so impatient and unrelenting and just plain without manners and compassion. One would think that if you are searching for an instrument; you would give it a chance to grow and try to make the best sounds that you can with the instrument. Obviously, this person really did not care and the instrument probably did not belong in his hands. I am impressed with your constraint with this individual and personally; I think this instrument sounds great. Charlie, keep helping people to create music with your wonderful flutes.
I started the pandemic in EMS before leaving that and moving back into law enforcement. I want to second Cesar's comment about growing irrationality and irritability in people. Probably a decent guy on the edge. Hopefully he grows from it.
I know what you mean. Also, it has been a theory of mine for a while and I wonder what you think? Are non-natives who like native culture and ideas more moody than other people?
thank you i needy that i am 74 native and tirying to do the flut hope you can reed this i am not good at reding or righting thanks a lot
www.bluebearflutes.com/product-page/handmade-western-cedar-native-american-flutes
Outstanding review well done thank you for sharing on a return . I could not have done better.
Hi Charlie,I’d like to buy this flute let me know if it’s available and how much cost,I already bought some Flutes from you and y like the sound of this one,thanks
It's a Low D: www.bluebearflutes.com/product-page/handmade-western-cedar-native-american-flutes
So will you resale this flute?
This flute represented a "standard model" for us which we make thousands of. They all sound at least as good as this one and yes I sold it on or by March 24th 2021! Let me know when you're ready to buy yours!
I was asked once if we only grew feathers at certain times of the year . Native humor .
🤣
Preach on, Charlie! Great sounding flute and I hate you have people do this. Glad the southern, well-mannered sarcasm is alive and well other than in my family 😁
I can as a musically challenged person living in an apartment complex share that my neighbors enjoy the fluet practice much more than the drum.
I love the flute! You got a new follower.
Thanks my friend!
I really love the sound of that particular flute. I bought one from Stellar. I love it. It’s been 2 days. But I would like register than G. What key is that?
HAHAHA. Check out my prices!!! HAHAHA
Oh what an incredible sound, this flute, incredible sound truly .. thank you
Also I hope to order a drone before the year is out.
What a beautiful flute! Sounds gorgeous as well.
Customer to the flute: I can't play you, I don't like you!
Flute: I was made with love, I sound great, so I don't want to stay with you! Want to go somewhere, where I feel good and bring joy! Glad, that I was send back to Charlie to find my new owner! Bye... have a nice Life! 😂
Hello Charlie, do you still make 5 hole flutes from”Eastern Red Cedar”? I’ve been trying to decide which flute I want to buy in remembrance of my Mom. All I see on your site are Western red cedar or poplar. I am just trying to see what my options are. I appreciate your help! Thanks,
Beautiful flute! What is the note that it’s tuned to? Thank you 🙏🏽
Looks great, sounds great.
Good video, to the point. I try and catch most of you videos as they are interesting (to me). The way you describe the instrument comes from the heart, it is after all your business and passion. Gibson and Fender are the same instrument but the player may prefer one over another and critizise one. It's just life and as we used to say "Life is just 10 cents a copy". Life goes on.
Thank you Charlie, you are an awesome human being. It doesn't seem like there are a lot of human beings. There are a lot of people, don't let people ruffle your feather... You are a good man.
Beautiful sound, beautiful flute!
That guy reminds me of one of my brothers after my dad had Ben playing the guitar for 30 or 40 years he came in and told my dad he had 5 minutes tell me everything you know about playing the guitar because he was smarter than everyone else on the planet he died a😊 couple of years ago I don’t think he ever learns to play one my other brother plays the guitar violin harmonica, tin whistle and recorders my mother played the guitar so did my brothers x-wife I play the harmonica the last few years I started playing the recorder tin whistles and getting better at the guitar it seems that our smartest brother is the only one in the family that didn’t ever learn to play any instruments I recently got an ocarina and leaking fingers seem to be a problem with a 12 hole model only having to cover 5 sounds a lot easier and I really love the sound of yours the only reason I haven’t pursued getting one is because the people on TH-cam were complaining about all the maintenance they have to do to keep there’s working so I just got a bunch of plastic instruments to night I just made a PVC flute and the top 2 holes were a little flat which is why I was going through your videos about making flutes maybe I’ll try wood next time or even buying one of yours so far I haven’t seen a low D for less than $150 I can play with a lot of plastic for that and when it gets to dirty you can just hose it off and I don’t have a place to protect a work of art like you make. Great videos keep making them I’ve been watching you for a couple of years now 👍👍👍👍👍👍💕👍
Thanks for your lengthy comment. Approximately 60 million people on the planet currently play the Native American flute. In my 36 years of making and teaching people about them, I have not once met someone who complained about maintenance. I have countless videos on taking care of these instruments and honestly there's nothing to it but I would love to see what you're talkin about with regards to their complaints. I know they weren't complaining about mine.
Lol love that sound Charlie. As always I enjoy all your videos. Sounds like that person had a "flute" up his butt, glad he took it out, he must feel much better now.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Muito grato meu amigo . Aprendi a fazer as flautas com você . Muito grato ! Falo aqui do Brasil
I want that flute. What do you call it? Which key?
Low D western cedar:
www.bluebearflutes.com/product-page/handmade-western-cedar-native-american-flutes
Hi Charlie
If you still have this flute I would like to have it.
Let me know the price and maybe we can make a deal
Enjoy your videos
Thanks
Ron
Happy Anniversary ❤
@@michellemarkhampresents1248 🙏🏼🙂🙏🏼
The flute sounds great to me...
speaking from the future in 2022.. I love your straight talk videos. I have a YT channel under a different name.. and I totally understand your frustration. It seems the MORE training videos that are available the LESS people seem to learn. Hard to understand. Maybe the person used to play a traditional flute and had some MIND SET about how to play and how it would sound, who KNOWS.. lol.
You can NOT please all the people ALL the time.. so I stopped trying. More power to you for your patience.
Hey thank you so much! It's good to know I'm not alone! 😁
Hay Charlie, love your videos, learnt a lot from your videos and love your flutes. I will post a flute that I made to you if thats ok? would love to know what you think of my flutes. cheers, Frederick little fox.
Hi my friend, please feel free to send it to my email address from my website! I would love to see it!
Lots of folks expect immediate results, and discount the hours of practice true mastery takes. You should have mailed this customer back a bagpipe chanter as a replacement, with multi cams attached so you could watch their head explode.
😄
Stay awesome Charlie. You make a great product, but you just can't please everybody.
Thank you so much Clay! You're awesome!
Sounds like a case of buyers remorse. Sounds great !
This flute is awesome what key is this , I love the sounds
I’ll buy that flute!!!
It was gone even before the video was posted.
God bless you for having to deal with wacko customers!!!
Happy anniversary you all we've been together 32.
It's sounds so good
That flute works great by the way what key is it in?
I would like to order one.
Low D: www.bluebearflutes.com/product-page/handmade-western-cedar-native-american-flutes
I have a low c that I love but not as small as yours, Charlie. Seems like yours would be easier to hold and manage, finger wise. Beautiful sound!
@@lennieblue I will be making more promotional videos for them in the very near future but I also have low and A flutes that are easy enough for people with medium sized hands to play. 🙂
Hi Charlie - sounds like a case of unrealistic expectations and impatience! You make good points about not needing anything specific or special to be a flute player, or for the flute itself. This suggests that variety is fine. I am curious as to why, then, are you so opposed to diverse designs and aesthetics? You make PVC flutes, but seem opposed to a shiny finish or totems with personal meanings. Your flutes are lovely, and I also enjoy having flutes that reflect different makers creativity. Perhaps you could help me understand your objections? Thanks!
It would be as if I were in the market to buy an airplane and someone sold me a car instead. It is simply the fact that not only does it not represent well what a Native American was historically but also takes them beyond what they truly are today. They have become unfortunately trading cards to some and avenues for elitism to others.
@@BlueBearFlutes Thank you Charlie - I appreciate your thoughts.
@@alanajmozar9519 likewise, the only reason I have made videos about how to make PVC flute is because for some people that's the only material they have! I certainly don't sell them.😉
That's a nice flute and sounds good to me
This guy is so funny. I love it. 🤩🤩
Thanks for the humor and story Charlie. I notice this flute has pretty large sound holes, so children and some people with slender fingertips cannot play this one. Perhaps size and weight should be asked of potential clients?
After starting with a 3/4" PVC flute made by another unregistered Cherokee, I've found much comfort playing We n De Ya Ho Morning Song to sunrises in the country for an audience of birds, bugs and wildlife...