DIY: How to make a Traditional Aussie Didgeridoo

The secrets to making one of the world's oldest instruments have been revealed in this short 4min vid. What are you doing this weekend? Grab the kids and head outback to your local hardware today!

Drop me an email if you want to know more about making one of your own or if you would like to purchase one.

I hand made, painted, filmed and editing over a weekend while touring Edmonton, Canada. A little homesick, needed something to bring me back to my reality.

This is for DIY and entertainment purposes only. Acknowledgements and respect to the traditional creators of this amazing instrument.

[RussellONeill]

I think this one was about 125cm length and definitely 1 1/4in diameter. The thicker walls the better, but you'll get a decent sound out of anything. You won't need a special mouth piece to play. However, if you plan on playing it regularly, you can use traditional 'bees wax' (buy on eBay) or put a few layers of sticky tape (cello tape) around the mouth piece. I highly recommend you also use some fine sand paper and smooth out the edges on the mouth piece opening... Good luck!!!

[RussellONeill]

Basically, all you need is a tube that is about 1 1/4 diameter and at least 1m long. 130cm is a good size and I don't recommend going beyond 150cm with PVC. The very basic sound (drone) comes from vibrating your lips and pressing the didge up to your mouth. Experiment with tightening and loosening your lips until you get a 'clean' sound. With LOTS of practice, you will naturally develop a steady tone. The other sounds come from making noises with your throat and humming at different pitches.

[RussellONeill]

@axslevidman I failed 2 mention that u must use coarse sandpaper first to scuff it up, then use a primer before you paint. Then the paint will never come off! Use a light coloured primer too, preferably white. For added affects, whisp various shades of black and brown all over before u start ur design for a real wood look. No mouthpiece. Check ur hardware in the electrical section for some pipes. 1 1/2 inch electrical tubing. Slightly smaller and thicker PVC than water PVC piping - works great!

[RussellONeill]

@axslevidman sorry - I think the Electrical PVC piping is 1 1/4 inches - whatever it is, it's slightly smaller and thicker than the plumbing pipe sizes on offer.

[isaackyle]

Too funny. And great job it sounds amazing

[RussellONeill]

Yes indeed! But when you're 1000kms away from the right materials - a quick trip to your local hardware will do the job just fine... plus you can easily tune them to a particular 'key' too!

[EvilEngine]

It's called Schedule 40, used mostly underground water line . Hope this helps.

[RussellONeill]

It's crazy how simple they are to make too! Although nothing can replace the authentic sound, yet PVC makes for great practice material. Cheers for your comments

[ZahnGhor]

Using a heatgun to heat and twist it, works wonders on the tone

[MistahJsArcade]

Thank you for a great laugh, I hope you continue to make content of this quality

[shirleydebruyn]

Choice vid Russell, Great end product too, , , and thank you for taking the time to interact with those that comment.. . . .Blessings

[RussellONeill]

@Macy086 Cheers for the kind words! Gave it away to a Canadian family who's 8 year old learned to play it and then performed with it at a festival with it! Wonderful instrument

[dsscott]

It is surprising the good level of sound that will produce. Great Video.

[nicto]

what kind of tree is that branch from. is it some kinda crazy australian pvc tree?

[RussellONeill]

G'day mate! Thanks for you interest. Traditionally, you would have 2 use a large fallen branch from eucalyptus tree or any hardwood, preferably located near some termites. Place the branch next the termite mound & they will 'hollow' it out (takes a few weeks). You then just tidy it up & cut it to size; buy some beez wax & add for mouth piece. You can also use softwood such as bamboo, but they dont sound nearly as good. Not sure how to make 'non-traditional' methods, but Im sure u can look it up.

[TheMasterOfOmni]

i couldnt get rid of the termites and my house got infested, thatnks a million bro

[resignify]

thats amazing. I used to think you needed to find an naturally hollowed piece of wood for a didgeridoo to make one, or pay $200 for one, great video mate

[TovarischZasada]

Good... A very good job!! I made bamboo didgeridoo and I never used the pvc because I always thought the plastic was not suitable for a good sound... But with this video you made me change my mind, and then it's even easier to do in pvc, it will build with pvc and bamboo now... Good vibe from Italy!!

[Ozcomz]

Dude, thanks so much for sharing. at first, you pissed me off when u "found" the pvc and called it bark, but then u painted it, and played it, and it sounds and looks awesome. I want to get into didgeridoo and its awesome knowing I dont have to shell out 40 bucks on one. thanks again!

[icicicles]

LMAS, the pole, the ants and your sisters makeup brush. Great video.
How do you work the tong and lips to make the sound. Also are you just exhaling through the pipe?
Thanks and great work!