{"product_id":"ellis-travel-xiao-flute","title":"Ellis Eucalyptus Wood Compact Xiao, D","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe xiao (pronounced \"show\" as in \"shower\") is an ancient Chinese vertical end-blown flute, traditionally made from bamboo, and one of the most versatile open-hole flutes in existence. It allows for a wide variety of different scales and modes, making it a strong candidate for the \"desert island flute\" among world flute players. It is considered the ancestor of the shakuhachi, which migrated to Japan in the 14th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a Compact Xiao, which eliminates the tuning hole matrix and shortens the body of a traditional xiao, resulting in an instrument about 8 inches shorter on average, easier to pack and travel with, and less costly to produce. The body is turned from curly eucalyptus, a wood Ellis uses among a wide variety of figured and exotic timbers. Ellis's xiao features a capped mouthpiece of the bei xiao style: the mouthpiece end is sealed, with a small aperture cut into it through which the player blows. The cap is made from ebonite, natural hard rubber, which machines well and makes a secure mouthpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA note on the key designation: there is a difference in how the key of a xiao is described in the West versus how the Chinese indicate it. Xiao from China are marked with F or G, indicating that when all holes are closed, the lowest note is C or D, because F and G are the tonic notes of those respective keys. Ellis follows Western convention first, then gives the Chinese tonic designation in parentheses, so this flute is D\/G.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bei xiao in D has a range beginning around 28 inches in length and offers at least two full octaves. Skillfully handled, it will play up into the third octave. Most beginner and intermediate players are unlikely to notice any tonal difference between the Compact and traditional designs, as it takes well-developed technique for that distinction to become apparent. The difference is small enough that it is easily eclipsed by the convenience and affordability of the Compact Xiao, and since the distinction is one of tone color and feel, whether it is a plus or minus is a matter of personal preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe xiao is an end-blown embouchure flute. Players with experience on shakuhachi, quena, kaval, or other rim-blown flutes will find it accessible. Adjustments will need to be made, as with any two embouchure flutes of different design, but skills from one transfer to the other given some patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition is excellent. A fleece bag is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbout the Maker\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGeoffrey Ellis has been a full-time professional woodwinds maker since 1997, producing a wide variety of folk flutes from many cultures, including Irish flutes, Chinese xiao, Indian bansuri, Japanese shakuhachi, and rim-blown flutes inspired by the Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest. He is based in the redwood forest of Northern California, where the quiet and solitude allow him to give his full attention to his craft. Ellis is self-taught and has benefited greatly from working closely with a number of collaborators, including professional musicians and other makers, with collaborative relationships that have expanded his knowledge and allowed him to develop new skills in concentrated periods of time. He began making xiao in 2008, modeling his first attempts on a Chinese-made bamboo xiao from a well-regarded craftsman. His xiao line has been substantially redesigned and refined since then, with significant input from xiao specialist Connor Keene.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Irish Flute Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47640381063394,"sku":"oswN2-wila30","price":329.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/2331\/files\/1Q7A7986.jpg?v=1776719247","url":"https:\/\/www.irishflutestore.com\/products\/ellis-travel-xiao-flute","provider":"Irish Flute Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}