The Maui Bamboo Pocket Xaphoon

This is the pocket woodwind that is handmade from bamboo cut from groves in the rainforests of eastern Maui and dried for six months before construction begins. Each stalk of bamboo can vary in wall thickness, resulting in a unique instrument each time one is made. About the size of a standard recorder, the instrument is tuned to C and can play a two-octave chromatic scale. The large round mouthpiece is fitted with a tenor saxophone reed, which gives the instrument its unique rich, deep sound--two octaves lower than conventional flutes of the same size, nearer to a clarinet. Each bamboo piece is roasted over an open flame, producing its unique burnt finish; mineral oil and varnish are applied, and it is sanded down to a flat finish. It is small enough to fit in a backpack or purse. This instrument has the same sound quality as the Maui Pocket Saxaphone. 13" L x 1 1/2" Diam. (3 oz.)