[Moved from the Flute Forum. - Mod]
Does anyone play one of these?
I was wondering what the fingering system is like compared to simple system flute.
Also the size of the holes and the spacing between them. Whether they’re close together and small like a high whistle or bigger and further apart like a traditional flute.
I’ve tried these (a xaphoon), although its was a long time ago. From memory the fingerings were completely different, but came with practice. The main problem is the embouchure, which you quickly realise is as complicated as a flute embouchure, and just as hard to master. It would be a nice instrument for someone who already plays the sax. For non sax-players, you’ll need to put in a lot of work to sound good and in tune.
I’ve played around with these in the past. Even with a reasonable clarinet embouchure these are much harder to keep in tune than a sax or clarinet.
They’re interesting novelty items, and I’m sure with a lot of dedicated work they can be made to sound great, but there’s far far better ways to spend your playing time.
I have one… Listen to sfmans above!
It sounds like it takes more effort than I thought.
I’d never heard of one until I visited the four provinces music shop.
As a once-upon-a-time clarinet player, I found you need to retain a good reed embouchure. Best to practice every day. The Xaphoon (pocket saxophone) does not lend itself to casual use. Someone who is a regular doubler on flute and sax might find it a useful & fun toy in the absence of a full-size instrument. I have one to sell 
.
I second those who say the embouchure is touchy, and takes some definite practice. I find it easier to play my sax (mainly alto, some tenor).
Small, easy to carry, convenient, and cute… but hard to play, imho.