"Yirrkala Thunder "
Vintage, Concert Quality Yidaki Crafted by Djalu Gurruwiwi Watch a VIDEO demo of this didgeridoo below! Here's one of the earliest, biggest and best "thunder sticks" by Djalu that we've had in quite some time, and it features a HUGE 6.5" bell at the bottom end. This one is extremely rare, circa 1997, recently acquired from the David Betz collection. David ran the Songlines aboriginal fine a rt art gallery in San Francisco for many years. This instrument was
in his private collection and has not been available for sale... until now. This is an exquisite example of the instruments being produced by Djalu with David Howell in the late 90s. And as many of you know, these yidaki are rarely found on offer. The painting on this one features an olive python and spinifex grass motif painted by Djardi Ashley (deceased). From the mid to late 90s Djardi (pictured at right) painted many didgeridoos for us. Later on he became a highly regarded artist. Just Google his name to find his bio, exhibitions and awards. And click on this link to see the same painting Djardi did on this yidaki, but painted on paper with natural ochres: Djardi Ashley painting . This yidaki is in very fine condition. To the worldwide community of yidaki players, collectors and enthusiasts, Djalu Gurruwiwi 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 every year since its inception. He has traveled to Germany, the USA, the Middle East and Asia to provide yidaki demonstrations and tuition. Djalu (pictured at right) 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. There is one small area on the surface where the wood grain had raised a bit which has been permanently sealed and is barley noticeable. The top is fitted with an organic beeswax mouthpiece sanitized with Didgeri-Clean Soundwise: Concert Quality This LOUD, RARE, AWESOME SOUNDING yidaki is a very large instrument with rich, warm, resonant acoustics and evocative depth. In the key of D which is so versatile and in perfect pitch as well! Well balanced compression with smooth playing pressure that is easily maintained. Plenty of volume and power with excellent clarity. Completely clear, conical bore throughout. Responds well to traditional hard tongue riddims with excellent transition between drone and horn toots, but the big cavity makes it best for contemporary riddims. The well seasoned timber and conical bore deliver a WARM and RADIANT
tone with perfectly balanced acoustics. When played contemporary style it generates brilliant vocal
clarity for awesome dingo howls, kookaburra calls, and otherworldly
echoes. Three easy to hit horn toots! It has strong-medium backpressure which is optimal for its size and pitch for easy circular breathing . This is a big, deadly instrument by Djalu and very likely to sell quickly. Please don't hesitate to contact us
if you have any questions. Watch the video below to see Nick demo this yidaki for you. We don't rehearse these videos so you get to see someone playing it for the first time, which is the closest thing to you being here to play it yourself . Read our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Includes Certificate of Authenticity, care guide and playing guide.
Watch Nick demo this didgeridoo for you and see the instrument in vivid HD detail! Just click on the video below.
VIDEO
Key: D (in perfect pitch) Overtone toots: E, D#, F#, B
Skill: Beginner to Advanced
Wood: Stringybark eucalyptus
Length: 62.5"
Top: 2.25" outer diameter
Bottom: 6.5" outer diameter Mouthpiece: Beeswax
Backpressure: Strong-Medium
Weight: 14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg
Ease of play: Very easy
Loudness: Low IIIIII II I 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!
CONCERT QUALITY Same as performance quality, but with perfectly balanced acoustics . PERFORMANCE QUALITY First rate, professional grade sound and playability.HIGH QUALITY Above average 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.
GEAR: Click photos for details
Paintings On Canvas
Thunder from Down Under 
