Help with making 8 holed South Indian flute

[raja.iyer]

hi all

It is very interesting to know of so many people who are interested in making bamboo flutes...
I am from India and I am flute enthusiast.
I am learning to play the pullankuzhal ( south indian flute with 1 blow hole .. and 7 finger holes and 1 hole to better the tonal quality)

Recently I met a guy caleed Joe platz who lives in Hadley, MA, USA( very close to Amherst where I reside ).
He told me that he would help me make flutes. From then on I have been on the look out for information regarding flutes and bamboo.

There is one major problem which I am facing right now .. I dont know if I can get bamboos which suit my needs. I live in Amherst. Ma and It is July end and I dont know if I can get green bamboos that suit my need. ( 1 mm thckness ... and at least 20 + inches of internodal distance )

For the present I am trying to start of with making PVC flutes so that I have an hands on experience with placement of holes etc.

Any suggestion is welcome.

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thanks
raja

[Mark Meckes]

Hi raja, and welcome!

I dont know if I can get green bamboos that suit my need. ( 1 mm thckness ... and at least 20 + inches of internodal distance )

I still have not been able to find any thin walled (1mm), with long internodes (20+in / 50cm+) bamboo growing in the US.
So far most I have seen have thicker walls.

Mark

[raja.iyer]

hi Mark

Thanks for the prompt reply and I respect the enthusiasm that you display in this group

Realistically speaking I am more interested in getting started with making flutes and am not so particular about getting bamboo of a particular specification.

If such bamboos are not available .. then what do you suggest to be the easiest way to go about it.

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bye
raja