Didgeridoo Buying & Care Guide for Beginners

The didgeridoo is one of the world’s oldest wind instruments, deeply rooted in Indigenous Australian culture and admired worldwide for its earthy, resonant sound. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for when buying your first didge, the basics of playing (including circular breathing), and how to care for your instrument so it lasts for years.

Choosing the Right Didgeridoo

When searching for a didgeridoo for sale in Australia, you’ll quickly notice a wide variety of shapes, lengths, and materials. Here’s what matters most:

1. Length & Bore Size

• Shorter didgeridoos (around 100–120cm) produce higher pitches and are often easier for beginners to play.
• Longer didgeridoos (over 150cm) create deeper, more resonant tones but require stronger breath control.
• Bore size (the inner diameter) also impacts sound. Narrow bores give a tighter, higher-pitched sound, while wider bores produce richer bass tones.

2. Materials

• Traditional hardwood didgeridoos are crafted from eucalyptus naturally hollowed by termites. They offer authentic sound and may be roughly finished with a bees wax mouthpiece, clearly lacquered with a fine smooth finish and precision-crafted wooden mouthpiece, or sometimes beautifully decorated in a traditional indigenous style.
• Modern alternatives include bamboo, agave, or even lightweight synthetic materials. These are affordable, durable, and great for travel or practice.

3. Beginner vs Advanced Instruments

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about investing in a professional-grade instrument right away. A well-crafted beginner didge will help you learn the basics of sound, rhythm, and breathing technique. As your skills grow, you might then invest in a larger or more complex instrument.

Explore our collection of didgeridoos here

Learning to Play: Breathing & Basics

The heart of playing the didgeridoo lies in mastering circular breathing — the ability to breathe in through the nose while simultaneously pushing air out through the mouth.

• Start simple: First, get a steady drone by vibrating your lips against the mouthpiece.
• Add rhythm: Use your cheeks, tongue, and voice to create different patterns and sounds.
• Practice circular breathing: Try filling your cheeks with air, pushing it out while quickly inhaling through your nose. With practice, this will let you play continuously without stopping for breath.

Watch this video of Luke Julian in action, as he demonstrates one of our favourite didgeridoos at Son of Drum, showcasing a variety of breathing techniques.

View demo on Youtube

Caring for Your Didgeridoo

Proper care ensures your didgeridoo not only sounds great but also lasts a lifetime.

1. Wax the Mouthpiece

Most didgeridoos use beeswax mouthpieces, which make playing more comfortable and help create a tight seal. Over time, wax can harden, crack, or wear down.

• Use didge wax to reshape or replace the mouthpiece when needed.
• Keep the wax warm in your hands before applying to make it pliable.

Shop our didge wax here

2. Storage

• Keep your didgeridoo out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures.
• Store upright if possible, to prevent warping or cracks.

3. Cleaning

• Wipe the outside with a soft cloth.
• Occasionally check the inside for dust or debris — a gentle shake or light brush can help keep it clear.

At Son of Drum

Buying your first didgeridoo is the beginning of an inspiring musical journey. By choosing the right instrument, learning the basics of circular breathing, and keeping your didge well cared for with accessories like didge wax, you’ll set yourself up for years of enjoyment.

At Son of Drum, we keep a modest selection of didgeridoos sourced and crafted locally from Aussie timbers from either Far North QLD, NT or just up the road here in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.

Please get in touch and we'll happily provide you with photos and video demonstrations of what we currently have available for sale. Each one is unique in shape, appearance and sound, and only top quality pieces are purchased by our team for your quality assurance.