Thursday, September 8, 2016

Some Interesting Facts About The Didgeridoo

leading online resource for learning to play the didgeridoo
The didgeridoo is one of the most ancient types of wind instruments still used today. This instrument was first developed by the Aboriginal peoples of northern Australia.

Didgeridoos are long cylinders, at least 3 to feet long, made out of branches that have been naturally hollowed out by termites. To play this instrument, you need to vibrate or flap your lips continuously while blowing into the didgeridoo using circular breathing techniques to keep air flow constantly moving.

Below are some other interesting facts worth knowing about the didgeridoo:

• Although some local lore places the instrument at up to 40,000 years old, archaeological evidence shows that the didgeridoo has been used for about 2,000 years. The first written account of the didgeridoo appears in 1835 – nearly 60 years after Australia was colonized by Europe.

• A didgeridoo is traditionally made from the trunk of a still living tree, usually a eucalyptus, which has been partially eaten by termites. Aboriginal craftsmen make the instruments from the trunk of the tree. The log is stripped of its bark, dried, and shaped to the ideal thickness and finish. Beeswax is then added to the mouthpiece.

• Aboriginal craftsmen used to coat their didgeridoos with plant resins to protect the outside surface. They will also plug holes using beeswax or plant resin. Nowadays, PVC glue is more commonly used to coat the surface and plug holes. Some also use electrical tape to cover larger cracks.

Info source: www.didgeridoodojo.com

No comments:

Post a Comment