Australian Aboriginal Yidaki by Djalu Gurruwiwi

"Nuymulu"

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Price: $1,248.00

SOLD

Description

"Nuymulu"

Concert Quality Yidaki

Crafted by Djalu Gurruwiwi

Watch a VIDEO demo of this didgeridoo below!

Hand selected for us by Jeremy Cloake, this very fine CONCERT QUALITY yidaki by Djalu Gurruwiwi has just arrived from Yirrkala in Australia's N.E. Arnhem Land region. This is a WONDERFUL YIDAKI for playing traditional hard tongue riddims! Its voice is warm, gruff, and a bit

dirty. Djalu (pictured at right) made this handsome yidaki which features a natural mouthpiece and a 4.25" bell at the bottom end. It is beautifully painted by Gunariny Gurruwiwi with icons that represent serpent and garma (brackish water country). See the close-up photo at left and click on the thumbnails above for a better look.

To the worldwide community of yidaki players, collectors and enthusiasts, Djalu Gurruwiwi (pictured at right) needs no introduction. Renowned as the best craftsman, his yidaki are revered for their exceptional qualities. For years he has had many visitors coming to Arnhem Land to learn from him privately, and he has also led the yidaki Master Class at the Garma Festival each year. He has traveled to Germany, the USA, the Middle East and Asia to provide yidaki demonstrations and tuition.

Djalu is also distinguished from other yidaki makers as he is also a painter whose works on sheets of bark are held in major museums and collections in Australia and around the world. Djalu talks about his father having a yidaki with him at all times. When out turtle hunting in a dug-out canoe, Djalu recalls his father signaling the capture of a turtle by blowing horn tones on the yidaki to the rest of the family on the beach who would then prepare a big fire oven. Djalu often says how he blows his spirit into each instrument he makes, and sends it out around the world to spread the power of the yidaki.

Amongst his own people Djalu maintains his prominence as a yidaki master, talented artist, ceremonial leader and senior lawman for the Gälpu. This is an "old school" instrument, much more collectable than your average didgeridoo, and we honor that by using the proper Yolngu word for didgeridoo, "yidaki", here. A treasure for its sound, size, condition, well seasoned timber, and provenance. The interior bore is very clear and open which increases volume, harmonics, and clarity of tone. Features a natural mouthpiece sanitized with Didgeri-Clean (tea tree and lavender oil). No beeswax is needed.

Soundwise: Concert Quality

This is a LOUD and GRUFF sounding yidaki by Djalu with all of the hallmarks of his finest instruments from days gone by. Perfectly crafted for playing in the traditional hard tongue style which involves blunt diaphragmatic riddims and a soft, warm horn toot. Built for speed with a slightly compressed feel resulting in aggressive acoustics–– loud and sharp. Excellent transition between drone and horn tones. Solid horn toots with heaps of 'punch'. Optimal strong backpressure for its size and pitch make the circular breathing technique easeful.

The natural mouthpiece is hand chiseled to somewhat of an oval shape rather than perfectly round, allowing the player to easily find their embouchure (lip fit) and always know where it is. As with most traditional yidaki, the mouthpiece on this instrument is smaller in diameter than your average didgeridoo, so if you're a beginner you may struggle a bit at first to find the "sweet spot". No worries, though, if you've been playing for a while or prefer small mouthpieces. That said, there's room to open it if you desire (using a rasp, chisel, and/or sandpaper).

This is an heirloom quality artifact and a highly collectable instrument. Excellent value for its sound quality, age-seasoned timber, and provenance. Likely to sell quickly so please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Read our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Includes Certificate of Authenticity, care guide and playing guide.

Watch William demo this yidaki for you
and see the instrument in vivid HD detail!

Just click on the video below.

Specs for this yidaki:

Key: F (in perfect pitch)
Overtone toots: G#, D#, G#, C
Skill: Beginner to Advanced
Wood: Stringybark eucalyptus
Length: 54.5"
Top: 1.18" Inner diameter
Bottom: 4.25" Outer diameter
Mouthpiece: Natural wood
Backpressure: Strong
Weight: 5.6 lbs / 2.4 kg
Ease of play: Very easy
Loudness: Low IIIIIIIII High

What if you don't bond with this didgeridoo?
It can be exchanged within 30 days for any reason and there's no
restocking fee. Can't decide on one? Call 1-800-519-1140 for live help!

Our sound quality ratings:

CONCERT QUALITY First rate, professional grade sound with perfectly balanced acoustics.

HIGH QUALITY Very good sound. Better than most found at comparable prices.

GOOD QUALITY Nice introductory didgeridoo, but may lack in tonal quality and/or volume.

FAIR QUALITY Not for serious playing. Good for muking around on, or as a conversation piece.