McKenna Flutes

Founded in 1994, McKenna Flutes Inc. designs and produces handmade headjoints and professional flutes in the United States. Its founder, Chris McKenna, is a flutemaker, inventor, and musician with a background in applied acoustics and materials research.

McKenna’s work centers on exploring how material density and structure affect tone and response. Over the years, the workshop has experimented with diverse materials — including silver, brass, titanium, wood, phenolic resins, and even ceramic and crystal composites — to study their acoustic properties.

Focusing primarily on headjoint design, McKenna Flutes develops models intended to pair with flutes of many makes. Its handmade silver headjoints, used in collaboration with North Bridge Flutes, are known for clear projection, flexible tone, and fine response suited to both students and professionals.