Fipple Designs - For Native American Flute

This web page shows shows details for the design of the fipple (splitting edge, sound edge) of a Native American Flute (NAF). First, here's a cut-away view of the inside of a NAF. This image was provided by Don from Spokane WA.

[Flute Cross Section]

Here's another cut-away view and an X-ray of the upper part of a NAF. This image was provided by Biker Joe.

[X-Ray Flute]

This diagram shows 4 basic designs for the NAF fipple. Click on one of the designs for a larger view.

[Fipple Designs]

Notes:

  1. The terms "Top", "North end", "Mouth end", and "Proximal" all mean the end of the flute you blow in. The terms "Bottom", "South end", "Foot", and "Distal" are all used for the other end.
  2. "TSH" stands for "True Sound Hole".
  3. The measurement "Flue Depth" in these diagrams is made at the location nearest the TSH. In many cases, the flue does not have a constant depth along it's length. The depth of many flues decreases as it nears the TSH.
  4. Diagram 0. Basic / Common Measurements shows dimensions that are common to all the designs.
  5. The shape of the flue can be achieved in a number of ways, which are not reflected in these diagrams. The flue can be:
    • cut into the body of the flute,
    • cut into the bird (also called "totem", "fetish", or "block"),
    • formed with a spacer plate, or
    • some combination of these designs.
  6. If the top (proximal) edge of the TSH lines up with the top of the sound chamber, the "backcut" measurement is zero. Many flutes are constructed with no backcut.
  7. The measurement "TSH Length" is always between the top (proximal edge) of the TSH and the face or edge at the bottom (distal end) of the TSH.
  8. The Bottom Bevel Angle and Face Bevel Angle are smaller for angles that are more "vertical". They both increase as the amount of wood that is "undercut" increases. This is the reverse of the way that Russ A. Wolf measures these angles in his excellent reference Flute Shop: A guide to Crafting the Native American Style Flute.
  9. Measurements of the height of the Top, Face, and Bottom bevels are always done perpendicular to the floor of the flute. They are not done in line with the bevel.

Web site by Clint Goss - Last updated June 28, 2008.