CHOOSING A DIDGERIDOO

Seals and finishes

Finishes are useful in protecting the wood of non-traditional didgeridoos, thereby preserving its quality. Finishes can also affect sound quality. Below are some considerations to think about.

Traditional didgeridoos

Before the advent of PVA glue, traditional didgeridoos were either left unsealed, or sealed with a mix of ochre and plant resin. Nowadays, to help prevent the didgeridoos from splitting when they are sent to outside buyers, they are sealed with a thin mix of PVA wood glue and water before being painted.

The bore of the didgeridoo is left untreated to preserve the natural sound of the instrument. Good quality traditional instruments without finishes will create an excellent, authentic sound.

Because of the lack of external and internal finishes, extra care is required to keep these didgeridoos from being affected by changes in humidity, temperature and moisture. See more about this in the section on caring for your didge.

Non-traditional didgeridoos

Most non-traditional, wooden didgeridoos will be sealed or finished in some way on the outside, and usually inside. Primarily, this protects didgeridoos from moisture and temperature and humidity changes. These are detrimental to didgeridoos because they can cause the wood to move and crack. Finishes also make didgeridoos more airtight and give them a clean, shiny, ‘finished’ appearance.

A didgeridoo with a clear finish

Clear finishes have a smooth, clean and glass-like appearance that can enhance the natural characteristics of the wood.

Using a good finish on the inside and out will preserve the didgeridoo for many years of extended use. Finishes range from PVA glue, natural oils, epoxy resins, furniture varnishes and lacquers. There is much debate as to which treatment is the best for didgeridoos and this is likely to continue into eternity. However they are finished, the treatments applied to your didge by a good didge maker will mean that your didge should have good longevity.

With regards to the quality of sound, both a non finished didge and a finished didge have the ability to produce excellent sounds. Generally, a good quality didge that has a smooth hard finish applied to the inside may sound a little brighter and crisper than without, because of the added assistance in reflecting sound waves.

If you apply a finish to the inside of a didgeridoo that previously was unfinished, the resultant drone may be a little brighter than before. If your didgeridoo though has other inherent qualities that are strongly affecting the sound of the didgeridoo, applying a finish may not overly help with the quality of the sound.

With regards to finishes in general, consideration should be given as to its effectiveness and likelihood of deterioration, requirements for future maintenance, its smell and even potential toxicity (considering it will be placed close to your mouth and nose).

See the section on maintaining the outside and maintaining the bore for more information on this topic.

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In summary

Didgeridoo tip Most didgeridoos will be sealed in some way, whether it be with PVA wood glue, oils or varnishes and resins.

Didgeridoo tip Didgeridoos that have been sealed properly will last longer, be airtight and be more resistant to splitting.

Didgeridoo tip Check the quality of finish of your potential didgeridoo, and determine whether it will need much maintenance in the future.

Didgeridoo tip If your didgeridoo is not sealed, you can do it yourself. Read the section on maintaining the outside of your didgeridoo for more information.