Erik the Flute Maker - Letters to Erik the Flutemaker from customers

Dear Erik,
The major C sounds absolutely marvelous, you can imagine wide peacefull Irish landscapes. My shakuhachi embraces me with its beautiful sound. Thank you for all the excellent made flutes, the big Irish D, the wonderful major G and the magic stone age flute, I got from you. They are all perfectly balanced in tone and colour. Thanks also for the great carving work of your wife. Everything is in wonderfull harmony.
Playing your flutes makes me happy, thank you very much.
My best wishes.
Jürgen Hochfeld in Germany, February 2010

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Opening the package was like Christmas, only better. My heart was in my throat and I was grinning like a 4 year old in a chocolate factory. They say a Master's work can be appreciated on each tactile sense; and you Brother, are indeed a Master craftsman. Many nights will be spent by the campfire at our medieval events with the lulling notes of the shaku mingling with the sharp and fluid tones of the arabic flute, to meet with the drums of the gypsys camped in the far distance; making a truly magical atmosphere. You have given us a truly prized possession, God bless.
~Matt Riach~
in Australia, March 2010

Dear Erik,
After unpacking the flutes I played them one by one… marvellous music came flowing from them without any effort!
My thoughts drifted off with the music, it was very relaxing!
Your flutes are the most wonderful instruments I have played in my whole life!
Erik, you are indeed a master in turning bamboo into musical instruments!
With kind regards,
Fabian in Austria, February 2010

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Your flutes have a most mellow, rich tone achieving their own special niche with me....I play mostly during my Prayer time and Communion and on the hillside with my sheep! I love the odor when I am playing your flutes, the light fragrance of the burnt wood from the creation of the holes is pleasant to me....hope it lingers! Another fragrance that exudes from your flutes is Peace....the Peace of Christ! Erik, God's continuing blessing on your life....He has 'gifted' you well!::)) I have already directed several friends to your web-site and You-Tube....and I am blessed by listening to your Perfectly Mello CD! Also, my husband and I are enjoying your DVD, Sax 101::)) Plan to be doing more business with you as the days go on! Bye, Maggie, the flute player in West Virginia January 2010

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Dear Erik and teamwork,
Yesterday I got my first flutes from you: two Small Mayor and one Brazilian Mayor. Today, after some hours of playing, I discovered some important things about the flute and your work as flutemaker. One was how lovely and peaceful the sound of the bamboo flute is. Other was how amazing your work really is: through the Small Mayor, the Pennywhistle, the Kiowa, the Vivaldi, the Quena, the Bamboo Sax, and the Oriental you change and improve the quality of many lives around the world. My own heart was pricked by your extraordinary craft and music, so my way to thank you is sharing this gift of life (and faith) with others.

Peace, love and music, Manuel Sauceverde, Mexico DF.

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"Your flutes have been my instrument of choice.
I used one in the first song to kick off my award winning CD.
Your concert tuned "G" was just the right touch.

Thanks for making such instruments for me."

Steve Pullara, 2006, Cool Beans Music
Award Winning Children's Artist
"When you play a flute, you whistle with God."

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Do I have a story...
I was browsing Ebay one day and found one of your flutes for sale, The Egyptian Flute with engraved hieroglyphics. I thought that this item was posted by someone who had previously bought one of your incredible flutes and simply wanted to get rid of it. I also own one of your Kiowa Love Flutes so I was well aware of your abilities. The auction started at only $1.00...I was very surprised by this. So, I put it on my watch list and prepared for a bidding battle right at the end of the auction. I entered my intial bid of $35.00 just to see how it would fare against other bidders. Well, evidently no one else was watching this listing as I got it for the initial bid of just $1.00! I had watched the last 6 hours of bidding on that flute and was amazed I had won the auction. I quickly sent off my payment via Paypal thinking that there was no way this auction was real. Then I got it...I couldn't believe it.
The Egyptian Flute arrived today, and you did a wonderful job on it. The sound is very pleasing. My name was even engraved on the flute without my having to ask for it. You went well beyond what any other seller could have done considering the amount of the bid. This should stand alone as an example of your character, you have won my business for life! Should I need any other Bamboo flute you will be the one and ONLY person I go to. The quality is unmatched...at any price range. Your quick service was just as good this time as it was when I purchased my full price Kiowa. I wish I could have said more in your feedback on Ebay, but left you a rave review nonetheless! The Egyptian is a flute I will forever keep in my collection...not for the great deal I received, but for what it stands for. A dedication to quality regardless of the price, and the integrity of the maker.

Thank You Again for Another Amazing Creation! Craig Orlando, FL

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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 three 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

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All six flutes arrived save here in Austria! Thank you so much for these fantastic instruments, they all sound excellent! The kiowa sound is really overwhelming and the Brazilian major is really perferct in pitch! Every single flute is made with great accuracy and lot of experience. playing them is real fun and easy!

I am looking forward for further flutes which I will soon order from you again, all the best from Austria, the heart of good old Europe,
Peter. Nov. 2004

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Thank you for sending me the very beautiful Kiowa love flute. I am new to this instrument and new to creating music, but already the flute sings to me with the voice of the wind. It literally brightens my dreams and brings peace to my home. I will always treasure your fine craftsmanship Erik and I promise to take good care of it always.

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Hi Erik, I recently received my Brazilian Major in concert G. It sounds so beautiful that my girl friend has abducted it and has been learning the songs from your website. She likes it so much that I now know what to get her for Christmas this year. In the mean time I have gone back to playing my other flutes (I have an Oriental flute and a Kiowa Love Flute) and Bamboo Clarinet. I simply love your works of art, I myself am looking into getting the Pan Pipes in concert G also. Till my next order take care.

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I recently purchased the Oriental and Arabian flutes offered on your website. These instruments are as melodious as they are beautiful. The richness of sound that comes from these two flutes puts me in a place of peace every time I pick them up. The Lord has truly blessed you with the gift of music and craftsmanship. May He continue to bless your art for years to come.

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Just a note to let you know I received my Kiowa Love Flute and I am so happy with it. I live in the woods outside of Anahuac, Texas with only a few houses around and late last night I sat on my porch and blew my flute for the first time. The air was cold and crisp and the stars were glittering against a blue-black background. I, who have never played an instrument, made beautiful sounds to the Lord and I knew it pleased Him. It certainly pleased me. Maybe not a great testament to my playing, but it also got a few coyotes singing.

As I am writing this note, I am listening to "Perfectly Mellow". You can't see the goose bumps on my arms but they are there because your music is so beautiful. I will definitely be ordering more of your flutes and products in the future.

May you always be blessed and I wish you and yours a Happy and Prosperous New Year. God Bless!

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I had never played a flute before. But I sat down on the stairs and the kiowa love flute seemed to take over. The sound was amazing; words cannot describe it. I had tears in my eyes and the sound just kept coming. It sang. No, we sang. Thank you Erik , this flute is incredible.

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The Video was fabulous, just what I was looking for, informative and inspiring. Erik, I love my flutes!

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Hi Erik! I just recieved my order 20 minutes ago - a large Arabian flute and a set of pan pipes. I am over the moon! They are so lovely and well-made. Thank you so much! They're easier to play than I thought they'd be...What a haunting sound. Thanks again Erik! I've charmed every snake in the neighborhood! Pan pipes are so cool, too. Keep up the good work! Kathy Josselyn Thu, 31 Jul 2003

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You probably hear this many times a day, but your flutes are beautiful, sound terrific, and are an absolute delight to play. What wonderful stress relievers!

I've always had the desire to learn how to play the flute, clarinet or sax. I've also been fascinated with Arabian and Oriental music, so when I saw your booth and your wonderful presentation at the Wyandotte art fair, I was hooked. So for around the price of a beginner's traditional instrument, I am able to experiment with the lovely selection of instruments that you make.

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Wow, you shipped my flutes Friday, and they're here in Buckley Washington on Monday. I didn't really expect them until at least Tuesday.

Me and my 9 year old daughter, Arielle, are thrilled with them. I suppose this will become an addiction for us, but I see it as being an affordable one! If we only would have discovered you before we purchased the violin and recorders two months ago. We would have quite a collection of flutes by now.

Arielle, right away was able to make sound with the G flute, and had more difficulty with the Bb. I was just the opposite. But after only about 12 hours I am able to get about 1 and a half octaves out of both.

Well, I look forward to my next purchase, probably the C and D. And I plan to get the video too...it had such great reviews. :)

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I really enjoy the Kiowa love flute and the Oriental end-blown flutes we bought from you.

The Kiowa love flute is easy to play and has a sweet sound. It has taken the place of my only other bamboo flute. In fact, it puts the other to shame. Wonderful flutes. We will order again.

We have watched your video twice now and love it. It is great! The story line, the humor, the witness all work together wonderfully. I appreciate you showing each flute and how it sounds. That helps us in making future decisions for purchases. I also appreciate the flute playing tips. They make me feel like I could play any of them, with some work and effort of course. I've always felt I couldn't play a transverse flute. But, I no longer feel that way after watching your video.

We also purchased all the CDs on your web site and have listened to all of them over and over by now. We all love the sounds, the music and the atmosphere. Thank you.

We as a family have thoroughly enjoyed beginning a relationship with you and your "Bamboo Friends".

My son has decided to learn to play the Kiowa flute and has watched your video and is learning to play rapidly. My wife has even said she'd like to learn to play a flute. That's a real first.

God certainly has anointed you as a flute maker and player. God bless you and yours.

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Erik, Your flutes are truly works of art. You are surely blessed to have a great gift. Your CD's are wonderful and I am ordering the ones I didn't earlier.

I have also ordered another pennywhistle for my friend brenda who just broke her ankle. She is an accomplished musician. I'm sure it will cheer her up.

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Thank you so much for the instruments - they arrived on Tuesday! And thank you for wrapping them so well - they arrived in perfect condition. I've hardly put them down!

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I got the whistles yesterday and I absolutely LOVE them!!! My mother loves hers too by the way.

I couldn't put them down! I just love the sound and was pleasantly surprised with the Starry Night carvings, I especially like the mountains and trees. Nature is something I hold close to my heart.

My fiance' practically has to remove it from my mouth in order to get a good night kiss!

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Two years ago I purchased my first flute from you at Scarborough Fair, a Vivaldi Minor. As you said, very easy to be creative.

I returned last year to purchase the Oriental. Again, not difficult to make a pleasing, even soothing, meditative sound. I was dissappointed this year that I was unable to attend Scarborough, having my sights set on something in a major scale for this year.

Imagine the joy and surprise when my 2 year old and 4 year old sons brought me a card on father's day morning with a note inside telling me that "One of Erik's Dublin Whistles *AND* an instructional video was on it's way!" My wife informed me yesterday at 2 o'clock that the package arrived. The next three hours of work seemed as though they'd never pass. I couldn't wait to get home and begin playing. I love the new whistle, though truthfully I've found that I prefer the more melodic minor and pentatonic scales.

The video, however, has proven to be invalueable. My ability to play increased at least threefold after simply watching the video and playing along the first time.

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I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful flute. I am one of the worship leaders at my chrch and I have been able to use the Brazilian Major flute during our prayer nights. I have other flutes but yours is by far the best sounding and has such an anointing. Thank you so much and may God bless you and your family so very much.

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I got the medium Arabian flute today and it is absolutely amazing, I love it already! I really appreciate the effort you put into making it. I think it plays beautifully and has a really rich tone.

My Flute teacher, Professor Dorris Keogh, said that is a brilliant flute and I should be proud to own it!

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Your wonderful instruments arrived last week-exciting as before. Wonderful sound. You managed again to build something exceptional we are proud to own not one but many now- of you fine instruments. it must be great to give so much pleasure to other people. Thank you so much. Have a nice time.

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One thing I hadn't anticipated is the wonderful 'campfire' smell from the burned holes. I love the way it leaves a hint of that aroma on my fingertips.

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Yesterday we received our bamboo saxophones. Thank you very much: they are really beauitful and sound very good. Bye from Switzerland.

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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 with. Peace and love.

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The Bb you sent to me is the most awesome flute I've gotten from you so far, it sounds wonderful. Could you make me a concert G that is as awesome? This Bb is wonderful.

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Just taking a moment to tell you how much our family enjoyed your video Bamboo Sax 101, especially the spiel, which was absolutely hilarious. Definately the best instructional video I've ever seen. Not boring or dry, but really really funny.

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The three flutes arrived yesterday. They are magnificent. The pouches are also works of art. I have had a great time with them so far. Hopefully it will warm up enough after church to go outside and play them as it's otherwise a beautiful day.When I get my sound situation fixed I'll record a tune on one of them and send it to you.

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I've bought a few of your flutes and am enjoying them tremendously. You have opened a door for me I never would have imagined I would have walked through. (your video made it all possible). My favorite is the side blown Oriental flute.

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I just got your Penny Whistle, it was outside in the box hidden by the snow that fell from my roof. It sounds great! Plays very easy and much better than my metal Generation one. Thanks for doing such a good job. I will hopefully order from you again.

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Hi. My name is Barry Disch and I would love to tell you I have had so much fun from you sax that you sent me more than two years ago in Hawaii. Your sax since then has been to New Zealand, Australia, Korea and now China.

You may be getting an order of several for the largest private school in Beijing. I am sad to say that I have broken the bamboo in two places. I would like to know if you could possibly get a replacement from your life time warranty and I would also like to purchase an alto sax pak as well.

Friends visiting from Macon are taking my sax with them on the plane today. They will send it from there to your Davie address. I will call you from Beijing soon.

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Everything so nice! Beautiful flute, still having a burned wood smell, protective bag and documentation! Very, Very Satisfied!

Now I have to work on it and obtain the sweetest sound.I have a Quena, I bought here in Spain and a Pan Pipe bought in Chile where I lived five years.

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I tried the flute first, and straight away played two octaves, something which I had trouble with on my metal concert flute, even after 6 months playing. Lovely tone as well. Seems more 'musical' than the metal flute.

I then had a blow on the sax, and got nearly a full octave after a puff or two. I'll need to practice more with the sax, as I find the technique harder, but again a lovely deep tone, with some guts to it as well.

Thanks also for the voucher and interesting pamphlets. I like the story of your life so far. It would make an exciting film, and could be accompanied by your music. Talking of which, the CD is an inspiration. I will be ordering from you again, probably with the Arabian flute.

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I was impressed because you said they wouldn't even be MAILED until Friday, and they arrived Thursday! Way to come thru!

For one, they all LOOK BEAUTIFUL. The personal touches on every one were unique, and well crafted, and looked even better in the flesh than they did on the site. I hope the smell never goes away in these.... they remind me of a campfire every time I smell them.

The free instructional literature was extremely cool, and the personal background of the creator added to my appreciation of the flutes, and I enjoyed reading it in between playing the flutes along with your 'Perfectly Mellow' CD.

Last and certainly not least, the SOUND - to start, very smooth volume from top to bottom including at the breaking point of the octaves. Easily playible in the upper and lower extremes of their range. The pitch was definately concert throughout - and geared towards allowing you to play the high side of the pitch.

The bamboo quality and craftsmanship is somehow drastically superior from any other bamboo flute I own or have tried in shops as far as looks, playability, and tone goes.

I was so glad that you sign them! I still don't know which design I like best - the starry nights or dark and carved - I guess I am glad I own one of each!

I love the CD - I am sure it will be in my office CD player for a long long time. I am going to have to check out the other albums now....

I guess you know that your prices are extremely generous. It is so nice to buy such a wonderfully crafted collection of instruments and not get gouged for it, or have to restructure your finances accordingly. I wonder how many you have sold.

I hope you continue making flutes as well as friends along the way. I am going to have to get some additional ones for my family soon. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

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I bought a tenor sax for my 12 year old son with hands as big as mine. It was hard to keep it a secret all this time but well worth

it on Christmas. He has been playing his brass alto in the 7th grade band for 3 months and everyone was amazed at how he could pick up this new instrument and play so well.

The song book was great and we are looking at writing praise music to go with the church band.

It will be going with me to Botswana, Africa for our spring break mission trip. We love it. The Straley's Fort Worth Tx. 2002

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Thanks! I was impressed with the tone on the love flute. I am the music director at my church and one of our teens had a full collection of your instruments and played a few during the worship time. It made me drool!

My daughter is also getting one of your penny whistles. I can hardly wait for school to start up after the new year so I can sneak into her room and practice. I hope I'll be able to bend the tones as well as you do one day...

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I received the wonderful Vivaldi Minor Flute yesterday, and I'm very happy with it. Thank you!

I find it responsive and easy to play, and the full two octave range is really solid and has a lovely tone. This flute makes for a perfect break from the silver flute, and I plan to make a PVC pipe case for it so that it can accompany me into the out-doors. (I live in rural PA, and I can think of some great spots above waterfalls to sit and play)

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just a line to say merry christmas to you and your family, and say thank you so very much for your flutes, saxes and pennywhistles. I must tell that they have given me so much joy and a strange peace everytime that i pick them up and play. oh and I can't forget the kiowa love flute that I got at dickens on the strand what a soul it has, it may sound strange but it feels like i am sending up a prayer every time i play it and i really get carried away in it's voice. thank you. looking forward to more of your gift in the future.

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Just a word to let you know how much I enjoy your handiwork. I have numerous 'Erik the Flutemaker' bamboo instruments (all purchased at the NY Renaissance Faire) including some of your earliest pennywhistles. However, I enjoy the Oriental (pentatonic) by far. I only play for a few minutes each day, but the instrument is so easy to make sound rich and resonant, it quickly puts me into a state of relaxation and calm superior to any meditative exercises I've done! (All this from someone who gave up on the french horn in high school!)

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I met you at the New York renaisscance festival on 9/19/98. I was enthralled by your playing, and decided to buy one of your flutes just for the heck of it.

Having absolutely no musical talent at all, I figured I'd just be driving my wife nuts. But your flute was so easy to play, and sounded so sweet, that I'm proud to say that in just 24 hours, I'm making music. I just wanted to say thank you, and I hope to see you at next years festival.

Well I never thought it could happen to me (classic line). Me and my soon to be fiance' had planned to share a nice evening together after a not so nice evening the day before. Well I greeted her with a positive attitude, which made to worse for her apparently. About 15 minutes into her visit the tears started to flow and she ran into the bathroom and baracaded the door. Well, what do you do? 'Honey, are you ok?' 'I'm fine' she said in a muttered voice. Yeah, I know it's a dumb question but that's all I have to work with. After 10 minutes and a second attempt to talk to her though the door failed, I remembered something. I had received a Kiawa love flute from you just days before and she heard it over the phone and liked the sound. So I place myself on a nearby couch and started to play. I had just got the thing like 3 days earlier, and really had not spent much time with it. But now where there was total silence, I started hearing activity. Then the door of the bathroom opened a little. But I just kept playing until a saw a slightly reddened face appear in the mirror. I paused breifly to lookup, but played on anyway like a didn't see her. She finally emerged from the room and took a seat on the opposite side of the room. She didn't want to see how puffy her eyes had gotten. Long story short, we talked, I still don't know what the problem is but that's Ok. But it worked, the flute really worked! Thanks Flutemaker. ------- L

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I purchased an alto sax from you at the Tx Ren Fest this past Sat. I told you that I didn't play sax and you told me that you didn't either. You then took your time to give me 'Bamboo Sax 101' while six other customers waited. I ended up getting the 'Sax Pack'. That night when I got to the hotel I thought I was going to get kicked out. The people next to me must have thought I had a FLOCK of Canadian geese in my room. When I got home on Sunday evening, I watched your video (awsome production) and I have to tell you; ... it has only been three days since I watched the video and I can actually 'play' some sweet sounding music. Thank you Erik.

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instruments. I just recieved my second order of flutes today, and couldn't be more pleased. I especially enjoy the Oriental end blown, the Arabian and the Wooden Pennywhistle, although all are wonderful. Your video and instructions are very helpful as well. Not only are you a master in your craft, Your a good guy! It's so rare these days to find quality items that are affordable.

Thank you for selflessly sharing the gifts which you have been given, and making the lives of those arround you better. Thank you for standing for what is right, and sharing the truths you have learned. I will definately be ordering more instruments in the future. May the Lord watch over you and your household, and may your Christmas this year be a pleasant one.

sincerely- Steven from Utah Dec 20th 2005

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I just got my flute in the mail today. I was so excited to see the package at my mail box! I opened it with great care and when I peeled back the tissue paper, I was amazed at just how beautiful the Shakuhachi was. I have to tell you, I looked around the net for hand made flutes. I found some thatwere from $500 to $10,000!!! ..Not knowing much aout bamboo flutes, that blew me away. After listening to you play my flute and seeing what you make, I am so glad I

purchased one from you! I really dont think anyone could find a flute maker with as much passion as you have for your art. Someday, I hope I can breathe the life into this flute that it deserves.

Tom Bryker Washington PA. Dec.22, 2005

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I have been bitten by the flutebug...I have fallen in love with whistles and flutes, its sounds are all I want to hear....So then it happened, I found your website

My wife is so happy for me that I have got bitten, she has cancer and needs lots of rest and peace, so she loves to listen to me when I play the whistles, and I love to play for her, and calm her down, it also helps me to relax. I'm so happy I did find your great website, I sit looking at it for hours and listen to all the flutes and whistles, and to me it is like Heaven. I thank you a thousand times, with peace and love from Australia, Leo and Marijke. Dec. 19th 2005

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Flutes arrived today and I am enthused. They have a very unique warm and profound sound. At a glance you can tell that they are made with with love and care. These will not be the last I get from you. Thanks again for placing these marvels in my hands. Juan Mares in Spain. Sept 2005

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I just received my shakukachi. It sounds unreal, like it is not made on earth by
the hands of a man. I live in a post war, isolated and poor country. For me
this flute is a symbol of hope that soon all hearts in the world will be as
one-joined in the love for God. Thank you and God bless you.
Miroslav Trninic in Bosnia and Herzegovina Europe. Oct. 7, 2005