"Dear Geoffrey, I am deeply grateful for your consistant quality and craftsmanship in your flutemaking. As a recording artist I demand perfection in both pitch and tone You have always provided me with the highest quality instruments. Your red cedar G was used extensively on my first album VOICES FROM THE WOODS. My second project features the amazing F# you recently created for me.
Like so many other people, I have purchased flutes on line from other makers and have been very disappointed. Never again!
I know when I order a Earth Tone flute, I will be getting an exceptional instrument, from one the the greatest flutemakers in the business. "
Michael Carno
Recording Artist
"No matter where a NAF player is in their flute journey, Earth Tone flutes are what I suggest when I'm asked for a recommendation. For a beginning player, Geoffrey's flutes are really easy to play, with no unusual characteristics to have to work around. The more advanced player will especially appreciate the instrument being so perfectly in tune, as well as being well made, aesthetically pleasing and graceful to hold and play."
Robert Sweetriver Bellus
Flute advocate, educator and former head of the Northern California Flute Circle
"I have had the pleasure of having Geoffrey Ellis as a close personal friend for the last eight years. He has been one of my favorite flute makers over that time and it has been fun watching his line fully come of age. Geoffrey was a mainstay on the "flute rack" of the Northern California Flute Circle for a number of years and our membership came to experience his high level of craftsmanship. His tuning is exacting and the bore size and finger placement, comfortable across the range of keys. I truly consider him a "master craftsman". He makes a large selection of keys from high G to low F#. They all have a sweet voicing that is clear and exacting. The flutes are consistent in quality across the range of keys and the flutes are especially smooth as you transition to the upper octave whether in a single bore or drone (dual bore). His line is enjoyed by hobbyists and professionals alike. His artwork, affordability, and options, will continue to attract the most ardent collectors. I know I always get excited when I know a new creation is headed my way. Finally, the personal attention and his strong customer service will make your flute purchase an enjoyable as well as a fun experience".
Dan Ricketts/ The Noisy Bear
Joaquin Clan Facilitator/author/performer/ and flute addict
"When choosing a person to craft a signature fluteseveral variables must be considered. It's not enough to produce one flute that sounds great, looks cool, and performs well. It must be consistent. Each flute must maintain a standard that is exceptional to both the flute maker and the flute player. I was honored by Geoffrey's offer to make a flute that carries my name and knew of his commitment to making an instrument of superior tone and great lines."
"As someone who has played a wide variety of wind instruments, including several different types of recorders, whistles, and other ethnic flutes, I recognize impeccable craftsmanship when I see it. Geoffrey Ellis' flutes are easy to play, are tuned beautifully, and just look fabulous. But what of the sound? Well, let me say this: Geoffrey Ellis is the master of tone. When I play one of his flutes, it does not feel
like simply a tool being utilized, but more like an extension of my being with which I can express my innermost artistic muse. While Geoffrey's work draws heavily from the Native American tradition which inspires him, his flutes transcend genre to appeal to musicians of all colors and stripes. Anyone who is a lover of ethnic flutes should not hesitate to buy a Geoffrey Ellis instrument. It will give you a lifetime of musical pleasure."
"I have been a professional performer and recording artist for the past 7 years and own flutes from many makers. The only flute maker I will refer my students to is Geoffrey Ellis of Earth Tone Flutes. I own about 15 of his flutes and have found them to be perfectly tuned, beautifully made and very reliable instruments. They are my workhorse flutes and I use them at every performance. In my opinion Geoffrey is the best flute maker out there."
"In the past few years I have thrown my hat into the ring of recording artists. At this point I only use three flute makers and Geoffrey is one of them. I own a number of Earth tone Flutes and there are three qualities that remain consistent throughout: Impeccable tuning, beautiful, sweet tone quality and an aesthetic beauty that people comment on at performances. Geoffrey I am very glad that my good friend Dan Ricketts introduced me to your flute line. Thank you for following your passion. The flutes just keep getting better and better."
"Geoffrey's flutes soar - musically, artistically and soulfully. I have a large collection of flutes from top makers from around the country - and Geoffrey's ranks in the very top as far as quality. I use flutes both in my recordings and in my practice as a clinical psychologist - and his low G drone is out of this world. I have never heard anything like it - its sound is full bodied, warm, resonant and mysterious - I definitely plan on featuring it on my next recording project. Geoffrey is a real gentleman, and he stands behind his work. I enthusiastically and highly recommend Geoffrey and his first class line of flutes."
Dr. Michael DeMaria
clinical psychologist/author
recording artist
Check out Michaels new CD "The River" at
Web design by Geoffrey!
Click on the link above to visit Kenneths web site and check out his CDs!
"When you get right down to it, there are only a few reputable flute makers on the scene today that have been given the gifts of craftsmanship and consistency when it comes to creating professional North American indigenous style flutes. Geoffrey is one of those makers. I have a large collection of flutes - around 60 or so, but only a handful have that feel and that reliability that professional performers seek and desire. Geoffrey's flutes are part of that illustrious few. Whether you are a novice, a recording artist or a performer, rest assured, you won't be disappointed by Geoffrey's instruments. They will inspire you into being a better player, guaranteed - and the very reasonable cost is far out-weighed by the quality.
You won't find a better flute for the money you spend. Take it from someone who is very picky about instruments, who likes to push the flute into uncharted waters, who depends on instant response from the instrument and who relies on perfect tunings and voicings throughout the range of the instrument in order to produce harmonic counterpoint - you can't go wrong purchasing an Earth Tone flute, and it will most likely become the favorite flute in your collection. If you were to purchase only one flute in your lifetime, consider an Earth Tone flute--it will be one of the best decisions you ever make."
" I've had the honor and pleasure of watching Geoffrey's flutes develop over the past several years into a remarkably well tuned and beautifully voiced instrument that carries with it the warmth and mellowness of the Woodlands style voicing.
Being in this "business of flutes" over the past decade I've been honored to have spent a significant amount of time with some of the most gifted makers
in the US who have shared their gift of flute making with me and I've also seen many, many flute makers (new and old) come and go, but Geoffrey is one of those special flute makers who's here to stay-- play one of his flutes and you'll see why...
I commend Geoffrey for his respect and passion in wanting to make the best instrument possible, not to mention his flair in using his artistic gift with regards to the highly detailed wood burned images in some of his more unique flute creations. His pricing is more than fair, and his quality standards are unsurpassed. I would highly recommend his flutes to the professional as well as the beginner."
Mac Lopez
Performer, Recording Artist and Flute Maker
"The flute I received from Earth Tone Flutes, made of Cherry in the key of F, is very balanced / evenly played throughout the entire range. It has a softer, mellow voice yet warm with very good tuning. Very nice flute Geoffrey. Will add it into the mix. Thank you!"
“I recently purchased my first Earth Tone Flute which, not coincidently, was Geoffrey's first ultra low "E." That right, I did say "E." Most flute makers are reluctant to enter the water below f# as it can get quite murky. Well, Geoffrey Ellis has not only cleared the waters but has come up with new species of flute fish: "The Mythical ultra low E." When I received the flute I was awe struck! This piece of millwork should include batting gloves and pine tar, for it is a full 38 1/2 inches long with some serious girth. This baby's got BACK. I had no problem executing on this large bore flute as it is side blown and very comfortable to play. The gender of the flute is assuredly masculine as evidenced by its sound quality which can best be described as warm, handsome and robust. Unlike most ultra low flutes that get timid as you approach the fundamental, this flute actually becomes louder. The fundamental is uniquely, in-your-face loud. The intonation is precisely accurate throughout the entire range of the flute. To have this work of art vibrate in your hands is an aural experience I found profoundly satisfying. Although this is a very serious instrument, not meant for the faint of heart, I found it truly fun to play. And isn't that what it's all about? I am excited to announce that there is a killer "E" now available and it stands for Ellis. If you're looking for a superb ultra low flute, I highly recommend the "E" because "sometimes size does matter."
"Geoffrey, one of my simple joys in life is to sit and enjoy some good dark chocolate. The sound of the mid-G flute you kindly sent to me reminds me of some of my favorite chocolates, which is to say it is silky smooth and a complete pleasure. It is one of the most responsive and flexible flutes I have ever played and I am impressed that the upper register speaks with such ease. At first, I was concerned that the voice might not be big enough to be heard when combined with other instruments. Last week, I had a chance to try it out with the band in an acoustic setting (no amplification at all) and was delighted that it held its own quite well.
The flute is very comfortable in the hand - well balanced and solid. I also like the tie for the block, which is quite secure, but easy to remove and get back on if moisture needs to be cleared from the block in the middle of a set. These things may seem like small details, but they make a big difference to me, especially for performing.
As you know, I rely on a small number of artisans for my performing and recording flutes. I look forward to getting acquainted with more of your flutes and am sure they will be entering the "starting line up" soon.
Check out Ron's CD's by clicking on the link above!
Geoffrey,
I have to tell you again how impressed I am with your flute. I love playing it and for a couple days didn't really practice but just played around on it. The sound is so clean...full and resonant, but slightly mellow.
And then I finally put it to a tuner and boy is it well tuned! I'm very impressed. I've never found the perfectly tuned flute, but yours is pretty damn close. I got lots of compliments on it Saturday night during my performance. I used it to play Earth & Sky from Sacred Dreams.
Thank you. It's a joy to play. I plan to record it for my next CD. Maybe more than once.
It has been an honor and pleasure working with you these past years.
Thank you for sharing your gifts as a flute craftsman so that this beautiful music
that aches to be heard, is heard.It is most ideal to feel a relationship with a flute in person before it becomes a part of thefamily but with you I have utter peace in knowing that because of you heart spirit ,exceedingly master craftsman skills and love of the flute that when I order a flute online,
time and space have vanished. Your flutes find who they choose to be with despite thedistance.
I have utter confidence the flute will have a clear voice, perfect pitch and that your love& light energy is infused in each one.Every one of the flutes that has found its way to me is a piece of art and beauty and Ithank you for allowing Spirit to work through you in this very sacred way.
