Currently Under Construction
Every once in a while a piece of wood comes into the shop that immediately tells you it deserves something special. This Texas Juniper billet was one of those rare finds.
Carved from a single, solid billet of exceptionally clean Texas Juniper, this flute displays long, uninterrupted figure with virtually no imperfections. Finding material of this quality has become increasingly uncommon, making this an exciting project from the very beginning.
Now approximately 80% complete, the flute is beginning to reveal both its visual character and its voice. Even at this stage, it possesses the warm, rich tone that has made larger-bore Texas Juniper flutes favorites among players who appreciate a deeper, more expressive sound.
Designed as a six-hole flute with a 1-inch bore, the finished instrument is expected to tune to D# at A440. Measuring approximately 27½ inches in length, it incorporates my Four Winds tuning hole design, a feature I have refined over many years of flute building.
Perhaps my favorite feature is the hand-carved Wyoming Mustang totem. Sculpted from American Maple, the Mustang rests above the windway between two totem rails and pays tribute to the wild horses that continue to roam the American West. Like every totem I carve, no two are ever exactly alike.
The final details are still to come. A hand-crafted cabochon fashioned from Wyoming elk antler will be bezel-set in sterling silver, while hand-cut bison lace will provide the finishing accent. The flute will receive a soft satin lacquer finish that protects the wood while allowing the natural beauty of the grain to remain the focal point.
Still Time to Make It Your Own
One advantage of purchasing a flute while it is still under construction is the opportunity to personalize certain finishing details before the instrument is completed.
Although I generally prefer a clean, understated aesthetic that allows the wood itself to tell the story, additional accents such as Catlinite beads, Crow beads, horsehair, or alternative leather treatments may still be incorporated if desired. Every modification is carefully considered so that it complements, rather than distracts from, the character of the flute.
Each completed flute includes one of my handcrafted display stands, available in natural hardwood, black acrylic, or red acrylic. Custom wood species may also be available upon request, subject to availability.
A One-of-a-Kind Instrument
The final price has not yet been established, as I prefer to wait until every artistic decision has been made and the flute is fully completed. This ensures that the price accurately reflects the finished work rather than an estimate.
High-grade Texas Juniper of this quality is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, and it is rare to find a billet displaying such clean grain throughout its length. Once this flute is completed, it will be a one-of-a-kind instrument that cannot be duplicated.
When the finishing work has been completed, this page will be updated with professional photographs and an audio recording so you can both see and hear the voice of this remarkable flute.
If this flute speaks to you, or if you would like to reserve it before completion, I invite you to contact me.
Timothy N. Jennings
307-690-0427
timjen333@gmail.com
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