Here's a new addition to my new F.A.Q. section, it is actually a copy of an email conversation that I had the other night. I wanted to post it because it explains alot if you are a beginner didge player, and even if you're not. So check it out:
----- Original Message -----
From: Kaye
To: anime007@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 9:40 PM
Subject: dideridoo questions
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am fully unexperienced in didgeridoos and I had a few questions to ask you before I bid on one of your didgeridoos.
One of the first questions I had is I was wondering if it made a difference if the didgeridoo is curved or straight, also if there is a huge difference if its make from wood or PVC? Another question I had is what would be the difference from a didgeridoo with a pitch B and a pitch D?, how hard would it be or how long would it take me to master the circuilar breathing?, and finally does length play a big part in the sound?
Sincerely,
Chris Lippman
Response:
I have found that it does not make a very large amount of difference whether the didge is curved or straight, but that is, however a broad statement. I can go much into depth with this subject since it is to my belief that the concept of playing the didgeridoo is not one of technicality or absolute perfection, it more or less combines one's desire to become relaxed and at peace with their surrounding environment. Playing the didgeridoo is like reaching deep within your own soul and finding something that you may not have known was there. It is a very enchanting and fulfilling experience. I would reccomend this opprotunity to anyone and everyone who is truly searching for a deeper meaning to their own life. Playing helps you to realize the power and effectiveness of pure simplicity. To better answer your question about whether or not the shape directly effects your play, I can say whether or not the didge is straight is purely an opinion of aesthetics (don't get me wrong, some people may have different technical arguements such that curvedness directly affects the amount and quality of sound resonance) and I have never had a problem with playing either one. Although the curved didge may seem more "natural" looking (designed to replicate the wooden eucalyptus didgeridoos) and help the player to gain that harmony with their environment, I think it all depends on your own personal state of mind.
The material of the didge is another subject and may increase or decrease overall quality of play due to the material's density and other technicalities. I have played both materials and can say these things to compare my experieices. Since I initially learned to play a didgeridoo on a pvc didge that I personaly made, I was accustomed to the extreme ease of play and found it initially difficult to play a eucalyptus didge. Reason being that the eucalyptus is substancially heavier, denser and gives a very different variation of pitch. To explain the variation in pitch you must first examine the initial process of creation. While the eucalyptus tree is still in the ground, the center (or "heart") of the wood becomes infested at some point with white-ants (or "termites" (which they are often referred to but are actually not)) and the center of the didge becomes hollow. Upon the conclusion of the hollowing process, the inner wall of the didge is left to be nothing but a varying texture which directly effects the highs and lows of the pitch and how the sound resonates throughout. (You may be asking yourself, "but he said earlier that the curve does not effect resonation" the reason for that exclamation is simply that whether or not the pvc didge is curved or straight, the inner wall remains completely smooth.) To explain also (and get back to my main point) the effect of material density, I should call this example to easily display my idea: A eucalyptus didge with the same length and shape of a pvc didge will have a higher pitch than the pvc didge. Honestly I could not say that this is a direct result of anything other that material density.
Summary: There is a difference in quality of play with different materials. However there is a line between cost and quality. This is mainly because authentically hollowed eucalyptus wood is very expensive to import directly from Australia (which is what I do), and is much more of a delicate material. Hence the high price and maintenence. Pvc however is a material that is fairly cheap and abundant in the USA and will forever outlast the durability of wood. So if you have money and want an immaculate sounding didge, I would suggest putting money into a wooden one. Many places sell them for lots of money (I have seen one didge priced at over $1,500.00 USD !!!) but I sell them fully painted for $140.00 USD. On the other hand, if you want to try your hand at playing, and don't want to invest alot of money into something you are unsure of, you are definately looking for a pvc didge. The thing to remember also is that I design all my pvc didges to look authentic so unless you are an experienced player you may never know the difference. :) (Also for beginners, pvc didges are easier to play.)
To request a certain pitch would only be beneficial to a person who required an absolute sound (such as in a band), and not just a didgeridoo to play or learn to play on. I sell didges primarily at 60" which is good for those who are learning, and good for those who already know how to play. I play a wide variety of lengths primarily because I have many didges to play at any one time, and I play the didges to test that they sound alright. This is an area where length directly comes into play. If you have a shorter didge, the pitch increases and ultimately becomes harder to play (in my opinion) since to produce a sound, shorter legth didges require more back pressure, or the speed at which the air passes through your lips and through the didge. I have found that anywhere from 60 - 65" is the easiest to play and is the most relaxing. (you may find different sources on the internet that will explain the effects of playing a didge at different lengths. Some say that a higher pitch, will effect different parts of the body and mind, than the longer didge which is a very interesting connection I think.) You will have to make the decision of which length is ultimately best for you.
Circular breathing is another very large subject. This is a process which involves extensive training of the lungs and respiratory ststem to "work backwards". Essentially, you will have to train yourself to exhale while inhaling. Personally I think it is very difficult, and I have only been able to accomplish this feat a couple of times for bery short lengths of time. I think that the process requires much concentration, a clear mind and definately a clear nose. I do have an explanation of the process on my site in the "playing" section, which is helpful to learn how to circle breath, but they say that some people can pick it up easily and some people will never learn. Some people learn gradually, and then some people learn it (either after a short or long while) instantly and out of nowhere. You will only have to see for yourself how easy it will be.
Summary: You will learn to circle breathe with practice.
