Beginners Guide to Making a Bansuri

[navieko]

Hello everyone,

My name is Jiva and I live in Far North Queensland, Australia.
I have no previous experience in flute making nor playing -- Although I'm very interested in making a bansuri.

I managed to find a species of bamboo growing in which the length between each node got up to around 27inches -- which I believe would be ideal in making a medium sized bansuri. The problem it may have is that the wall might be too thick. For example I cut a 25" section, around 30mm's in total diameter and wall thickness of around 4mm's.

Would this bamboo be able to produce a sound at all, if all is done correctly?
And if so -- is there any chance someone could help me out by guiding me through the steps taken?

I've looked all over the net for any sort of guide but unfortunately it seems there isn't many willing to share the 'secrets'. Any basic step by step would be much appreciated.


Cheers,

Jiva

[milind]

Hi Jiva

I think that bamboo is too thick for a bansuri. Try to find something that is about 2mm or slightly less. cheers

[shakuzen]

Hello Jiva,

Here is a link for "simple flute" making. Some good info here but I noticed the hole placement info was questionable.

http://www.koolbamboo.com/FluteNotes.pdf

There's a book at Amazon called "Simple Flutes" by Mark Shepard. I've ordered it but don't have it yet. Hope this helps.

[milind]

Please keep in mind that this book will only produce a bnsuri tuned to the Western Scale for you. You have to retune it to the Indian scale if you want to play Indian music.