The Bamboo Didgeridoo

For the didgeridoo to resonate properly, the inside must be smooth and clear. When making them, I take particular care to clean the inside of each bamboo tube. From your very first attempts, you will feel the whole bamboo tube vibrating beneath your hands. A full-bodied sound, rich in harmonics (the high-pitched tones), will soon resonate.

Not all didgeridoos are easy to play, especially when you’re just starting out. An easy-to-play didgeridoo allows you to enjoy yourself straight away. Once you’re enjoying yourself, learning becomes much easier. An easy-to-play didgeridoo puts less strain on your lips, tongue and breath… so you can play for longer. Learning comes through repetition.
Each of my didgeridoos is crafted to ensure the best possible playability. They are therefore perfectly suited to both intermediate players and complete beginners.

Depending on your level and playing style, your needs will vary. To help you choose the right didgeridoo, I have categorised my bamboo didgeridoos into three distinct ranges: ‘RESONANCE’ for beginners, ‘POWER’ for those looking to progress, and ‘MASSAGE’ for sound therapy.

The part where you place your lips is called the mouthpiece. This part is essential not only for your comfort but also for your playing. Each of my bamboo flutes has a carefully crafted, comfortable mouthpiece with a diameter of 30 mm. It is turned on a lathe to ensure optimal comfort. I do not make mouthpieces out of wax as they lose their shape too easily.

The part where you place your lips is called the mouthpiece. This part is essential not only for your comfort but also for your playing. Each of my bamboo flutes has a carefully crafted, comfortable mouthpiece with a diameter of 30 mm. It is turned on a lathe to ensure optimal comfort. I do not make mouthpieces out of wax as they lose their shape too easily.

It is now recognised that playing the didgeridoo has a positive effect on reducing sleep apnoea (a study carried out in Zurich in 2006). To achieve significant results, it is necessary to play for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. The first signs of improvement appear after 3 to 6 months. The commitment in terms of effort and time is similar to that required for respiratory physiotherapy exercises. If you enjoy the sound of the didgeridoo and playing it, there is a way to improve the quality of your sleep whilst enjoying a pleasant musical activity.

There are two types of sleep apnoea: central apnoea, where the neurological control of breathing malfunctions, and obstructive apnoea, where the tongue collapses into the pharynx due to a lack of muscle tone.
Other recurring symptoms are often observed in people suffering from sleep apnoea:

• breathing almost exclusively through the mouth rather than the nose.
• a receding lower jaw.
• a tendency to speak through the nose, a sign of a soft palate that lacks mobility.
• very limited use of the diaphragm and the transverse abdominis muscle for breathing.

How does playing the didgeridoo affect sleep apnoea?

Playing the didgeridoo on a daily basis over the long term :

• constantly strengthens and engages the tongue.
• strengthens and engages the soft palate.
• moves the lower jaw forwards.
• involves breathing in through the nose.
• activates the diaphragm and the transverse abdominis.

Which didgeridoo should you choose for sleep apnoea ?

A bamboo instrument from the ‘RESONANCE’ range is enough to get you started. Once you’ve reached a good level of proficiency, you can move on to an instrument from the ‘PUISSANCE’ range or a wooden instrument.
As for the note, it’s best to play an instrument that requires a little more pressure, such as an E or E flat.

To ensure your bamboo didgeridoo has a long life, here are my care tips

• Keep it away from heat sources: radiators, bay windows – and definitely not in a car in direct sunlight !
• Oil the inside and outside regularly (using linseed or rapeseed oil). How often you do this depends on how often you play.
  Once or twice a year is the minimum. The mouthpiece requires more frequent oiling. Immediately after oiling the inside, you’ll notice that the sound of your didgeridoo is significantly brighter. This can be a source of motivation to carry out maintenance on your didgeridoo.
• Use disinfectant essential oils to limit bacterial growth, especially around the mouthpiece. This is to be expected, as the heat and moisture from our breath provide a breeding ground for bacteria. By wiping the inside of your didgeridoo with a cloth and spraying it with an essential oil-based disinfectant (available from chemists), you’ll have no cause for concern in this regard.
• Store your instrument in a dry, well-ventilated place.