How to Choose a Didgeridoo

The didgeridoo (also known as didjeridoo or didjeridu) is a termite-hollowed, hard wood instrument developed by indigenous Australians. The low humming sounds of the didgeridoo and the near-meditative state that it puts its players in makes it a great instrument to learn and play. All you need to be able to do is choose the right didgeridoo.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose the length of the instrument you want to play based on your experience with the didgeridoo, how seriously you plan to play the instrument and what key you want it in. Instruments between about 3.5 and 6 feet (100 and 150 cm) in length are good for beginners since they offer the important keys and are the easiest to play.

2. Look at the variety of materials that make didgeridoos, and make your choice on the basis of your budget and what you expect out of the instrument. If you want a dirt cheap but still playable instrument, look for a didgeridoo crafted out of PVC piping. Fiberglass is also a good material. At the end of the day, the classic didgeridoo material, wood (and not faux-woods like bamboo), is the highest quality material for the Australian instrument.

3. Give a once over on the didgeridoo to look for flaws and imperfections such as cracks. A visible crack is a definite sign that the instrument is not worth buying since the crack will worsen. Also, if you see marks or discolorations, run your fingernail over the affected spot. If your fingernail leaves an indentation in the wood, take that didgeridoo out of the running since it's no good.

4. Consider buying a genuine, indigenous-crafted, termite-hollowed wood didgeridoo since these instruments are the most carefully crafted and checked for problems. You might end up paying more for a genuine didgeridoo but the sound quality and durability are worth it.

5. Play the didgeridoo or have someone play it for you (live, not over the phone) so you can get an idea of the sound.

Resources

• Didgeridoo Shop Online