DidgElement
110 Chemin de Dedain Dessus
38880 Autrans Meaudre en Vercors
FRANCE
+33 6 18 92 67 52
didgelement@gmail.com
Absolutely nuts about didgeridoo since 2003 and through a meeting in Grenoble in 2006, I decided to make my instruments in 2007. With the support of my friends and the ever growing value of my work, which kept getting prolific, I decided to start my business in March 2009 and to make the manufacturing of didgeridoo my main activity.
Playing didgeridoo is a source of inspiration and motivation in my creations.
It is always a pleasure and an enrichment to create and discover a new instrument.
The encounter with this noble material was a revelation and I still remain in admiration in front of some trunks or branches. The choice of wood species is an important part in the process of the instrument, since the sound characteristics will vary depending on the wood used. In addition, the colors and veining of each species bring a different aesthetic aspect that I try to highlight with my
work.
The use of French wood is very important to me: Cherry, Maple, walnut, elm, pear, boxwood, ash and many others. For an aesthetic side, I also use exotic wood species for bells and mouthpieces.
Trunks and trays are selected according to their shape and defects.
Each tree is unique and it is on this philosophy that I make my Didgeridoos.
The Wood
About Me
The manufacturing
I mainly use the so-called sandwich method: Two parts excavated symmetrically and then glued together to form a hollow tube. I use either branches or wooden trays.
Digging is the most important step since it will determine most of the characteristics of the instrument. It is done with the use a wood sculpting disc and ends with gouge, curved plane, grater, and sandpaper.
After gluing, the outer shape of the didgeridoo is sculpted according to its air column. This step allows us to work on the overall aesthetics of the instrument. The sanding is then carried out carefully by hand until obtaining a perfect result. The tuning takes place in several steps of alternating set test and modification of the air column. These allow to optimize the sound quality and playability of each of my instruments.
The mouthpieces are made of wood (boxwood, pear tree..), more hygienic and more reactive than beeswax.
The interior finish consists of at least 4 coats of professional aquaréthane varnish (eco-label according to U.E and Toy Standard EN 71.3).
The exterior finish is done with hard oil satin (hydrofuge and toy standard EN 71,3) or varnish body type finish matt, satin or glossy. Several successive layers (between 5 and 10) are necessary to obtain a high quality of finish and protection.
Each of these steps is carried out with adequate protective equipment (respirator, helmet, glove, glasses)
Orders
Since the beginning of my activity, I have worked on demand and it was for me a great recognition to realize the instruments that were asked of me. That is also a rich human experience since each of my commands reflects the personality of a player. It is therefore a challenge and a pleasure to realize the instrument of your dreams.
If you want to order me a didgeridoo, you will have to direct me as precisely as possible on the type of instrument you want.
If you can come to my workshop, we can discuss the wood, the sonic carateristics, the playability, the aesthetics of the instrument to be made. Alternatively, you can send me sounds or videos, and a full description of the didgeridoo you are looking for.
The manufacturing time is about two to three months depending on the demand.
For any information related to an order, do not hesitate to contact me.
Guarantees - Advices
My didgeridoos are guaranteed for two years. I promise to repair any anomalies
naturally occurring such as cracks and leaks. The buyer must contact me to arrange an appointment or return the instrument to me. The cost of transport will be paid by the buyer.
Repairs due to shock, fall, misuse or any other damage will be charged. Any changes or customizations must be made by Didgelement.
The resale of one of my instruments must also be communicated to have a guarantee follow-up.
A thorough maintenance of my didgeridoos is also important. The interior should be cleaned with a non-corrosive soap (black soap type). Cautiously Rinse and dry your instrument well before use. You can also use a few drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil whose property is to cleanse the athmosphere and act as an anti-bacterial.
Avoid thermal shocks and direct exposure to the sun. Remember that wood is a living material.
Use the pad made available to put the instrument on the ground. I recommend you have a stand for didgeridoo.
After playing, leave your instrument upright in an airy room so that it dries out, then store it in its carrybag.
