……So this last flute for the year, is built from Pau Ferro, also known as Brazilian Ironwood. As you might have guessed, it’s a hardwood tuned to Gm.
The most unusual thing about this instrument is probably the fetish block. Unlike the birds I fashion, I carved this as a mountain lion, but you can pretend it’s a bird if you want. It is bonded to a chunk of Manzanita burl, and predictably more delicate than other blocks, so you don’t want to pull out this flute should you find yourself in a bar fight.
Ingredients in addition to the pau ferro, include, maple burl, old growth redwood, box elder burl, Mexican boulder opal, turquoise, abalone, Mexican crazy lace agate, labradorite, Australian fire opals, black mother of pearl, spiny oyster, and tiny faceted Russian alexandrite set as eyes for the cat or pretend bird. Overall, about half the kitchen sink went into this one…..Here’s hoping this holiday season brings some semblance of good will toward one another.
