DIDJERIBONE DESIGN PROCESS
Charlie’s first Didjeribone made in 1981 came from his desire to expand
the potential for didj in music. In traditional Aboriginal music didjeridus
are not tuned precisely and mainly play a rhythmic drone to support a song.
With Charlie’s band GONDWANA didj became the focus so more was demanded
of it.
Different materials were tried. Metals were found to be unsuitable as
they corrode from breath moisture and sound cold. Wood pipes tended to
jam as wood absorbs moisture and the inner pipe expands more than the outer
one. Plastics had none of these problems.
In 1995 Didjeribone was registered as a Trademark and the design process
began to give the following qualities:
SMOOTH SLIDE ACTION
Custom made extrusion dies ensure a minimum clearance between the two pipes,
so the Didjeribone slides effortlessly between the ten keys, but does not
allow air to escape when fully extended.
PERMANENT & CLEAR KEY MARKS
The highest being G when closed, then there are seven keys etched into
the yellow inner pipe. Running from F# down to C and extending further
you can reach B and Bb.
RUBBER MOUTH PIECE
Makes for easy contact with the lips and as the circumference is the optimum
size it is easy to play, and does not require the wax often used to made
wood didjeridus playable.
FLARED SOUND END
Give the Didjeribone a brighter and louder sound than linear shaped didjeridus.
LIGHT WEIGHT
Weighing less than 0.5kilograms the Didjeribone uses a minimum of materials
so it can be played in a variety of positions.
COPYRIGHT PROVISIONS
The Didjeribone’s red, yellow and black earth colours are (along with white)
the earth colours of Australia and traditional Aborigine’s art. The Didjeribone
recognizes the indigenous roots of the didj. Paddy Fordam was paid for the right
to reproduce his 'mimi spirit' figure on the didjeribone and site. Many artists
who have contributed to the recordings shown on the booklet have copyright
for the songs they have co-written with Charlie.
The Didjeribone logo and text are copyright by Charlie McMahon.
When reproducing parts of the text please cite the author
and "sourced from www.didjeribone.net"
CARE
Do not expose the didjeribone to heat nor expose it to direct sunlight or water
above 38 C. A didjeribone left in a car on a hot day could be warped by the
heat. The instrument must be cared for like any other
precision instrument. Regular cleaning inside and out with water and a soft
cloth and optionally a mild detergent (e.g. dishwashing soap) is essential to keep it
clean and sliding smoothly.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Bone Weight : |
462 grams |
16 ounces |
| Carton : |
162 grams |
6 ounces |
| Total weight : |
624 grams |
22 ounces |
| Length : |
950mm |
37½ inches |
How to Play - The Drone.
How to Play - Cycle
Breath.
Didjeribone
& Music. |
