How to Make Didgeridoos
The didgeridoo, a traditional instrument in Australia, produces a surprising range of sounds, from a low rumble to yelps that sound much like a human voice. While you'd be hard-pressed to create a true, traditional didgeridoo without the guidance of an expert indigenous craftsman, with just a few common items you can create a good replica that plays well.
Things You'll Need
- Schedule 40 PVC tubing, 1.25- or 1.5-inch diameter, 45 to 62 inches long
- Hacksaw
- File
- Two pots or sauce pans
- Beeswax
- Empty tuna can
Instructions
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1
File both ends of the PVC tube smooth.
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2
Fill an old sauce pan with hot water and place a bar of beeswax in it. The water shouldn't be so hot that you can't put your hand in it --- that would melt the beeswax --- but it must be warmer than body temperature to soften the beeswax.
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3
Let the beeswax soak for 10 to 20 minutes, testing periodically, until it's soft enough to mold with your fingers.
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4
Roll the softened beeswax between your hands into a long cylinder. As soon as the cylinder is long enough to go all the way around the mouth end of your didgeridoo-to-be, form it into a circle and press the ends together. Return the beeswax to the hot water as necessary to keep it soft during the shaping process.
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5
Heat a second pot of water to simmering. Place some beeswax in a small empty metal can --- an old cat food or tuna fish can works well --- and float it in this water. Watch it carefully until the beeswax melts completely into liquid. This should take between 10 and 20 minutes.
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6
Dip the mouth end of the didgeridoo into the melted beeswax, then pull it out immediately. Press the softened mouthpiece ring you made onto the end of the didgeridoo as soon as it has stopped dripping. Finally, dip the entire mouth end of the didgeridoo, mouthpiece and all, quickly into the melted beeswax and then out again.
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7
Shape the mouthpiece with your fingers to make it as smooth and even as possible, then let it cool for at least 20 minutes before playing your didgeridoo.
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