I have been playing and building Native American Style flutes for over ten years now, and what started as a hobby has now become a passion. The flutes I make are “Woodland” style, and tend to have a more mellow and full voice. I concentrate on the voice and the tuning when I make a flute and generally don't do carvings or other embellishments, but I occasionally do some minor inlay work to fill in knot holes or fissures. As a rule, I don’t stain or paint wood. I prefer to bring out the beauty and color of the natural grain patterns using a botanical based Tung oil / Sealer. I feel that an ideal flute should feel good to hold, feel good to play, be in tune, and have a nice full voice. It doesn't have to be a work of art, but it should be pleasing to look at and you should want to pick it up and play it every time you see it!
-Carl Young
Some other music makers worth a look
Colorado Soundscapes is a maker of high quality musical instruments based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was formed in 2012 out of the passion of two brothers, Josh and Wesley Keegan.
The brothers have always loved musical instruments and were fascinated with the history and design of traditional instruments like the kalimba. Melding modern technology with ancient instruments, a new iteration of the kalimba was born, the Lamellae. This unique instrument boasted precision tuning, the first of it’s kind, and a custom designed electric pickup to virtually eliminate feedback. Later, the Electric Mbira was released with the same functionality but built on exotic hardwoods and featured a new streamlined design.
Arcana Musical Instruments combines the musical and artistic talents of Josh Keegan and Jerred Houseman. Five years ago they embarked on a journey to uncover the beautiful sound of singing steel pans. Their expedition has resulted in a great love for the handpan instrument and has birthed in them a passion to build the best sounding instruments possible. They have dedicated themselves to the craft and invite you to take part in the fruit of their labor and discovery.
If you’ve ever heard the sound of water moving against the banks of a creek, wind whistling in the leaves, owls hooting in the dark before dawn, then you’ve heard the inspiration of Earl Correy’s Native Style Flute music. Nature reveals her secrets through song. Earl Correy’s music forms listening experiences that bridge the gap between civilization and nature. Hidden alcoves veiled by rocks and trees open before your eyes, lighting up a world that is magical, timeless, sacred. The essence of his music encourages an appreciation of ancestral cultures that required an intuitive connection with nature to survive. His combination of Native Style Flutes and natural rhythms create an evocative experience for the listener that is at once indulgent and freeing.