The didgeridoo - songs, clips, advice, experiences - let's blow baby!

Hi everybody:
I'd like to dedicate this thread to the didgeridoo - an Australian wind-instrument.
Anything from good tracks, to clips, to lessons, tips, history, trance and manufacturing advice is welcome.

I first heard live didgeridoo playing over 15 years ago. It touched something deep within me. Since then I've collected three instruments, which I don't play every day, but still frequently. They are not the real instruments from northern Australia (a termite eaten stem or tree-branch), but hollow bamboo, but they nevertheless all give a good sound.

The simplest way of making a didge is to take a black plumbing pipe from a hardware store (about as long as your leg), and to to add a wax mouth-piece.

The sound is made by the vibration of your lips, and it's not easy at first.
Then comes the art of keeping it going, or "circular breathing", and even a short period of playing can lead to a happy "high" due to altered breathing.
And I mean it really works - totally naturally!

Anyway, I've been getting a bit stuck on my rythmns and noises, although I can finally do the circular breathing. Any tips?

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[edit on 3-6-2010 by halfoldman]

reply to post by halfoldman

Lets get hectic - serious didge players and techniques.
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Girl Power!
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[edit on 3-6-2010 by halfoldman]

[edit on 3-6-2010 by halfoldman]

Hi there OP,

I used to own a didge a few years back and i wish I hadn't sold it!! I got it cheap off E-Bay. It was a Yellow Boxwood Didge, completely immaculate with a great sound.

My advice would be to get a natural one that's been eaten out by termites, not a man made one.

It's so meditational playing one!!

I like listening to Xavier Rudd. The guy is a legend!!

reply to post by grantbeed

Sounds like a wonderful instrument you sold.
Well, one can never get the sound these street musos are getting with a bamboo didge, but still it's not too bad.

reply to post by grantbeed

Wow, Xavier Rudd rocks!
Amazing!!!
www.youtube.com...

reply to post by halfoldman


He sure does. I'd love the chance to see him live some day. He has more talent in his little finger than most people do in their whole bodies!!!

Rock on Xavier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Xavier Rudd sure is a magnificent talent - and I wouldn't complain if he hit on me either (dream on Halfoldman).
From that first multi-talented video I just wonder why he is so unknown?

It is an interesting instrument and has a nice sound. My brother has one.

Just looking at some web debates, and I'm reminded of an old gender issue with didgeridoo playing.

I recall that Madonna caused a minor scandal when she played one a while back, and elders warned that it would compromise a woman's fertility.

However now it seems that only tribal women are subject to such beliefs, and it is OK for other women to play?

It's a bit confusing, but what exactly is the issue?

Yotho Yindi: 'Treaty":

Yotho Yindi - Djapana.

Playing to pop music with a didge like that is really hard, because it must jump from soft to loud.

(PS. It's really worth letting the video run through first, and then turning up the song).

WOW!
The Chad Butler didgeridoo.

Some like it thick, but some like it thicker!

Didgeridoo musicians.

Australia's Got Talent 2010 - didgeridoo "beat boxing"?

Does anybody still need a real instrument?

Nah, of course we do ... that was just a bit of fun and games with a microphone for a short while.



Real didge:


From "Earth Rhythms", didge to global percussion:

reply to post by halfoldman


The Levellers are one of my favourite bands and are fantastic live.
Whilst not being a member of the band itself Stephen Boakes is an integral part of their organisation, however, his appearances at live gigs are a highlight of what are a remarkable experience.



I don't think Stephen would ever profess to being 'an expert' on the instrument but he is fantastic entertainment, a great part of 'The Levellers experience' and I know he has inspired many to try the instrument.
He doesn't actually do much playing on this song.....but any excuse to post it.

Very original street-style didgeridoo.
"Tripledidge Claude" with his 3-piped instrument made from commercial piping.
Quite an amazing sound.