Update on the Proto 3 slide flute

Proto 3 will be better to play and less expensive to produce. Proto 3 has no tubing, and no wire connection to the slide in the flute. The slide flute is snapped to a ten ball bearing stainless steel slide that is used in heavy drawer construction. The player moves the body of the slide flute on the track and the plunger is secured to the stationary part of the drawer slide to produce the individual notes. By playing the instrument in a vertical position, you let gravity drop the whistle to play low notes and lift on the mouthpiece to play the high notes. This solves the problem of getting a stiff neck from moving back and forth sidways with the slide and gives a 50% mechanical advantage in that the player only lifts the slide up to play and gravity does the rest. Proto 3 will be shipping out to Dave Whalen shortly for testing!

About a hundred emails have come in inquiring at what price range the slide flute will be priced. I feel confident that we will be able to produce Proto 3 with the tracking system at around $50.

Many folks have asked if the slide flute will be difficult to play and how durable it will be. I can only say that using the improvements learned on the project so far, that the air requirement is very low and the volume is quite amazing. For those wishing to practice and not make much sound, I have a poly plug to insert into the end of the slide flute hat cuts the volume by 50% yet retains good sound quality.

As far as durability, The slide flute is the same as the Symphony Slide Flute that I have been selling for some time with very good results. The poly plug is the only thing that could wear out and you get two extras with the flute. Lubrication will still be a drop of Olive Oil if the slide starts to drag.

This project has been a pleasure to work on. Like most whistle designs, you generally over design and then eliminate some parts that are not necessary or do not perform as expected. Proto 3 is no exception and by not having to hurry the project, it looks like it will be a very nice instrument.

Oh yes, caregivers will have only a minimal amount of maintenance to do on Proto 3. Cleaning and setup are going to be very easy and no experience will be required. Easy to understand instructions will be provided in the package along with good illustrations.