Customer Comments

Dear Friends!

Is there anything more exciting than seeing a group of enthusiastic faces, (especially these wee faces) passionate to grab on to a new idea and jump into a whole new venture??? To embrace new ideas and lift their hearts in song!!! No, I think not! You have been a huge part of making today happen... and we want to share!

Our flutes (mysteriously - where had they been for the past week????) showed up on the counter at the neighboring general store/Post Office early Thursday morning. When we finally cleared up the paperwork/GST, etc., we were able to bring them "home". Rather than open them and clinically categorize them in the school office, I insisted that we unwrap them in the classroom so we could all gather around the table and peer into this average-sized box, full of bubble wrap and small shapes, light of weight and unassuming.... UNTIL we SHED the wrappings, unearthing INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP, rich in grain, vibrant cedar color, each adorned with a single small circle of turquoise, and endowed with incredible sound.... we lay our "infants" upon a large, soft blanket, upon the table, with the sides of the blanket rolled up so the flutes wouldn't roll off. The children's faces were alive and alight with the thrill.....looking around at them, as they stood in that circle of wonder, gazing upon these incredible instruments - this beautiful, beautiful wood..... seeing the children gaze with such hope and excitement , I could not help the tears from coming to my eyes, nor squelch the lump in my throat... how can it be that beauty and joy can also be painful? The children smiled at me, I smiled at them, blinking back tears... and we moved on with our day... sharing in each moment!

One by one, the children stepped forward and chose the instrument they thought would best suit them, their size, their fingers... We explored the realm of the flute in those moments... talked about the chambers, looked at the craftsmanship, noted the numbers of the flutes, the names (Little Bird - Bm, Little Horse - Am, and Le Mita Cola - Gm), the craftspeople who had constructed them, we talked of turquoise, the bird and the nest, the sounds... we listened to the sounds, the breath... life...and glowingly tried a few tunes. I am told these keys will not play well together... but be that as it may, for this magic moment... the flutes were joined in song and melded as one circle of sound! Every child was gifted their flute (on loan) until the end of the year... and they moved away in pockets of musicians, into areas of the classroom so that they could test them out. They wandered about for those few moments, flutes cradled in their arms, against their necks and bodies, as if embracing a long lost friend...several named their flutes, "Buddy, Turqui (turquoise), Bucky, Bluebird, (Aspen Wolf - mine) etc." and could not/would not be separated from their "new friends" for the rest of the day. Fortunately, I had the class for most of the day, anyway... so we could spend time becoming acquainted with our new art and ourselves as the new musicians in a new realm. The growth curve, had to be approximately 350% on this first day!!! One can speak of these things, but sometimes until we hold in our hands and hearts, the concept of that which we are seeking, we do not understand.... now we ALL understand! And we LEARN...soon to SHARE!

We have democratically adopted the name, "Peaceful Night Flute Circle" at this point... and everyone, for now, is evolving at their own rate. I did supply sheet music of everyday songs, ie. Happy Birthday, Kum Ba Ya, for those who were tentative, or wanted something concrete to look at and with which to work. We listened to the CD of flute instruction...and we tested out techniques. Several there are, who can trill, already. One boy discovered his own version of a loon's call... several softly try out their own songs... while some are just trying to make their fingers completely cover the holes and get any sound out at all! They are learning to work with the bird on its nest... the jump of unexpected octave breaths....aaah, the journey...

Through the day, one of the girls, and her friend, grew and transitioned into an accomplished flutist already. She quickly transferred over all of her recorder songs from our classes this year, she brought into play those songs she had already figured out, and she was playing everything she could get her hands on or think of... with her friend following not far behind. Soon, they were standing, face to face, flute to flute, sending the incredible sounds of the Le Mita Cola Gm flutes to the air and to those standing nearby. This same girl, in grade six, envied me the songs, my own songs, with which I play my songbird E flute, not quite understanding that she, herself, has played within a few short hours, what I could not and did not know how to play in my first year!!!

The children grew silent as I tried out a few notes on my new flute and they listened... and we introduced Aspen Wolf to Cedar Songbird... they, the children, were delighted!!! :) I laid my new aspen flute aside, after briefly testing it out....because now was not my time... this was their time... and we went on through the new dawn of learning to explore our flute souls... beginning already on our collaborative project "The Cherokee Morning Song" with which we will salute the Sun's arrival on many a day this spring...

Whenever I left the room, I could hear the soft sound of flutes emitting quietly from the classroom... and one of our substitute teachers wandered through with her serene smile, commenting, "This is not a sound I'd ever grow tired of".

We are BLESSED! We are THANKFUL! We are EAGER to BEGIN our journey as flutists of the PEACE... Join us, won't you - in thought, in heart, in hope, in song... :)

J C
Teacher

Hello Hall Family,
I just wanted to tell you How much I LOVE This Little A-minor concert Flute!...I know I called and spoke to Mrs Hall, and relayed my Joy, but I can't say enough about it or put it down now! and I really can't wait to get more of these INCREDIBLE FLUTES!, They speak so clearly,and are so warm and most of all that resonance can be felt into your arms while you play! These truly are Highly Crafted Flutes and unheard of prices! and beyond that the service I got made me feel very comfortable and at ease.
I Thank You Very Much for not only making me feel so at Home But giving me a way to relay what was inside me out into the world! Your Friend and Newest Customer,

BigJohn.

Butch,
Just had to drop you a line to tell you how happy I am with my flute purchase. I bought a Padauk wood A minor flute last week at Indian Summerfest in Milwaukee. I own over 20 flutes and by far your flutes play and sound the best. And, the Padauk wood just blows me away! In direct sunlight it is simply on fire. Yours are the Ferrari's of the flute world. Keep up the good work.

Steve.

I received your little package today with 2 birds & a string. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this. Please allow me to pay for the cost of this, as it is the only way I can express my gratitude. It is great to know that there is still some people that stand behind their products for life. I would certainly buy from you next time I need a new flute. I'll try to come to Nashville in September, but I have some other plans that may get in the way, in that case I'll make sure to come and visit your stand at the next opportunity. Just keep me up to date on future events so I can plan ahead of time.

Giuseppe

I cannot write as well as some of the comments I have seen posted on your website, but I do wish to let you know how much I think of your flutes. I have bought about twelve flutes in my life, and probably nine of them were a complete disappointment as far as the sound quality. Of the three that played as they should, two of them were yours. After wasting time and money on fancy looking flutes that played like cheap toys, I have decided that I will stick with yours. I have the "Little Horse", which plays like a charm despite its low price, and I have a Gm concert flute which is as loud as you want it to be and has great clear tone with any air pressure. I find that it's almost impossible to overblow unless you do it on purpose with a sudden sharp pulse of air (which can add a lot). I do intend to order another one or two from you, as soon as I can decide which ones I want. Your sound samples are a big help. I have learned the hard way that nicely carved birds and pretty wood do not equal sound quality. Thank you for the ones I have in my possession, I play them every day as part of my prayer ritual. The one who gave me life likes your flute too.

Jim W

Recently I ordered a B minor starter and concert A minor. Both arrived promptly and in perfect condition. Over several years I have previously purchased five native flutes in various tunings from three different established makers. I have test played dozens of flutes from shops and shows and galleries from all over the country. I am happy to tell you that I find your flutes to be a combination of tonal quality, workmanship, easy fingering, and very forgiving breath control second to none. Your starter Little Bird at under $50 is clearly the best value in the market. When considered with the customer care that Laura provided, your site should be the only choice for entry level to experienced players. Please contact me if you plan a special edition in F# minor and maybe in G. I'm interested in very high sound quality (softer cedar sound) with figured wood but not much decoration. Thanks for your excellent service.

Brent

P.S. I ordered the Little Bird without much thought to its sound but rather to have an inexpensive and short flute I could shove in a day pack and not worry about. Because of its brilliant sound and easy fingering (I have short fingers) its now my favorite flute and I take it everywhere.

It was a real pleasure for my wife and I to make your acquaintance in Eau Claire, Wi. at the INAFA. We special ordered two flutes from you while there, and as you promised, they arrived only a few days later. Your service, knowledge and guidance were and still are much appreciated. We are both really enjoying our flutes. They are everything you said they would be, and we couldn't be happier with their sound as well as with the quality of the product. Kudos to you and all your family for a wonderful experience!

Jim and Kay W

Butch-

Here's a note to let you know how very, very pleased I am with the flute
I purchased from you several weeks ago, when you were in Nashville, TN.

As a musician having played professionally since 1960, in Big Bands and Symphonic
Orchestras, I really appreciate a quality built instrument. Yours is without a doubt the
best flute I've ever owned.

Robert B.
Nashville, TN

Thank you Butch for giving me such a good flute and service! I love my flute and it loves me I think. And I know, that I need another some time later. There is no other place than your flutes for me. I look after some other flutemakers before I ordered a Butch. But I don't like. The one I like, too much expensive. Some people are not friendly.

When I see your flutes I was happy about good looking flutes, good sound at reasonable prices.

And I also got a great service!

Bless you for doing this all. I'll come back soon.

Ralf

Thanks. I am very "picky" about the sound of flutes. I have purchased so many that simply sound bad (some of which were from some pretty heavy-weight flute makers) that I have had to fix so they sounded good. As a flute maker myself, I appreciate what goes into making them...and making them sound good. And by the way.....I have never had to "tweak" any of your flutes! :-)

Keep up the good work,

Jim

Butch and Laura, I bought 2 flutes from you at the Summer Fest in Milwaukee. I just had to tell you that the E flute I bought from you has become my very favorite. I play it often. It seems to speak to me in a way no other flute I own does. I don't know if it is the key, the wood, a combination of things...but the flute seems to almost sing by itself when I play. I have had very many compliments also on the flute bag-it too is a work of beauty. Thank you both, from the bottom of my heart. Namaste,

N.G.

Dear Butch and Laura, I received my Em cherry flute in the mail today. I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful instrument! Needless to say I am impressed by both the sound quality and the exquisite craftsmanship (not to mention the speedy delivery time).

I have purchased so called "special edition" cedar flutes costing four times the price of your flutes from other flute makers and on one of them the two halves were not even made from the same blank of wood! Your standard flute is flawless both inside and outside. The sound from the first note was, to quote an over used but applicable phrase, "hauntingly beautiful". I don't mind paying top dollar for quality and in the case of your flutes I feel I have received top quality at an exceptional price. That does not often happen in today's world.

Another thing that has me feeling very "warm and fuzzy" is the remarkably courteous treatment I received from Laura on the phone when placing the order. The hand written thank you note that came with the flute is a wonderful touch. I can tell just by your product and presentation that you both must be very nice people.

Laura, you mentioned that Peter Phippen asked where I located his CD "Echoes of the Past". Please tell him that I special ordered it at Borders Book & Music in Bangor, Maine. In fact I am listening to it as I write this. Please tell him that I really like the track titled "Daughter of the Mist". His is an incredible talent and I am amazed that he is caring enough to ask where one person found his CD. Please thank him for me for making such wonderful music (as well as being the inspiration for ordering one of your flutes).

Well I have to go play my new flute now. Be assured, I will be ordering again from you soon. Thank you both very much. It has been a good day! Sincerely,

J.T.

I received my flute today and let me tell you it was worth the wait and then some....the sound and tone are incredible! Your craftsmanship is superb Butch! Thank you both so much for the care and quality you bestow in your craft.

S.H.

Dear Laura & Butch, What a pleasure to speak to both of you today. Your flutes are truly magic. What a dream to have an instrument play so precisely in tune and be so fluidly responsive.

You have created the embarrassing reality of your instruments being far superior to my ability. Again, thank you! Thank You! Thank You!

Nada Brahana, The World is Sound

Butch, I have been forgetting to thank you for the flute you sent me. I have been enjoying it so much that I haven't had time to do anything else but play it. Well almost!

However, Butch you make a great flute, and your flute easily replaced my old F-flute. Intonation is excellent and the sound, volume and expression on stage makes it a joy to play.

I'll be ordering more flutes in the future!

B.S.

Butch, I had the great, good fortune and genuine pleasure of meeting you in Columbus at the craft fair a few weeks ago. I enjoyed very much hearing your music, talking native American [style] flutes, picking your brain and in the end buying three of your flutes. You were very generous with your time and kindly helped me select flutes for sound and wood quality, two factors that are very important to me.
I got one of your new 'special edition' F# minors and a cedar F# and G minor. I am very happy with each of them. They play beautifully, and at the risk of repeating what is certainly a well deserved and often stated sentiment by other owners of your flutes they are remarkably inexpensive for the quality.

I will go farther though. I have made about 10 flutes of my own over the years and have purchased several high quality flutes from other noted makers in my pursuit of the perfect instrument so I have a good appreciation for what is involved in making a beautiful precision instrument. In my opinion, your flutes are equal to, if not better than, the best of what is being offered out there in the market. It is therefore even more remarkable that your flutes are so modestly priced. One doesn't even have to use your 'special edition' flutes to make this comparison. Your regular $95 cedar flutes are amazingly good, top quality, beautifully clear and sweet flutes they lack nothing! Your 'special editions' are simply beautiful both to look at and play.

The choice woods you use, your clean design and excellent craftsmanship, not to mention the wonderful voice of these instruments really blows me away. Thank you for doing it so well and pricing them so fairly.

Regardless of the price, you are indeed making magic flutes! Keep up the good work. It was a pleasure making your acquaintance. I look forward to the next time we meet. Until then... All the best,

J. B.

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