Native American Flute - Key of A

This is a second Native American style flute, following my F# model from Printables. This time it's a smaller flute in the key of A. Since it's smaller in size, it can be printed vertically (standing up, in 3 pieces) on smaller printers.

Making a Native flute in a different key requires the maker to re-design the sound mechanism, and the placement and size of the finger holes. Thus, while both my F# and this particular A flute look the same on the outside, the dimensions are different on the inside. Also, this model comes with a different block, this time in the shape of little owl.

Please allow me to copy and paste the text from that previous model, as everything beyond what was mentioned above is almost the same:

A Native American style flute is a very simple instrument to learn to play. They come in various sizes, and thus various keys. The most popular keys are A, G, and F#. They’re usually tuned to Minor Pentatonic scale. They are normally made of wood, but they can be 3D printed, too.

Here’s a model of an Native American style flute in the key of A. It works - once printed correctly, it will play clear notes and it will be in tune.

The model comes in four parts:

• front section
• middle section
• end section
• block (bird)

Three main sections can be put together using male/female slots they’re printed with.

If you have never played a NAF, be sure to check out my website, flutecraft.org, where I post tons of free knowledge and tutorials! For example, you will learn what a block is and why we use it :).

To get the best possible results, be sure to:

• set the number of walls (wall line count) to at least 3. This will prevent air leaks.
• set the infill density to 30 percent
• I usually print these models with layer height of 0.2 mm, and wall thickness set to 0.8 mm, and this works great
• print the main sections (front, middle, end) one at the time, and in an upright position. The model comes in a horizontal position, so you need to rotate each piece by 90 degrees. Make sure that the male slot and the mouthpiece always faces up.
• once the three main sections are in an upright (vertical) position, facing up, you can print them with NO supports. The rounded parts were designed in such a way that they do not need any supports.
• print the block (bird) on one of its sides (either left or right), as this will create a flat bottom necessary to enclose the sound mechanism
• once printed, you may need to sand down the block and the nest area, but only a little bit
• use an Army Painter’s Base Glue to glue the front, middle, and end sections together to achieve a perfect seal between them.
• the model requires no additional tuning to work

If you’re confused, I’ve recorded a short video explaining how to put my original F# flute model together. See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlIm2g1Z91c - the new flute in the key of A can be put together the same way.

Specific info for this particular model:

This flute in they key of A is a smaller Native flute and thus, it requires more air pressure to sound correctly. Also, if it sounds a bit off-tune, try to experiment with the position of the block - either move it forward or backward a bit. Smaller Native style flutes are more susceptible to block position and require greater breath control.

You can listen to the sample on my YouTube channel: