Erik the Flutemaker Calypso Flute
The Calypso Flute, made by Erik the Flutemaker, has a length of about 36 centimeters and is tuned to the major scale. It is a fun, 'island' sounding flute. Be sure to check the video to get a good impression of what this flute sounds like.
The flute is fully made of bamboo. It is played like a western flute, blown from the side and held horizontally. It requires a little practice to get comfortable playing such an instrument. This flute is tuned to itself, meaning that it doesn't correpsond with a regular instrument tuned to A440, but it sounds beautifully in tune when playing solo.
How to play this flute?
- Aim your airflow against the edge of the embouchure hole
- This requires some practice and patience
- The flute is held horizontally, this too requires some practice
- There's 6 fingerholes on top, and no thumbhole on the back
- Cover the holes with the pad of the fingers, not the fingertips
The musical possibilities
- This flute easily plays in the major scale
- It is also possible to play in the minor scale
- It is also possible to play notes outside of these scales
- This is done by half-covering fingerholes
- The flute has a reach of 2 octaves
