How to Make a Didgeridoo Out of PVC Pipe

The didgeridoo is a musical instrument that dates back to the early aboriginal tribes of the Australian outback. This ancient musical instrument joins the sounds of clap sticks, or dancers clapping with boomerangs, to create ritual music. Additional variations come when the player taps the side of the didgeridoo as he plays. Join in the merry music making and make your own didgeridoo out of PVC pipe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PVC pipe
• Beeswax
• Sun, microwave or oven

1. Purchase PVC pipe that is 1 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter. Either you or the hardware store shut cut the pipe to a length of 52 inches.

2. Sand down the end of the didgeridoo PVC pipe until it's smooth.

3. Soften beeswax in the sun, a low oven or in the microwave.

4. Roll the wax to form a snake about 3/8-inch thick. Form a circle the same size as the end of the PVC pipe. Put the wax circle on the end and seal it onto the inside with your fingers. Press it down to form the seal, and then seal it to the outside.

5. Work with the wax to make an opening that looks like a mouthpiece for a tuba. The outer circle is wider and the center has a narrower opening. Make sure the mouthpiece on your PVC pipe didgeridoo is smooth and has no bumps.

6. Put your lips on the mouthpiece slightly closed and blow. The sound is one of many made on the didgeridoo. To hear other sounds you can make, visit the Didgeridoo Store online (see Resources below).

Resources

• The Didgeridoo Store has sounds the didgeridoo makes.