How to Prevent Flutes from Wetting Out and Overcoming Misunderstandings in Flute Making
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
When you build or play a Native American style flute, one frustrating problem you might face is the flute getting wet under the flute block. This "wetting out", as we call it, makes the flute nearly impossible to play until it dries. After 38 years of crafting flutes at Blue Bear Flutes, I’ve developed simple, reliable and natural methods to prevent this issue. Alongside that, I want to address some common misunderstandings about flute making that often arise from incomplete information or skipped steps in instructional materials.
In this post, I’ll share insights from two recent YouTube videos I made: one about stopping the wetting out problem, and another about how rumors and misunderstandings can affect flute makers and players. Whether you’re learning how to make Native American flute or how to play Native American flute, these tips will help you build better flutes and avoid common pitfalls.
How to Stop Wetting Out Under Flute Blocks
Wetting out happens when moisture from your breath condenses under the flute block, causing the flute to sound weak, gurgle or stop playing altogether. This problem is common, especially for beginners or those new to native American style flutes and even flute making.
At Blue Bear Flutes, we’ve used a specific method for over three decades to keep our flutes dry and playable. Here’s what I recommend to players:
Don't play the flute immediately after eating: Food triggers the salivary reaction and causes moisture in the mouth to build up going through the flute
Even if the flute is designed this way don't put the mouthpiece in your mouth: Once again, anything going in the mouth triggers the salivary reaction which is going to make your breath and the inside of the flute moist
Remember your environment: If you're playing in extremely cold weather or in an incredibly humid area, your flute will likely wet out more
If your flute does wet out, know how to respond: If you're in a hurry, cover the sound hole with your finger and if possible, lift block up slightly and blow forcefully through the mouthpiece, expelling any moisture
This method is straightforward and effective. It keeps your flute sounding clear and responsive, even during long playing sessions or in humid conditions.
Addressing Misunderstandings in Flute Making
In my second video, "Blue Bear Flutes is (not) wrong," I tackle how rumors and misunderstandings spread in the flute-making community. Many times, people try to follow instructions from books or videos but skip crucial steps or interpret them differently. This leads to flutes that don’t work well, and then the original method or source gets blamed unfairly.
For example, I recently tuned a flute for someone who sent me an unfinished build. They had not completed the shaping or tuning steps as described in our instructional materials. The flute didn’t sound right, but that was because the process was incomplete, not because the method was flawed.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Follow instructions fully: Native American style flute making requires attention to detail. Skipping steps can cause problems.
Be patient with tuning: Flute tuning is a gradual process. It’s normal to make adjustments over time.
Ask for help when stuck: Use resources like our YouTube channel at youtube.com/bluebearflutes for guidance.
Understand that variations happen: Wood type, humidity, and personal technique all affect results.
Practical Tips for Native American Style Flute Makers and Players
Whether you want to learn how to make Native American flute or how to play Native American flute, these practical tips will improve your experience:
Start with quality materials: Good wood and proper tools make a big difference in your flute’s sound and durability.
Watch detailed tutorials: Our videos cover every step, from shaping to tuning, to playing techniques.
Practice regularly: Playing native American style flute is a skill that improves with consistent practice.
Keep your flute dry and clean: Moisture affects sound and longevity, so follow the wetting out prevention method.
Join a community: Sharing experiences with other flute makers and players helps you learn faster and avoid common mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Wetting out under flute blocks is a common but solvable problem in native American style flute making. Using the method we’ve developed at Blue Bear Flutes for nearly 40 years keeps your flute dry and playable. At the same time, misunderstandings about flute making often come from incomplete or incorrect application of instructions. By following detailed guidance and being patient with the process, you can build and play beautiful flutes.
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