Manual

12
5
The Original
T
he construction of each MAUI XAPHOON begins with a raw
bamboo stock, which comes from the wet forests of East Maui in
Hawaii. A four-meter long bamboo pole only has one piece with the
correct length and the proper diameter for a good C instrument. This grows
from the mature "Bambusa spinosa" about one-half meter above the ground
in a very dense bamboo forest, which is formed from a single mother plant.
It always regrows like giant grass and bamboo belongs to the grass fam-
ily. Each of these bamboo canes is somewhat different with respect to size,
its internal diameter and its texture, which makes mass production almost
impossible.
In order to satisfy the large worldwide demand, the CLASSIC XAPHOON
was developed. It is a very precise Xaphoon, which is produced in series
from the material used for the clarinet and oboe mouthpieces.
Initially the piece of bamboo cane is dried for four months before it can
be used to produce an instrument. The mouthpiece is made first so that the
standard pitch can be heard. Of course, the wall thickness and the diameter
have an influence on the sound quality of the instrument, but the quality of
the mouthpiece is the primary factor affecting the playing qualities, sound
and the pitch adjustment when playing. All bamboo parts are burned slowly
over a flame, which gives them the dark color shade and also provides bet-
ter durability. This guarantees that neither residual moisture nor bamboo-
eating larvae remain in the walls.
The holes are burned into the bamboo with a red-hot iron punch. After fine
tuning and the reworking of the mouthpiece, mineral oil is applied and the
instrument is polished smooth with a cloth.
All MAUI XAPHOONS are tested for their playing qualities again before
they are packaged and shipped.
• The most important thing is that the instrument be allowed to dry after
playing.
• A small weight with a thin string and a cloth handkerchief tied
to the end is the normal cleaning aid.
• First remove the reed, put the weight into the pipe and pull the
cloth through. This is the most conserving variation.
• The flute cleaning swabs work, but are not the most suitable
because they can easily damage the mouthpiece.
• Occasionally, you can oil the instrument, especially on the inside, with
sterile oil.
• The Maui Xaphoon can get wet. Playing in the rain does not damage it
either. But it has to be allowed to dry out.
• It is recommended that you remove the reed after playing and dry it sepa-
rately, so that the entire mouthpiece is exposed to the air.
• If the bamboo Xaphoon remains moist too long, a coating develops on the
inside and the sound is impaired. In an emergency, this can be removed with
strong vinegar.
Care of the Classic Xaphoons
• This is super simple: After playing, simply remove the reed and wipe out
the instrument. You can even wash the instrument under running water.
The ConstructionCare of the Maui Xaphoon