The Quenasazi TM  and The QuenajaveTM

World Fusion Flutes

In the Spring of 2008 when Scott August and I were developing a line of Anasazi style flutes, I created some variations on that instrument that I called the Quenasazi TM (pronounced kay-na-sah-zee). In simple terms, this was an endblown flute with the Anasazi style tuning, but featuring a mouthpiece that was more similar to the South American Quena. 

The advantages to such an instrument are many, but the most attractive feature is ease of play.  As interest in rim blown flutes is growing, many players are making their first attempts on these very challenging instruments.  For some, it is easier than for others, and for some it is nothing short of frustrating!  Some makers are answering this with fipple style flutes that are tuned to the scale that is commonly associated with the Pueblo flutes.  For many this is an attractive option, but for many others the allure of the true embouchure flute is still very strong.

The Quenasazi TM maintains all of the characteristics of the embouchure flute, and can be made in a wide variety of different tunings, including the typical Anasazi style.  The QuenajaveTM (pronounced kay-na-ha-vee) is the same as the QuenasaziTM, but with the 6 hole Mojave-style tuning. 

Because of some design modifications that go beyond those typically seen on either the Anasazi style flute or the Quena, it is much easier to find the "sweet spot" and to maintain a note without the flute "stalling" (a common occurance with endblown flutes like the the Anasazi or Shakuhachi).  The voice is full and robust without being at all harsh.  The range of this flute is equal to the Anasazi-style in all respects, and it can be played for two full octaves and reach into the third octave.

.

Simple, Redwood Quenasazi

Listen to me improvising on the new Quenasazi TM :

These flutes are available in a wide variety of woods and can be made with optional burn rings and/or leather wraps.  The base price of a plain, unadorned Quenasazi TM or Quenajave TM is $175.

How easy is the Quenasazi/Quenajave to play?  Is it as easy as a NAF?

No, the Quenasazi will not be as easy as a regular NAF (fipple flute).  Like the Anasazi flutes, these are still embouchure flutes that require the player to use their lips to direct the air stream.  If you have never played an embouchure flute of any kind, you can expect to spend some time learning this method and developing your embouchure.  If you have experience with embouchure flutes, especially the Anasazi, Shakuhachi or Quena, then you will probably find this flute very accessible.

What tunings are available for the Quenasazi?

The Quenasazi is available in the same tunings as the Anasazi.  The Quenajave is only available in the key of B and is the same scale as the Mojave 6.   To learn more about the scales of the Anasazi flute I highly recommend Scott Augusts book: Kokopellis' Flute: The Complete Guide To The Anasazi Flute.  You can buy this book HERE.

Scott's BLOG is also a good source of information. 

What is the best wood for this flute?

Any of the woods that I normally offer will make an excellent flute.  The wood has only limited effect upon the sound and performance of the flute.  My advice is to choose a wood that you like the look or feel of.  If you are an outdoors sort of person who likes to take their flutes out and about, consider a harder wood that can handle rougher treatment.  Lightweight woods are sometimes easier to hold for long periods of time.  It is up to you--there is no "best wood".

With the announcement of this new offering, I've been getting some "frequenly asked questions" that I'd like to address here:

Listen to me improvising on the new Quenajave TM :