Menu Content/Inhalt
Home

Main Menu

Login Form
Lost Password?
No account yet? Register
HTRN's Playground | Print |
Written by HTRN   

Antique Log CabinThis is the personal playground of Tod Price, a.k.a HTRN. This is where I post information on my crafts, interests, hobbies and other things, the Internet community may find of interest.

So what is a HTRN? A HTRN is a High Tech Red Neck. This is a nick name I acquired working the tech industry. Not a real "Redneck", but people in the city thought I was one. I am a person that city people consider maybe a hick or a country boy. Why, because I am different and not part of their rat race. I am happy with the little things in life and very comfortable with technology. I actually find it easy to apply.

In my instance, I live in the middle of the Western Virginia mountains (No not West Virginia), until recently not connected to the power grid and still have all the comforts of any other home. Even before Al Gore invented the Internet and Global Warming.

I use Solar for electricity, a mountain spring for water, raise a garden, ride a 4-wheeler and commute to the city for employment. To further reduce my carbon footprint, I recently (Spring 2007) had the grid connected so that I didn't ever have to run my gas generator. The Grid is our new "backup" power source.

I have recently become very interested in making Native American Style Flutes, aka NAF. I was introduced to NAFs by a friend. I was intrigued by the sound of this style instrument. I was never really exposed to wind instruments. But I found them pleasing to make, relatively easy to play and pleasing to the ear. Please check out the section on NAFs.

Another means of entertainment is to develop web pages for folks, another example of a High Tech Red Neck. I live in an antique log cabin, with solar power, in middle of nowhere. Making flutes and web pages, what a combination. Here are some:

 
Native American Style Flutes | Print |
Written by HTRN   

Flute Collage“I got started making flutes when I had a few weeks away from work and was looking for something to fill the time, and I haven’t been able to stop since (except when I’m making magic wands). I hope you enjoy playing your NAF (Native American Flute) as much as I enjoy making them!  Even when they don't work out, my dogs are always looking for something to chew on…”

-Tod Price a.k.a. HTRN, NAF craftsman

MP3 clips of a HTRN made D Flute in Cedar, performed by John Burns
MP3 clip of a HTRN made D Flute in Oak, performed by Tod Price

Native American flutes were part of the culture and ceremonies of many North American tribes, including the Apache, Navajo, Ute, Lakota, Hopi and Anasazi. Flutes of this type have been discovered dating from as far back as 600 AD, and are usually made of wood or bone.

These flutes have a special dual-chamber design – when you blow into the mouthpiece the air actually comes out of a hole in the top, goes through the block (the bird-like wooden thing on the top), and over a second hole where the sound is created. This gives Native American flutes their unique “breathy” sound.

Maple NAF w/Walnut bird in Key of ANative American flutes can have anywhere from 2 to 8 holes, but I prefer the 6-hole flute that gives an excellent range of notes. The first three fingers of each hand are used to cover the six holes, leaving the thumb and little finger to “chill out.” My flutes are pitched in a variety of keys, with F# being the most common.

Maple NAF w/Walnut bird in Key of AIt is not fully clear how all these flutes were used within their native cultures, but I encourage you to experiment with your flute to see how it fits into your life. It can be played alone or with other instruments, and has a very meditative quality that makes it great for de-stressing or setting a mood.

I would like to give a special thanks to all on the Native Flute Woodworking - Native Flute user group for all the help and information on the construction of Native American Flutes.