
The Xaphoon, which is available in the keys of C, B♭, and D (as well as any other key via special order) uses a regular tenor saxophone reed. Its body is 12.5 inches in length (for the instrument pitched in C) and has nine holes (eight holes in front and one thumb hole in back, for the left hand) that resemble those of a recorder. The Xaphoon's fingerings, however, are significantly different from those of either a saxophone or recorder. It has a range of two octaves and is fully chromatic. On the instrument's website, Wittman explains the origin of the instrument's unusual name: “A name developed from ‘bamboozaphone’ to ‘bamboozafoon’ to ‘bamboo zafoon’ to just ‘zafoon’, also spelled ‘Xaphoon’.”
In 2000, the instrument was made available also in a plastic version, which is marketed under the name Pocket Sax. Currently, its plastic (mass produced version) is only available in the key of C, with its lowest tone being middle C. Its versatility, tone, low price, and portability made it a suitable alternative to the harmonica or tin whistle for travelers who wish to bring an instrument with them in their pocket.
The first Xaphoon orchestra originated in Norway in 2006, under the name Trondheim Xaphoon og Vorspielensemble (Trondheim Xaphoon and Vorspiel Ensemble). They had their highly successful debut under the national wind band championships in Trondheim on March 31.
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