Current page :MISCELLANEOUS
HISTORY OF THE FLUTE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flute
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bansuri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/venu
APPLICATION OF WESTERN , HINDUSTANI AND CARNATIC FLUTES IN MALAYALAM FILM MUSIC
If you listen carefully to some very very old malayalam songs you may find some songs in which the flute "bits' are played in the Carnatic flute . Though the Malayalam music Industry started off with the classical Carnatic flute it was soon replaced by the Hindustani flute . The one obvious reason is that the Carnatic flute does not go well with the Western Keyboard. And South Indian film music is a wonderful convergence of all the three great systems of music ie, carnatic , Hindustani and Western Music . The vocals are either based on Carnatic or Hindustani ragas and the background music are usually based on Western Music . If one attempts to get into a "ganamela " troupe with a set of carnatic flutes then you must expect to be at the receiving end of the key board artist. The basic problem with the carnatic flute is lack of pitch synchronization with the key board . Of course it has a divine tone and it suits its basic purpose of playing south Indian Cranatic music and that is where it s tands even today .Carnatic flute makers are also to blame for not taking efforts to "change with the times " and manufacture flutes to confirm with international pitch requirements . The Hindustani flutes however blend wonderfully with Indian film music and the manufacturers have also adapted to the changes in music trends . Western flutes like the Piccolo are often used basically because of the synchronization with the key board . However it cannot create the "gamakas' which is the essence of our film music .So it failed to content for the Ist position . Thus the Hindustani flute maintains its position as top contender .
Example of a carnatic flute in a malayalam film song :---Kanikanum neeram
Example of a piccolo flute in a malayalam film song :--- priyasaki -- Film :kayetthum doorathe
Example of the Hindustani flute in a malayalam film song :-- kollakuzhal --Film : Nivedyam (latest film )
RAW MATERIAL
Flute makers have made flutes from PVC pipes to glass rods . The Indian flute however is traditionally made of bamboo. Flute makers and users have always asked the eternal question . Which variety of Bamboo is the best to make a flute ? Among the thousands of species of bamboo available the Assamese bamboo found in Eastern India is acknowledged to be the best raw material to make a Indian bamboo flute . The Nilambur Bamboo (found in the district of Nilamboor in Kerala , India) has a richer tone than the Assamese Bamboo .Since not many flute makers try out this Nambour variety , not much is known about it nor is it as famous as the Assamese Bamboo.
It takes about four years for a bamboo to fully mature and it usually lasts for about 10 -20 years depending upon the usage and maintenance provided.
LINK:---KFRI HANDBOOK NO12--Commercial Bamboos of Kerala -Mukthesh Kumar -- http://www.kfri.org
FLUTE MAINTENANCE
A well maintained Bamboo flute would last 10 -20 years if used with care . Breakage is un-reparable damage to a flute . A weekly cleaning is recommended to clean fungal growth inside the flute (found extensively in humid tropical areas ) . Oiling the exterior of the flute is also highly recommended. Excessive oiling can damage the flute and it has to be applied with discretion .I would suggest that you DO NOT TRY oiling the interior of the Flute .But 2-3 drops of Excellent Imported (Italian ) olive oil applied to the exterior of the flute once every two weeks produces excellent tonal quality and I can vouch for that .
LINK:--http://www.indian-instruments.com/wind_instruments/bansuri.htm
MICROPHONE RECOMMENDATION :--- AKG C 419 (micromic) www.akg.com
USING A CHROMATIC TUNER
A chromatic tuner is a must for any instrumentalist . It is a simple instrument that helps you find the pitch of any note or octave set to international standards
A basic model is the KORG Chromatic Tuner CA-30. It costs about Rs 1000/- and is simple to use . Sit in a quiet room (without turning on the A/c or the ceiling fan ) and play a note on a flute and you get a needle meter reading .This instrument is very useful when you buy new flutes . You can check each note of the flute you intend to purchase
and you will be surprised at the deficiencies mind you .
LINK:-
http://www.korg.com/gear/info.asp?a_prod_no=CA30
RECOMMENDED FLUTE MAKER
ANAND.R. DHOTRE,
New Miranda Cottage,
Plot No:38,Room No:1,
D.L.Vaidya Road,
Dadar, MUMBAI--400028.
Ph:Mumbai code +24324522
E.mail dhotre@hotmail.com
INTERESTING LINKS
Some players make their own flutes . Though I have nothing , neither good nor bad to comment on the subject .I would recommend that you try your hand at making a flute.Even if you fail to make a good one, the experience will help improve your knowledge about the Instrument and teach you to respect a good flute maker.
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make your own ringtones
http://markshep.com/flute/