Didgeridoo: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying a didgeridoo involves more than picking a shape and colour. The material, the key and the bore profile all affect how the instrument plays, and what works for a beginner is different from what suits a developing or experienced player. This guide covers what to look for at each stage.

Material

Wood produces the warmest, most complex tone. Traditional eucalyptus didgeridoos made by Aboriginal craftspeople are the benchmark for sound quality and are appropriate for players who want an authentic instrument. They vary significantly — each is unique — and good examples can be found online from reputable Australian suppliers. Prices start at around £80–£150 for a student-grade wooden instrument and rise steeply for quality hand-crafted pieces.

PVC is the most practical beginner material. A PVC didgeridoo is inexpensive (£15–£40), consistent in quality, light, easy to transport and robust enough to throw in a bag. The tone is brighter and less complex than wood, but for learning circular breathing and basic technique, the difference is irrelevant. Most teachers recommend starting on PVC and upgrading when technique is established.

Fibreglass and acrylic instruments sit between PVC and wood in cost and tone quality. They are more durable than wooden instruments in humid or variable climates, produce a fuller sound than PVC and are available in a wider range of keys and bore profiles. A good fibreglass didgeridoo in the £80–£180 range is a solid intermediate choice.

Key and Length

A didgeridoo's fundamental pitch (its key) is determined by its length and bore. Longer instruments produce lower, deeper tones; shorter ones produce higher pitches. For learning circular breathing, a key of D or E is most commonly recommended — these lengths generate enough back pressure to make the technique easier to develop without requiring excessive breath support.

Keys of C and B produce a deeper, more impressive drone but are harder to learn on. Once technique is established, many players own several didgeridoos in different keys for different musical contexts.

Bore Profile

The bore profile — whether the tube tapers, flares or is cylindrical — affects back pressure and tone. A slight taper (wider at the bell end) is the most common format and generally the most playable for beginners. Cylindrical bores produce a brighter, slightly more nasal tone. Wide-flared bell ends add volume and resonance but reduce back pressure, making circular breathing harder to maintain.

What to Avoid

Decorated souvenir instruments sold in tourist shops are typically painted hardwood, not eucalyptus, and produce a thin, unsatisfying sound. At the budget end, look for didgeridoos designed specifically for playing rather than display. Check that the mouthpiece opening is the correct size (around 3–4 cm inner diameter for most adults) and that the bore is consistently clear of obstructions.

For an overview of types and playing background, the didgeridoo guide covers the instrument in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions