One Piece Pine Fifes
I did not take on flute playing with the manical abandon with which I attacked guitar and violin, but learned to play some songs and bit parts, and as the result of simply tuning and testing . In fact, i may have learned enough to post a few suggestions and tips. But that's another page.
When all the strings have 'had their say' there remains a place where only a woodwind works best. There is no instrument more evocative of nature.
From the D-fife in pine, I progressed to C, for its agreement with the piano -- a family instrument, much as the C-melody sax. Next, the E fife suited the keys of guitar players. Finally I went for the Bb, the traditional key for fifes.
Much later, I designed the Low D fife, having heard the Low D whistles out and about in Irish music. I figured a Low D fife would sound outstanding, and it really does. The large size calls for a higher bore to length ratio, so that fingers can reach without keys. I have also succeeded in talking most people out of getting one.
But the transverse position and diagonal sound holes make my Low D Fife easier to play than a low D whistle which is held straight out (impossible for human wrists). That low D whistle went through two players who are much better than I, but I can play the Low D Fife. Usually anything I come up with is initially for my own use.
The Low D-Fife is pictured above with a Bb fife.
C-Fife Flute, one piece pine, C major 2 octaves
E-Fife Flute, one piece pine, E major 2 octaves