How To

How to Make a Didgeridoo

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(43 Ratings)

Have you ever thought about making your own didgeridoo? Didgeridoos are traditional Australian musical instruments that have a very unique sound akin to a low humming or buzzing sound. However, authentic didgeridoos are hard to come by, and are also quite expensive. Learn how to make your very own didgeridoo, and save yourself a lot of money.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Two-and-a-half-inch PVC pipe
  • Acrylic paint
  • Spray can of primer paint
  • Medium-grade and fine-grade sandpaper
  • Paint brushes
  • Beeswax

    Buy Craft Supplies

  1. Step 1

    Go to a hardware-type store and buy a 2 1/2-inch thick PVC pipe cut to at least 3 feet, or longer if you’d like. Pick up some sandpaper — medium-grade and fine-grade — as well as a can of spray primer paint.

  2. Step 2

    Go to an arts and crafts store and buy some colorful acrylic paint, and some medium-sized and small paint brushes.

  3. Step 3

    Go to a natural foods store and buy some beeswax.

  4. Get the Pipe Ready

  5. Step 1

    Sand the PVC pipe’s body lightly with medium-grade sandpaper. Sand and round the pipe’s ends first with the medium-grade sandpaper and then with the fine-grade sandpaper.

  6. Step 2

    Wipe the dust off the pipe with a slightly damp cloth before you paint it.

  7. Step 3

    Read the instructions on the spray can of primer paint. Follow the instructions carefully.

  8. Step 4

    Prime the entire pipe with the spray can of primer paint. Let dry.

  9. Decorate the Didgeridoo

  10. Step 1

    Paint the pipe to decorate it using any colors, styles, and designs you choose. Choose a pattern or design and paint carefully and precisely. Let dry.

  11. Step 2

    Spray a couple coats of clear acrylic over the body of the pipe to prevent the paint from peeling. Let dry.

  12. Create the Mouthpiece

  13. Step 1

    Melt the beeswax using a double boiler or something similar.

  14. Step 2

    Take a small object like a butter knife to dip into the wax. Build up a waxed surface around the edges of the end of the pipe you have chosen as the mouthpiece. Use your fingers to shape it and round it.

  15. Step 3

    Allow the wax to cool and harden after you are satisfied with the shape.

Tips & Warnings
  • When melting the beeswax, it’s best if you don’t heat it directly — it will melt much more nicely that way.

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