Maui Xaphoon -- Winner, "Best In Show" award at the 2007 NAMM Show

The Maui Xaphoon (pronounced "za foon"), also known as a Bamboo Saxophone, is an instrument created by Brian Wittman. The Xaphoon is the perfect instrument for everyone who appreciates awesome sound but doesn't want to schlep around a bulky instrument. The Xaphoon's sound falls somewhere between a saxophone and a clarinet -- a much richer sound than its size would suggest -- and was born to be played wherever and whenever the mood strikes. The experienced player will find the Xaphoon capable of all the subtle shadings and vibrant power of a saxophone. The beginner will find it fun and easy, and good practice for other reed instruments.

The Xaphoon uses a tenor saxophone reed (included), and has a range of two completely chromatic octaves. The fingering is similar to a recorder except for the B and B-flat. Xaphoons are available in the keys of C and B-flat (Pocket Sax available in C).

The original Maui Xaphoon is handmade by Brian Wittman from bamboo cut from the rainforests of East Maui. It is available in the key of C or B-flat, and comes with a 2 1/2 strength tenor saxophone reed.

Bamboo Maui Xaphoons are currently unavailable from the maker. Please contact us if you would like to be informed when they are available again. The plastic Pocket Sax is still available, please see below for a great substitute!

This is an ABS-plastic version of the original Maui Xaphoon, and today is the best-selling version of the instrument. Brian Wittman says about it: "Believe it or not, the plastic and bamboo sound nearly identical! This sounded counterintuitive to me until I read a book about flutemaking, where the author proclaimed he made flutes out of glass and galvanized pipe, and they all sounded the same. Apparently materials don't influence the sound significantly until you get to the lower frequencies, which is why didgeridoo makers are very sensitive to the materials that go into making their instruments. Having said that, there is still an individual variation between bamboo Xaphoons, given the nature of bamboo. But it still remains impossible to listen to a recording and be able to tell whether a bamboo or plastic instrument was used in its making."

These have the advantage of being nearly indestructible and impervious to weather conditions. They are also extremely consistent in sound from one to the next. Available in the key of C, 2 1/2 tenor sax reed included. Available in opaque black or semi-transparent colors which look dark initially, but when held up to the light show their true color. Note: not all colors may be in stock; please contact us for availability if you prefer a particular color.