About the Xaphoon

ManualsBrandsXaphoon ManualsOther SaxophonesStandard in C

chromatic

440 Hz the a'

two octaves

overblowing in the duodecimo

tenor saxophone reed

The Origin of the Xaphoon

The Xaphoon

t was just a few years ago, that only a handful of people knew about the

xaphoon. Today, the xaphoon has become a serious alternative to the

recorder, a beginning instrument or an instrument played before chang-

ing to other reed instruments.

The idea for the reed instruments has its origin in the Arabian area. The cha-

lumeau, which is the precursor of the clarinet and the xaphoon, had a bright

sound due to its small mouthpiece. Initially, the chalumeau had no keys, but

later one and then two keys until the clarinet developed from this and then

the clarinet completely displaced this very simply constructed instrument.

Still today, there are classical pieces, which were written for the chalumeau,

from the Baroque.

The xaphoon is basically a further development of the chalumeau by the

American Brian Wittman, who comes from California and now produces

the instruments in Maui, Hawaii in his workshop. The mouthpiece was

changed and its own finger-hole system was developed, which makes the

sound more sonorous and the instrument can now be played chromatically

over two octaves.

The xaphoon has allowed, for the first time in history, a greater number of

people access to this type of instrument and this is even worldwide. In the

meantime, an independent xaphoon culture has developed. The first record-

ings with the xaphoon have been published and the xaphoon is played at con-

certs and used in instruction.

The standardized XAPHOON, which has just been introduced into the mar-

ket, now provides the xaphoon in its "high tech" variation.

The name was developed from

the bamboo (sax)ophone to

bamboo (sax)xophoon to

bamboo xaphoon

and finally to Maui xaphoon.

The special thing and the really new

aspect of this instrument is the full and

sonorous sound.

It is simply constructed, easy to hold and

carry. For a reed instrument, it is small

and handy. The Xaphoon is relatively easy

to learn to play and so it is an instrument

for professionals and for beginners as

well.

The best part: It is new and therefore

there are no rules for playing the instru-

ment.

The Original

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 Construction

Care of the Maui Xaphoon