A sincere and heart felt thank you from Erik, for those customers helping with his project with children who were once at a garbage dump more in....
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Kids of Cascabel
The Quena, also known as the Kena, originates in the Andes Mountains of South America. It has been said that they predate the Incan civilization. Some quenas have been found made of clay, stone, bone and bamboo. Its musical voice ranges from celebration to mourning.
It is an end blown notched flute in a major scale with a thumb hole in the back for the high do.
To blow this flute you must grin and spit watermelon seeds while lifting the flute up against the lower lip, tilting the flute so the air begins to split across the notch at the top. Once you get the sound don't tilt anymore but keep applying some upward pressure for good contact.
The concert tuned Quena is in G and is recommended for the musician who wants to play with others in G, C and A minor.
The larger Quena is called a Quenacho. Deep and breathy. The concert tuned Quenacho is in D major and will also play in E minor and G.
Hi Erik,
... about the Quenacho you made me. What a fantastic sound, full of soul and character. I love it, it sounds way better than I ever thought it would. Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful thing for me. I'm so very greatful.
Frank D. Marron November 4, 2012
Erik:
Today I get your two flutes: Quena and Arabian flute. Everything is o.k. and I am satisfied. They have great sound and I will enjoy them. So thank you for all and God bless :)
Stanislav SloveniaOctober 27, 2011
I received the Quenacho yesterday, and I must say…PERFECT! I HAVE bonded with this instrument. I played the flute for hours. The bamboo is beautiful with it’s natural character, and the flute sounds wonderful. I have the end blown Oriental Flute as well, and between these two flutes I find myself playing every day and enjoying every minute. Your flutes are so easy to make beautiful music with. My children are becoming accustom to falling asleep to me playing the flute (practicing). Thank you so much!
One really cool thing I noticed today. I was looking at the website again, and stopped by the Quenacho page. I looked at the flutes in the photo, and figured that mine was like the larger one, then I started to notice that the one in the photo was REALLY like mine. I held up my flute to the computer screen, and realized THAT IS MY FLUTE!! How cool is that!!
Your flute has made all the difference in the world. I can play it, and I love the sounds that come out of it. Two days ago, I could not play Amazing Grace, today I can. Thank you! This flute will travel with me to China, Europe, and all over the US. It will entertain Scouts, co-workers, and my family. You do fantastic work, and I sincerely appreciate the craftsmanship and care that went into making it.
Today, I decided to order your book and tutorial CD. The book sounds very interesting, and the posted comments are compelling...would appreciate it if you signed it.
God Bless, Steve Kidwell Dallas, Tx October 18, 2011
Erik,
One month after receiving my quena and I'm having more fun with it than ever. I've gained considerably more skill and it's providing quite an avenue for self expression. It has quite an expressive range and no-matter how much I play I can't quench my enthusiasm and wish to keep playing and playing more.
My two year old son continually insists on my playing him a few songs each night when my wife and I tuck him in bed. They make it much easier for him to fall to sleep and that makes it easier for us to fall to sleep. I just wanted to say thank-you for the great instrument. Your work enriches people's lives.
Benjamin Scott in Squaw Valley, CA October 30th 2011
Erik,
I just received my Quena today. It made my week! We live in the hills and it sounds great up here echoing out across the distance. There was thunder in the distance tonight as I played some Peruvian songs I know, and thanked God that I'm alive. I am an experienced player of the Alto Recorder and so this will be a transition but not too hard of one I think. I already can register two octaves clearly. It sure thrives when you really give it a lot of air doesn't it!
Thank-you,
Benjamin Scott in Squaw Valley, CASeptember 24, 2011
I want to thank you for the magnificent quena I received this week, it looks and sounds even better than I had imagined. I was so impressed by your care and craftsmanship that I anticipate making another purchase shortly, likely in the sax family! After receiving it, I noticed that one of the songs taught on your website for the pennywhistle/quena is "The Victors," the University of Michigan fight song. As a Michigan alumnus, this made my day a second time and needless to say was the first song I learned. Go Blue!
Thanks again, Casey in Irvine California March 30, 2011
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Hi Erik!
I got your Quena this summer and I think it's very good. I love it a lot because of how much you can bend a note. I would say this is the flute for getting any scale, thanks so much.
Chris Rossi in Winchindon MA. December 08, 2010
Dear Erik:
I wanted to thank you for your two flutes, the Pennywhistle in A and the beautiful carved Quena.
The Pennywhistle has such a mystical, Irish tone; it just makes fun to play famous melodies or just improvise.
The Quena is just brilliant. I have never seen such flutes, till I saw you on youtube.
I wish you to be always happy, so you can enjoy the beauty of life.
I wish you the very best,
Sabah Nasser in Germany December 02, 2010
Erik,
I received the Quena flute that you made for me today. It is very fine and only took me a few minutes to play the notes, and it's just the right length to carry easily in a field shoulder pack. Thank you for doing such a fine job.
Blessings, Todd Frederick
Dos Palos, CA Feb. 2010
Your quena arrived today.Thank you, it is lovely. I loved your story too.This quena is my 19th flute. Another three on the way, including one of yours. The bamboo material is by far the best to my ears. I am 68 this year and music is still the most important thing in my life. You haven't heard the last of me Erik.
Erik,
I received the quena last week and it looks as beautiful as it plays, awesome aroma comes from it too. It brought me and my girlfriend together much more as I already play the zampona and we can work on playing songs together. I will look no further when it comes time to purchase another instrument. Thank you.
Nick in Titusville, Florida, Aug. 2008
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Hey Erik:
I just got my carved quena and fell in love with it. You have an amazing talent, I'm extremely pleased. Not only is it beautiful but the sound is the same windy tone I heard in my head; and as you probably know that is an amazing feeling. Anyway, I'm thinking about getting my brother into flutes. Again, thanks alot for creating such a tool for me to let my heart out. Peace and love.
Mike, Knoxville, TN. April 2003
Erik,
You are truly an artist! I bought a Quena from you, and it is magnificent. It is tuned very well, and has a lovely tone. I have many ethnic flutes, but yours is the most authentic, and certainly the best as far as sound quality. I can't believe that it was only $25!!! Thank you so much!
-Angela January 03, 2006 A pleased customer!
My mother bought my first bamboo flute from Erik the flutemaker when I was 10 yrs old. 9 years later I found the flute lying around the house, which began my interest and search for a bigger, lower sounding flute. After experimenting for months trying to make them myself, I found some beautiful bamboo flutes at a music store. I inquired who made them, got the phone number and called. Once again I had bumped into Erik who invited me to his workshop. He opened up his arms, house and life to me.
I am now a father of 3 and a professional trumpet player with the Dallas Brass, and carry one of Erik's bamboo flutes with me as I tour the country. It is my way to relax and enjoy my short periods of solitude on the road. My flute of choice is the Side-Blown Oriental and the End-Blown Quena.
Thank you Erik for enriching my life with not only your wonderful flutes but all of the experiences we have had together.
Best wishes, Brian Neal Miami Fl. June 22, 2005
Erik the Flutemaker.com Contact us: 954-424-6502
14701 SW 18 Court Davie, FL. 33325 Email us: info@eriktheflutemaker.com