The Xiao

The Xiao is an ancient Chinese vertical endblown flute, traditionally made from bamboo.  Many  modern versions of the Xiao feature metal joints in the body of the flute to allow for both tuning and disassembly.

The Earth Tone Flutes version of the Xiao is designed to be elegant, lightweight, and warm sounding.  Made from fine quality Alaskan Yellow Cedar that has been dyed a deep red, this one-piece Xiao features decorative burn rings and customizable Chinese characters that are burned into the flute.

This initial offering is an 8 hole flute with the lowest note being middle C.  The notes that the flute plays (open holes, no cross fingering) are: C, D, Eb,E, F, G, Ab, A, B.

With this scale you can play the diatonic Major scale based on C (do-re-me-etc.) or a harmonic minor based on C.

The flute is approximately 32" long and has a two octave range.  Skillfully handled it will play up into the third octave.

One of the weaknesses of the different Xiao that are imported is the inconsistent tuning.  I have played several Xiao, one of them from a very reputable Chinese maker, and they were all slightly out of tune.  As a result of this, I was determined to make accurate tuning a priorty.

The Xiao (like the Anasazi flute, the Shakuhachi, and the Quena) is an endblown embouchure flute.  If a player has experience on any of these flutes they will find the Xiao to be accessible.  Just like switching between any two embouchure flutes that are of a different make, adjustments will have to be made, but the skills required for any one of these flutes will translate to any of the others given some patience. 

Notice the black lacquer finish at the mouthpiece end, as well as the decorative Chinese character (this flute has the character for "Serenity").

Now accepting advance orders for the Earth Tone Flutes Xiao.  PRICE: $285

A choice of characters done in Chinese calligraphy will be made available.  Details will be made available soon.

Listen to a sample of me playing this flute!

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