Didgeridoos are as unique as the person purchasing them. Of course the general aesthetics come to mind when choosing a didgeridoo. What colors? What shape? What designs? But just as important as the instrument’s surface value is everything else that makes one didgeridoo so different from another. When selecting a didgeridoo, authenticity, sound and style should always be taken into account.
First of all, make sure the didgeridoo you are buying is authentic. Didgeridoos are formed when termites eat through, and hollow out, Eucalyptus trees. Though it is possible to find real didgeridoos produced by Aboriginal craftsmen, some companies manufacture lower quality versions as well.
The best way to ensure your didgeridoo is authentic is by looking through the bottom. Termites do not make clean, neat boroughs through the wood. They will start in one direction, then turn around and start a new path. This results in multiple pits and imperfections in the didgeridoo’s windpipe. If the didgeridoo has a clean, straight path from top to bottom, it’s machine-generated.
This process of shaping the inside of the didgeridoo also produces each instrument’s singular sound. To play a didgeridoo, generally takes a little practice. But don’t be afraid to try as many didgeridoos as it takes until you find the right sound.
The Didgeridoo Hut and Art Gallery is an Aboriginally owned business. They are a great place to find authentic Aboriginal crafts in the Northern Territory. They also offer international shipping for customer convenience. Visit them at didgeridoohut.com.au.
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