Hardwood Kena

Also spelled Quena (Spanish). The Kena is an end-blown flute native to the South American Andes. Sound is produced almost identically to a side-blown flute (transverse flute or silver flute) only that the mouth is placed at the end of the tube rather than blowing from the side. Unlike a fipple flute (native American flute, recorder, penny whistle) the Kena requires what we refer to as embouchure, that is, a correct mouth and lip position that allows the air to pass over the notch at the end of the instrument. There are end-blown flutes in diverse parts of the world. One of the better known end-blown flutes is the Japanese Shakuhachi. Relatives are found in China and other parts of the world as well. Recently, the Anasazi flute has gained popularity, it too being end-blown. Essentially anywhere human beings and bamboo have co-existed, communities have taken advantage of the hollow properties of this material to make musical instruments. The Kena is a pre-colombian instrument that was utilized by a number of Andean cultures, many of them pre-dating Inca civilization by hundreds, if not thousands of years. Kenas were made from a number of materials: ceramic, bamboo, animal and even human bones. Originally the Kena was pentatonic (five note scale). Following the arrival of Europeans we had the introduction of western notation. Nowadays almost all Kenas are made in Major keys (diatonic). This allows you to interpret an assortment of melodies, from Andean music, to classical, to contemporary.

In the last 20 years or so, many flute makers in Bolivia have been introduced to high speed lathes. This has allowed artisans to make flutes out of native hardwoods with precision bores. Our flutes are lathed out of jacaranda, a Bolivian rosewood. These are gorgeous Kenas tuned to the key of G. Many people ask if there is a notable sound difference compared to the bamboo. The difference is subtle and hard to put into words. What people like about hardwood is its durability and subsequent longevity (bamboo can sometimes crack). Because wood is a denser material, it does not expand and contract with temperature changes the way bamboo can. Extreme heat and cold can make a bamboo flute seems flat or sharp relative to concert pitch. Hardwoods are more resistant to these changes. If your looking for a high quality hardwood Kena at a reasonable price, this instrument is sure to bring you years of satisfaction.

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