Kevin Pratt, LUNAR # 900

By now everyone’s heard about the next “Survivor” series in the Australian Outback and the Sydney Olympics. Here’s a little something for those of you with some spare rocket bodies around to get into the spirit.

Considered the most ancient musical instrument by most archaeologists, some consider the Didgeridoo (Pronounced Did-jer-Y-DOO, sometimes spelled Didjeridu), well, the weirdest thing they’ve ever heard. The low alternating drone is a truly unique sound few forget, and creates this spiritual bond with nature, as is the intent of the instrument.

The aborigines, who are credited with the invention of the didgeridoo, give the instrument a way to link the player with Nature and the Dreamtime (The world of dreams, as real as this world).

Now you’re saying, "enough Mumbo-Jumbo, get to the good stuff!”

Well, you asked for it.

The parts are more found, rather than crafted. Traditional Didgeridoos are wood branches that have been hollowed out by termites, or pieces of bamboo with the barriers knocked out with a length of rebar. For yours, try and find a nice solid length of thick body tube, about three to five feet long, although your own tastes may vary, do what you like with the length. It’ll just make your Didgeridoo unique.

It’s the thickness and diameter that really gives the Didgeridoo it’s buzzing drone. Try and find a part of Quantum or wood tube that has some good resonance and stopping power (How many whacks to take out that annoying neighbor?). You should know a good piece by the feel. Speak into it a little to find the vibration that fits. A diameter of 2 1/2 to 3 inches should be good enough. Experiment with this part all you want.

You’ll need a mouthpiece to shape the sound of your didgeridoo. Cut up an elliptical nose cone a few sizes larger than the body tube. Cut off the tip so the resulting hole is about the same diameter of your body tube. Trim the other end so there’s as close of an airtight fit to your mouth. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fit perfectly. Epoxy the cut up nose cone base to one end of the body tube, so the hole you cut is glued to the body tube. It should look something like a giant tuba mouthpiece. An airtight seal between the nose cone base and the body tube is absolutely important.

You’re almost there; you just glued on the mouthpiece to your brand new didgeridoo, now just the finishing touches. Place a rim of beeswax around the edge and the inside, to make it more comfortable on your cheeks and finish up your seal on the mouthpiece. You could go without this, but you’d have a nice irritated ring around your mouth. Not pleasant.

And last, but probably the most important part of your didgeridoo, the paint job. On this part, GO NUTS! Do whatever you’d like with it, get creative. You could be traditional and spit the paint onto the didgeridoo to make patterns (Yes, I balked, too when I heard it), or be contemporary and spray-paint it Day-glo green. It’s all up to you.

This is the hard part and the part where it takes more time. It’s also the part where I have the least experience. Feel free to look around for other playing tips, I am not the authority on playing a didgeridoo. (Special Note: There’s a great tutorial on playing a didgeridoo at http://timelessproductions.com/didjeridoo/tutorial/)

You can't just blow into a body tube and get results; there's something more here. The basic drone is created by vibrating your lips, like you're just fed up with everything. Something like a tuba technique, from what I've heard. Some of the other parts come from vocalizing into the didgeridoo. Try grunting or howling into it. One of the fun sounds is a trill, done by making a Spanish ‘R’ into the tube. Try a whole combination of these in any order, however you feel. Given enough practice, you’ll get that perfect tone and modulation. Keep in mind, these are bare-bones basic techniques for beginners. Always experiment with trying different sounds and looking around for more info.

You’ve got yourself a new Didgeridoo and some skill at playing it. Until next time, you’ve got a new toy to occupy yourself. If you do build one, show it to me. I’d love to start a gallery of these. Truly unique Didgeridoos will be greatly appreciated\applauded. Photos Wanted! ; )

E-mail at Mnstrelboy@Hotmail.com

Special Disclaimer: The author takes no responsibility for the content of this article. Please direct all complaints somewhere else.

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