Terry, you are SO right. Different folks have strong opinions one way or the other (and sometimes not expressed in the friendliest of tones based on a certain degree of anonymity on some of the other forums out there lol). I think that it comes down to (on NAF anyway) personal preference (much like playing styles/song selections on the mountain dulcimer). There are no rules until you break one of someone's rules lol. My philosophy is to pursue whatever direction brings the most joy (or potential joy) to the individual musician. It's about fun and the pursuit of musical enjoyment.

John

The "wet" sound or "dry" sound is a very big subject, a subject of taste and skill, concerning tremolo harmonicas. The Asian built tremolos offer more of a dry sound, but still with a little tremolo. While the tremolos built in Germany and Brazil offer the beautiful wet sound.

Thanks Roy! There really isn't a "right" answer, but I tend to feel the same way.

Caleb, what you describe is pretty much my thinking as well. Thank you so much for the input!

I play a little and I love the wet sound much more. It gives the sense of being in a canyon surrounded by high rock walls or sitting on the shore of a misty lake with the music echoing across the water. That's how I picture the Indians playing the flute as a meditative instrument. But either way in the hands of an accomplished player they both sound incredible. I am fortunate to have lot of people in the flute circles I attend who are excellent musicians

Thanks Jeffrey! I like both, but I tend to lean towards the "wet" sound as a preference (if I have to pick one).

nice John liked both...

Thanks for chiming in, Frank! I love how you and others are giving the "why" along with the "which one" in the comments. It's very helpful.

Both modes sound great. There is something about the wet sound (maybe its the reverb arousing the soul) that seems more intriguing and enticing. Thanks for the comparison.

Steph, the "wet" sound is made by turning up the reverb on the amplifier that the mic is running through.

Dusty...you should run for office lol! Thanks for weighing in.

The reverb definitely adds an extra dimension and would be most appropriate if you are playing solo. But if you and Karen are doing a flute/dulcimer duet, I think the reverb would cloud up the music and you would want the unadulterated, natural sound.

How's that for an answer that sounds thoughtful and takes no stand either way?

Thanks for chiming in Steph and KK! Your feedback is most appreciated!

Thanks Helen! Youtube is a wonderful source of flute music. Many times there are clear shots of the fingers as well. By the way, I have one of those blues Spirit Flutes. That thing is FUN!

Thanks for the input y'all! Lexie, it totally makes me smile when dogs like it! Patty, I totally get what you are saying. The sound can be balanced to keep that from happening. The effect is achieved by turning the reverb up on the amplifier that the mic is plugged into.

John, I like the sound of Native American flutes, the wet sound with a little reverb with it. I can't say that I do not dislike the dry sound.

This is interesting, Smiley Dog responds to the wet sound more with a low humming (key of D) as you play.

John, I like the wet sound for maybe different reasons? When you play the flutes using the wet sound it makes me feel like I'm outside. I like that. I like that outside feeling (even though it's darn cold outside here right now ). I've heard other instruments with reverb and I have to say that some instruments just don't sound well with reverb but some do. I do like the wet sound. By the way, how do you accomplish that? Do you stick it in a bucket of water before you play it or do you use a lot of spit? Where are the spit valves, LOL I might feel differently when a flute is played with another instrument. The wet sound might over power a dulcimer but I guess that depends on what you are playing and how each instrument is treated with the music....I'm not sure if I said that right but I think you know what I mean.

Thanks Ken. It's just a personal preference, but it seems to get debated a lot here recently. I am keeping my preferences to myself initially so as not to influence the panel so to speak lol. Thanks for weighing in your thoughts!

Interesting, John. The straight purity of the natural sound without effects is more pleasing to me. Adding effects like reverb can give any accoustic instrument an interesting quality, but overall I think it is something to be used sparingly. That is quite a variety of Native American flutes you have.