PRESENTATION
From my first meeting with the didgeridoo in 1997, I was fascinated by his incomparable sound universe. Since then, I explore the different facets of this instrument: transmission, musical writing, instrument making, music … In 2005, after a training in the art of woodturning, I started instrumental making, with the creation of the company KAN AR C’HOAD, the song of wood. From my past as an engineer in research and development, I kept the taste of innovation and I dedicate my skills to evolve the acoustics, form and chromaticism of the didgeridoo. I also share my passion through shows, as a member of different music groups and by giving workshop in associations and music schools.
RESEARCHS
To facilitate the transmission and memorization of rhythms, I created a musical writing system dedicated to didgeridoo with a phonetic alphabet and conventional rhythmic musical writing.
I also working on the harmonic spectrum of didgeridoo and developed an acoustic modeling software for didgeridoo.
With this tool, I tune precisely the different modes of vibration and I define the quality of the tone of my instruments: crystalline, earthy, soft, harmonic, tonic, rough, round …
I also experiment with original bore with integration of balls of resonance.
From my scenic experiences, I wanted to change the shape of the didgeridoo, make it more movable, while allowing to hear play : Kromm Boud was born!
The didgeridoo is integrated in different musical styles, however its monotonic character is a constraint for the composition, and involves having several instruments on stage. In search of a solution combining acoustic quality and flexibility of change of note, the Korn Bass was born after 3 years of work and thanks to the collaboration of ID-Composite and the financial assistance of the Brittany Region.
CONCEPTION
My primary aim when crafting a didgeridoo is to give you as much scope as possible to express yourself.
I focus on the quality of the tone, the fluidity of play, ease of articulation and the precision of the sounds.
WOOD WORKING
I use European wood species (ash, service tree, serviceberry, pear, maple, etc.) in the form of branches or slabs.
The wood is worked on a wood lathe for straight sections and on a milling machine for curved sections, which allows for very precise drilling and a high-quality finish.
The pieces are worked in stages to allow the wood to stabilise.
The straight sections are made from a single piece, without any longitudinal gluing, or from two half-shells joined by gluing a tongue-and-groove joint. The sections are joined using a tenon-and-mortise joint. The curved sections are made from two pieces joined using a tongue-and-groove joint. These joining techniques ensure excellent watertightness and strength.
The final sanding is carried out by hand.
My didgeridoos are oiled, which preserves the wood’s natural softness and texture, as well as its breathability, whilst protecting it from moisture.
Each didgeridoo is a unique piece, signed and numbered.
I work to order, so please let me know your whishes.