What are tuning sticks?

In this post, I want to focus on a question that customers often ask: What are pan flute tuning sticks, and how are they used?

As I have explained in previous posts, pan flutes can differ in the way they are tuned.

Some pan flutes are non-tunable. These are often tuned with beeswax or with microporous corks inside each pipe, but the pipes are sealed with a wooden shoe base. Since there are no access holes in the base, the tuning cannot be easily adjusted by the player.

A second variety is the tunable pan flute. These instruments also have microporous corks inside each pipe, but the wooden shoe has drilled holes that allow the musician to adjust the position of the corks. By moving the corks, the player can fine-tune each individual pipe and, if needed, adjust the overall tuning of the instrument.

A fixed tuning can be practical because it does not require regular adjustment. The downside is that these instruments are less versatile than tunable pan flutes. Also, if a non-tunable pan flute goes out of tune, it usually needs to be adjusted by a luthier or someone experienced with wax tuning. It is possible to do this yourself, but it can be difficult, and the instrument can be damaged if it is not done carefully.

It is not very common for a non-tunable pan flute to go out of tune, but it can happen. One possible cause is an extreme change in weather, since temperature and humidity can affect the bamboo and cause it to contract or expand slightly.

A tunable pan flute is more versatile because the player can adjust the tuning when playing a particular song or when matching another instrument. Another important factor I have noticed over the years is that tuning can sometimes feel subjective. Even though I use professional tuning instruments, I have had occasions where musicians played by ear and preferred a tuning that sounded right to them, even if the tuner showed something slightly different. I respect that. For this reason, a tunable pan flute can be a good option for players who want more control over their sound.

A tuning stick makes this process easier. A tuning stick is essentially a marked stick that indicates the approximate position of each cork in relation to its note. These marks serve as a visual guide, helping the player know where each cork should be placed.

Adjusting the corks can be tricky at first. It should always be done with a tuning device or tuning app, and the corks must be pushed very gently. Even a small movement can significantly change the tuning.

To use the tuning stick, hold it like a pen and hold the pan flute firmly with the other hand. Depending on the adjustment needed, you may have to move the cork from the embouchure side, which is the upper part of the pipe, or from the wooden shoe at the base.

The most important thing is to push the cork with extreme care. One common issue is that the cork can flip inside the pipe. If this happens, the cork may no longer seal the airflow properly. In that case, the cork has to be pushed out of the flute, placed back into position with the fingers, and then adjusted slowly.

The correct way to move the cork is to make it “walk.” This means pushing gently on one side of the cork and then the other side, little by little, instead of pushing directly in the center. This helps prevent the cork from flipping. This is especially important with wider corks. If the tip of the tuning stick covers most of the cork’s surface, then it is usually fine to push from the center.

It is also important to know that tuning sticks are not standard. Bamboo pan flutes are unique because the bore width of each bamboo pipe varies naturally. The position of the cork, and therefore the marks on the tuning stick, depends on the width of the pipes. For this reason, each tuning stick is unique to its instrument. Some tuning sticks may look similar, but that does not mean they will be accurate for another pan flute. This is why I do not sell tuning sticks individually.

Can you make one yourself? Yes, of course. It may take some trial and error, but if you have a tuning device or tuning app, you can buy a simple wooden dowel from Lowe’s, Home Depot, or another hardware store and mark it yourself with a pen.