Western Red Cedar – the essential flute

From our series of Profiling The Woods We Use

WHAT IS WESTERN RED CEDAR?

Traditionally known as the “long life maker” or “tree of life”, Western Red Cedar is native to the American Pacific North West, and to this day has extensive applications among First Nation peoples.

WESTERN RED CEDAR AS A FLUTE WOOD

Western Red Cedar is the quintessential Native American flute wood. Very light to hold, this flute-wood produces a classic warm, rich and resonant tone. Being a softwood, it is very absorbent which helps in reducing moisture buildup within the flute while playing. It is typically a light brown colour with a sweet woody aroma under the nose.

WHAT LOOKS GOOD WITH WESTERN RED CEDAR?

We often pair Western Red Cedar with a Black Walnut or Ancient Kauri mouthpiece and/or nest. Both these woods swirling grains contrast elegantly with the more linear waves of Western Red Cedar. Rewarewa creates a dynamic interplay of textures, while Heart Rimu softens into the contours with its tight luscious grain.

Consider adding a Turquoise or Amethyst gemstone for a great looking Western Red Cedar flute.

HOW STABLE IS THIS WOOD?

Western Red Cedar is not prone to shrinking of swelling and therefore is a versatile flute for taking into varying temperature zones and easy to work with.

SUSTAINABLE WOODS

Our Western Red Cedar wood is grown and sourced locally here in New Zealand. We typically buy from millers who supply furniture makers and artisans.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT WESTERN RED CEDAR

Hi Todd, I wish to say here my heart filled thanks for my new flutes they are truly beautiful and play wonderfully, the new Western Red Cedar Grandfather Flute is light enough that I can play it without any strain. I honestly can’t thank you enough I really feel that my flute collection is complete now. The flutes you have made for me are the most important to me and they are the only ones I take when I’m traveling simply because they play better than anything else I have. You are truly the master thank you and thank you, my life is so much richer for having come across you and the flutes you produce.  

Once again my heart filled and felt thanks go well 

Johnny, Western Red Cedar Grandfather Flute

Hi Todd

I am so happy to say that my flute arrived today, in perfect condition, and glad to be in its new home after its round-the-world trip!! It is so beautiful in sight and sound, I am really delighted with the sonorous tone and ease of playing, and it is so responsive to breath pressure that it is delightful to play. I am also pleased the Western Red Cedar is so light to hold, for a big flute it is a feather really. It does not over-blow easily either, sometimes a problem with low flutes, and I like the ergonomic finger hole placement. I am very happy to play something of such high workmanship, thank you.

Judith, Western Red Cedar Grandfather Flute

Hey there, Todd! Got it! And it was exactly what I was hoping for 🙂 I know I bought a few other flutes from you, but I think this one is my favorite. I believe Weestern Red Cedar is actually a good choice for a low bass flute of this nature because it makes it sound soft and gentle. Normally, as I said, I go for harder, denser woods because I believe it creates more projection and a stronger tone, which I like, and in the past I avoided cedar flutes for this reason. I would still go for harder, denser woods for higher registers, like forest and love flutes, for example. However, I knew this one would feel different and I am not disappointed. It’s the perfect flute for quiet nighttime meditations or reflections out in the woods 🙂 It smells great too! So, I feel a quieter voice lends itself well to what the bass flute is all about: lulling us into a deeper, more meditative state. Bravo! Hands down a piece of art as well!

Thank you so much for posting it on your site! I am glad it made it from your island to mine. I told it that I would take it out on a trip into the Taiwanese jungles soon 🙂 Many blessings, Erik

Erik, Western Red Cedar Grandfather Flute

A FEW WESTERN RED CEDAR FLUTES WE HAVE CRAFTED

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?

Check out our Made to Order Western Red Cedar Flutes

Or go to our Design Your Own Flute online form (scroll to the bottom the page) and let us know what you want.

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