McKenna
Founded in 1994, McKenna Flutes, Inc. considers every instrument created to be a work of art. Mr. McKenna puts something of himself into each instrument, while keeping in mind that the instrument is for the player. Chris McKenna, president, is a flutemaker, inventor, composer and musician. He has designed and manufactured professional flutes for more than 20 years and continues to explore, research and develop new ways of working with sound to create non-ordinary states and reveal mind-body relationships, as well as researching applied physics and acoustics. Chris has studied with John Moses, Jimmy Meyer, Andre Lizotte, members of St. Louis and Boston Symphonies and attended Berklee College of Music.
Research in materials has always been an important part of McKenna Flutes’ journey. The dynamic flexibility between density and other variables has always been a pursuit as evidenced by Chris’ research into mouthpieces made from a wide variety of materials including nickel, brass, titanium, lead, wood, phenolic, paper, paper mache, bamboo, rhubarb, PVC, ABS, graphite, acrylic, terra cotta, porcelain, lead crystal, quartz and others. McKenna flutes has been on the forefront of proving that the combination of flute headjoint and body, as purchased from one of the major companies, can be improved upon by finding the perfect balance between the individual's technique, headjoints from other manufacturers and the flute body. This is in contrast to assuming that the capability of the flute body is idealized when paired with the manufacturer's provided mouthpiece. Concentrating on headjoints, Mckenna Flutes has developed a range of designs and materials with the versatility to be married with all makes of flutes as well as the flexibility to accommodate both student and professional musicians.
Sort by:
Name A - Z
-
Bracelet - Flute Mechanism Charms
Bracelet - Flute Mechanism CharmsFive sterling silver mechanism components descend from a sterling silver chain, with alternating smooth and textured links. Sterling silver mechanism components: mechanism lever, rib, trill key, B foot lever, and key rest. Chain 7 1/2 inches in length.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum.
-
Earrings - Dangle Bushings
Earrings - Dangle Bushings
Sterling silver French bushings on sterling silver French loops. Bushings are mounted underneath open-hole keys to hold pads. Bushings 7/16 inches in diameter.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum.
-
Earrings - Helix
Earrings - HelixPalladium spring wire twisted into a helix, descending from sterling silver French loops. 2 1/8 inches in length. Incredible elegance.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum.
-
Earrings - Hitching Posts
Earrings - Hitching Posts
Sterling silver flute hitching posts and palladium spring wires. The charm on the end of these lovely earrings are the posts on a flute that hold the keys onto the body at each end of the rod. Sterling silver chains that are light weight and slide easily into any pierced ear. A lovely way to wear your instrument without being so obvious while enjoying the knowledge that you are a true flutist.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company.
Front chain and post 2.5 inches in length; back chain 1.65 inches in length.
-
Earrings - Miniature Trill Cup
Earrings - Miniature Trill Cup
Sterling silver trill keys descending from sterling silver French loops. A lovely set of earrings for anyone while a flutist will know they are a lovely part of the flute to others they are a simple stunning piece.
Trill keys are 1/2 inch in diameter. A subtle musical accent.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company.
-
Earrings - Piccolo Buttons
Earrings - Piccolo ButtonsSterling silver finger buttons mounted on sterling silver posts. Charming and softly elegant.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum.
-
Earrings - Piccolo Ribs
Sterling silver piccolo rib on sterling silver French loops. Flute rib is 1/2 inch in diameter.
Great for any piccolo player to "wear" their instrument in a fashionable way.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company.
-
Earrings - Posts
Sterling silver flute hitching posts and palladium spring wires. The charm on the end of these lovely earrings are the posts on a flute that hold the keys onto the body at each end of the rod. A lovely way to wear your instrument without being so obvious while enjoying the knowledge that you are a true flutist.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company.
-
Earrings - Shooting Star
Earrings - Shooting StarSterling silver hitching posts with three embedded and curved palladium spring wires each. Sleek and fashion-forward.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum.
-
Earrings - Silver Chime
Earrings - Silver ChimeSterling silver key tubing mounted on palladium spring wire and sterling silver French loops. Earrings 2 11/16 inches in length. Pair with the silver chime necklace for a complete look.
Exclusively designed and handcrafted by McKenna for Carolyn Nussbaum.
-
McKenna Headjoint
General - McKenna M Series Headjoints
It used to be thought that there was a magical combination between the headjoint and the body of a flute as purchased from one of the major companies. Despite the shortcomings of the particular combination that one received, people learned to play their instrument as is. Most players now realize that the synergy between the flute body, the headjoint and the individual is something to be arrived at with the same attention that ones gives to tone and technique.
Chris McKenna is considered by many to be one of the finest headjoint makers in the world. It takes tremendous skill to make a quality headjoint, and Chris McKenna has dedicated his life to his unique skill.
Chris has introduced the M Series line of flute headjoints. The M Series is inspired by the most popular and innovative designs in high end flutemaking. The M Series is available in a variety of metal combinations to meet your specific needs. All M Series headjoints feature a gold riser to add color and nuance to the sound and custom Adler Wings to provide focus, clarity, and greater control of dynamics.
All M Series headjoint models are available in two different styles of headjoint cut, the McKenna Classic cut and the McKenna Vortex cut. The McKenna Classic cut features warmth, richness, and a traditional balance of orchestral colors. The McKenna Vortex cut provides immediate power and response, very resonant with a strong, stable core.
M925 Series features a silver tube and 14k gold riser (18k gold riser option available) with options for either wood, silver, or 14k gold lip plates.
M95/5 Series features a 95% silver and 5% platinum tube paired with a 14k gold riser. Lip plates are available in either silver or 14k gold. The M95/5 Series brings out a rich, mellow color with good projection, is responsive and lively with a bit more spin and brilliance. The tone is richer in the upper partials.
M85/15 Series features an 85% silver and 15% gold tube paired with a 14k gold riser. Lip plates are available in either silver or 14k gold. The M85/15 Series introduces more color and silkiness, blending the warmth of gold with the textures of silver.
M Series Premier in Rose Gold is crafted entirely of 14k rose gold, with more depth, resistance, core, and density.
High Karat Gold creates the greatest impact and depth in this range of gold tiimbres.
