The first of two didgeridoos arrived on Friday. Both from LA Outback.
The first one is made from Yucca and is low Bb. That’s it on the left.
- Yes, Barry told me that a didge this low would be less than ideal as a beginning (i.e. learning) didgerdoo.
- No, I did not listen.
- Yes, Barry was right.
- No, I’m not sorry I got it.
Getting my drone on is tough with this guy. Since, I haven’t played any other didgeridoos I will take Barry’s word that it is hard than some. All I know is that this one is definitely non-trivial to get a drone out of. But, when it happens, the work is worth it. A low sweet resonant tone.
So Day 1 was spent taking the didge out of the box (well wrapped I might say), cleaning the didge up a little, and then seeing what I could do about making a sound.
The making a sound part was met with a variety of different and totally distinct failures. Turns out there are many different ways to not get a drone out of these. Maybe a few different ways to get a drone (can’t vouch for that yet). But, I can testify to many different ways to not get the drone. I did after a few minutes succeed.
My first impression when it worked was: the difference between getting a drone and not getting a drone is a quantum difference.
When the drone is working, it requires almost no air — otherwise I run out of air in a few seconds.
When the drone is working, the whole instrument vibrates — the instrument is sort of like a plastic megaphone — nothing special going on.
When the drone is working, there is a back pressure — otherwise none.
When the drone is working, the sound is deep, rich, and resonant — otherwise hollow and thin.
The back pressure and change in the amount of air required to hold the note is dramatic. It is not a little, then little more, then a little bit more, then there you have it. It is no, no, no, no, yes — quantum shift.
Got the drone working, lost it, got it back, lost it again, lost it even more, lost it totally, got it back, noticed that I was totally hyperventilating and figured that was good for Day 1.