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"What is a 'genuine' didgeridoo?" "What is an 'authentic' didgeridoo?" "What is a 'traditional' didgeridoo?" "What is an 'Aboriginal' didgeridoo?"

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GENERAL DIDGERIDOO ISSUES

DIDGERIDOO AUTHENTICITY

DIDJSHOP COMMENTS

TRADITIONAL DIDGERIDOO PLAYING

EFFECTS OF DIDGERIDOO PLAYING & LISTENING

ABORIGINAL ISSUES

Name and Country

What is a 'genuine' didgeridoo?

What is an 'authentic' didgeridoo?

What is a 'traditional' didgeridoo?

What is an 'Aboriginal' didgeridoo?

Anonymous It's like a model,..that doesn't have symbols. That would be the real deal,..the one made and used by the ancestors. The one passed on in different generations but changes a little. The one made by the aboriginal people.. their art.
Anonymous I have no idea yet I don't know I don't know I don't know
Andy from United Kingdom Termite hollowed wood. (cannot remember the wood) Termite hollowed wood. (cannot remember the wood) Termite hollowed wood. (cannot remember the wood) Termite hollowed wood. (cannot remember the wood)
Ayrton Farias from Brazil Termite hollowed eucalyptus trunk, I would guess. I have no idea. A didgeridoo made in the traditional style. Eg. made of eucalyptus, rather than PVC or bamboo. A didgeridoo made by members of real Aboriginal clans.
Beryl from New Zealand Not an artificially made one Guaranteed to be a traditional Aboriginal didgeridoo. One that is created by being eaten out through the middle by termites A real one as used by aborigines, made by aborigines and sold by them.
Brad from USA Produced directly by the Aboriginal people in their native land. Produced directly by the Aboriginal people in their native land. Follows the methods and styles as produced by the Aboriginal people since the beginning of their history. Produced directly by the Aboriginal people.
Charlie from United Kingdom Made by tribes One that sounds like it should One made by aborigines from Eucalyptus wood with the help of termites One that the aborigines actually use.
Anonymous Naturally hollowed by termites... alive with an ancient soul... Same... Same... Same...
Chris from USA Not an imitation. This does not mean the instrument is made in Australia or by the Aboriginal people. Not an imitation. This does not mean the instrument is made in Australia or by the Aboriginal people. Made in the traditional way. Not PVC or the like. Build by Aboriginal people. The words need to be combined. Such as "Authentic Aboriginal". This would tell me that the instrument was built specifically by Aboriginal people.
Chris from USA A real didgeridoo is one that is a natural hallowed out branch usually by termites One made by nature t Natural hallowed out branch usually by termites Natural hallowed out branch usually by termites
Chris Smylie from USA It was made by the Aborigines. It is the same as genuine. It has the same style as a genuine didj and was made in the same or almost the same fashion. I would say a true didj is made from the native trees from where their tribes live or harvest the tree, and it is made from the local termites eating the center away.
Cody from USA A didgeridoo made by an aboriginal person A didgeridoo made by nature such as termites A didgeridoo made by australian aboriginal in the northern part of australia A didgeridoo made by an aboriginal in the australian outback
Conrad from USA A wooden branch that has been hollowed out buy termites. One that has been made buy an "authentic" Aboriginal person. One that is made the same way they were hundreds or thousands of years ago. One that has been made buy an Aboriginal tribes person.
Craig from Canada Made from eucalyptus trees, hollowed by termites and harvested and finished by native australians Made from eucalyptus trees, hollowed by termites and harvested and finished by native australians A didgeridoo that is used for ceremony by aboriginals. A didgeridoo that is used for ceremony by aboriginals.
Anonymous from USA Made in the traditional manner, not mass produced. Usable in the actual tribal rituals. Perhaps actually made by an Aboriginal tribe. Using a dated design as opposed to more modern developments in didgeridoos if there are any. Definitely made by an Aboriginal tribe.
Dave Snyder from USA Gathered traditionally from the outback; if the artisan uses augers and power-sanders, that's okay, but generally using traditional methods to prepare the eucalyptus chunk for a usable instrument Made by Aboriginal artisans Would the artisan use that particular instrument himself in a corroboree? Made, and artwork if any painted, by Aboriginal artisans
Dennis from USA Genuine = made by original methods by the natives the object represents. Authentic = can be traced to a native that produced the object. Traditional = this would be the object of choice for a native player. Aboriginal = this would be an object that was used by the natives before commercialism took over.
Anonymous To me it should mean that it is made honestly with out cutting corners the way it "should" be made. The didgeridoo should be of undisputed origin. Real. I believe it should be made like it the first one was ever made. Like they have always been made. Made or approved by Aboriginals.
Emily from USA One that I didn't make in a back alley with PVC pipe, a blowtorch and a wine bottle as a mould. One that doesn't extend. Made from eucalyptus. An earphone?
Anonymous from USA Made in the same manner as the originals Can be traced to location place and maker Made to resemble an authentic Not sure
Frank from Australia One made by a traditional maker. One that is used by traditional people. One made and decorated by a traditional maker using the traditional means and not modern machinery. One made by Aboriginals
Geoff from USA Didgeridoo from Australia made of Eucalyptus, or, AUSTRALIAN bamboo. One from Australia, harvested from an Australian tree by an Aboriginal steward of the land. One either non-painted or painted, but eucalyptus, not bamboo. One harvested, crafted, painted, etc., by a member of an Aboriginal community
Graham from USA Sales pitch and sound quality Sales pitch and sound quality Sales pitch and sound quality Sales pitch. is an item only Aboriginal men are allowed to play. That was made by a ceremonially qualified man and used for medicinal purposes and meditation.
Greg from Australia Made and decorated by the indigenous people of Australia. (see Authentic). One hollowed by termites and hunted & chopped & prepared by experienced Aboriginals. then tested for quality by the same. Used for ceremonial purposes, quality may very. Includes all of the above comments.
Anonymous from Canada I would think something in the shape of the wood. What some would call imperfections, I'd call it genuine. It would be one carved by termites, from an eucalyptus branch that ha fallen after a windstorm. From some of the northern territory' aboriginal's tribes. A genuine and authentic didgeridoo, find by aboriginal, in the wood. The one you find in the tribes. Just for the pleasure of the eyes...
Anonymous from USA Made from wood Any termite hollowed Any termite hollowed tree Made by a genuine Aboriginal craftsman
Joao Sousa from Portugal I believe that a genuine didge is a didge that is manufactured within the standards of what is recommended from aboriginal art. Authentic is a didge that is made from an authentic aboriginal person within the standards of aboriginal art. Traditional didge is a didge that is made from traditional materials (australian wood and eaten by termites) Its a didge that combines a genuine, authentic and traditional standards.
Johnny from Ireland A Didgeridoo created by hand by a member of the Aboriginal community with intent A Didgeridoo created as above and not a copy A Didgeridoo used for a certain specific purpose in line with Aboriginal tradition All of the above combined
Anonymous from USA A term used to make it seem like it is made by, and in the style of a real Aboriginal didgeridoo. Same as above. Made in a traditional style. Made by Aboriginal peoples.
Joshua from USA I believe one that has been hollowed by termites. Made with the specific wood. I am not sure. Not sure about this one I would assume that this is one that was created by the aboriginal tribes
Anonymous from USA Aboriginal picked and made by nature Aboriginal design Aboriginal styled A hollowed (by termites) musical instrument
Anonymous I believe the genuine didgeridoo is ones used in tribal ceremonies Authentic didgeridoo is handmade but not original A traditional didgeridoo is used in traditional ceremonies Aboriginal didgeridoo I think don't quote me on this one but is it one used in entertainment
Anonymous from USA Aboriginal made Aboriginal made Aboriginal made Aboriginal made
Anonymous

Made by the aboriginal host culture

Made by the aboriginal host culture

Made by the aboriginal host culture

Made by the aboriginal host culture

Anonymous from Spain Uff... aren't they all supposed to mean more or less the same thing? At least as far as the people who sell want the buyer to think. That they have been made and decorated, etc by an aborigine? I suppose if I have to differentiate, then a 'genuine' instrument is made of eucalyptus, hollowed out by termites and comes from australia but not necessarily made by an aborigine. I could make my own 'genuine' didgeridoo, for example An authentic one is like a genuine one but has also been made by an aborigine but has not necessarily been painted A traditional one has been painted and all of the things that make an authentic one. Although this all seems a bit pedantic. 'Real' might be the word I'd use. These are what aborigines make for themselves to play. It can be whatever and however it wants if they all agree it's a didge, then it's a didge - a bit like what the colour blue becomes if we all agree that it's not blue but is in fact red. You follow? Although as I understand it, only termite hollowed eucalyptus contains a spirit like the one yidaki found when he invented it and so an aboriginal didge would have to be something similar.
Anonymous Made the way they always have been Made by Aboriginals Made to look like originals Made by aboriginals
Lisa from USA It should mean that is made by the people that created it. Can be made by someone else but the design and style should be along the same lines I think traditional and original should be the same. Made after one of the first designs A didgeridoo made by the Aboriginal peoples.
Anonymous Made by the people who know the craft of creating this instrument in the traditional method. Made by the same material that traditional didgeridoo's were made of thousands of years ago. One that has the distinct features same as a didgeridoo that was made thousand of years ago, such as design, craft method, paint and of course sound. Those produced in traditionally oriented communities in Northern Australia
Lu Pierro from USA That is plays I don't know. Made in the way of the original Didgeridoos. One made by Aboriginal peoples.
Anonymous I think it means not counterfeit or fake. An original. But original could mean any number of things. The same as for genuine. Something that is made and sold as what it is. Not something that is trying to pass for something else. I think a traditional didgeridoo is one that is made in similar style to how they were made many years ago. One that is made by Aboriginal hands.
Anonymous One crafted by an Aborigine I've only checked into these for two days, I would say a termite eaten Eucalypts. One crafted by an aborigine but of other wood. One crafted by an Aborigine
Anonymous One that was made with the sole intention of producing a work of art, not money. One shaped by mother nature and hand held tools. One not created or altered by machines; one that is both balanced in tonal warmth and overtone volume. One that's made by Aborigines?
Anonymous from Slovenia Eucalyptus, handmade, probably made in australia, but not always by aboriginal craftsmen Similar to genuine, but made by aboriginal craftsmen in most cases Types of didgeridoos used by clans in their styles (clan artwork, other specific features), not always made by aboriginal craftsmen Similar to genuine, but made and/or painted by aboriginal craftsmen
Anonymous from Germany Made based on aboriginal traditions of didgeridoo building. Made with persuasion of the cultural traditions of didgeridoo. Made from living Eucalyptus trees, which have had their interiors hollowed out by termites. Made by Aborigines.
Matt Charbonneau from Canada One of a kind? I'm not sure.. I don't judge a didge based on what's said about it, but by how well I connect with it. "real'? Same goes for this one... Traditional to me means the historic norm based on continent, culture, country, etc. Similar to traditional.
Anonymous Hand crafted from aboriginal origin Authentic means one of a kind Conservative in form or function One made by aboriginals
Matthew from USA Made of eucalyptus, which has been naturally hollowed out by termites. Made of eucalyptus, which has been naturally hollowed out by termites, from a tree harvested in Arnhem Land. Made of eucalyptus, which has been naturally hollowed out by termites, from a tree harvested in Arnhem Land, crafted using only traditional tools. Made of eucalyptus, which has been naturally hollowed out by termites, from a tree harvested in Arnhem Land, crafted using only traditional tools, by aboriginal people.
Anonymous from USA One made by Aborigines. One made of wood and in the traditional style. One made in the traditional style. An explanation of where it's origins in history are. Not one I would buy.
Michael from USA I think it means the didgeridoo had been hallowed out naturally by white ants or termites. I am new to the didgeridoo. Authentic sounds like an actual aboriginal had made the didgeridoo a long time ago. I do realize that the aborigines do have there traditions and that the didgeridoo has had a big part in there history. Traditional and Aboriginal run in the same path for me. In my head I see them close to the same.
Michael from USA Not sure Not sure Not sure Not sure
Anonymous A didgeridoo with advanced musical qualities. A tuned didgeridoo quality enough to be played in professional settings. A didgeridoo quality enough to be played on. Perhaps has art on it. Would be more authentic if it were made in australia. A didgeridoo made by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. A didgeridoo made by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.
Anonymous Genuine Didgeridoos are naturally hollowed out by termites. Didjeridus are authentic when they are Aboriginal-crafted from northern Australia. Traditional didgeridoos are utterly distinctive woodwind instruments, unique to Australian Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal Didgeridoos when they are produced and painted by Aboriginal people.
Anonymous An instrument that gives one some good sound, but is not as professional as traditional or aboriginal ones. these didgeridoos I would say are for people who do not want to get too serious with it! An authentic Didgeridoo has a recognised brand and has a good sound quality. Wooden, termite hollowed didgeridoo, that has been produced with care and traditional procedures. I do not see the differences between aboriginal and traditional didgeridoo!
Nasir from New Zealand The genuine Aboriginal Didgeridoo has three major properties: It amplifies and modifies the sound you make thru it. It has spirituality: a distinct and unique sound emanating from the delicate inside configuration brought about by the termites' taste for good quality hardwood and the knowledgeable effort of a good didgeridoo craftsman. It is a medium for aboriginal artwork, which should reflect the spirit of the didgeridoo and its value as an aboriginal musical instrument. An authentic aboriginal didgeridoo is a loud and clear aboriginal musical instrument with an individual temper called didgeridoo spirituality, and it is an appealing aboriginal artwork. Traditionally didgeridoos were made from eucalyptus tree trunks and limbs hollowed out, while still living, by termites or from bamboo in the far north of Australia. Aboriginal didgeridoos are woodwind instruments of the Australian Aborigines.
Nic Wright from Australia I would say one that is termite hollowed and carved by and aboriginal person A didgeridoo that isn't made overseas then shipped to Australia Same as genuine? Used for ceremonies, to tell the history of their people and culture. One made by aboriginal people. Not really sure about the above answers..I'm only fairly new to the didgeridoo 'scene' and am still learning about the cultural significance and background of these wonderful instruments
Patricia from Spain It's made with eucalyptus It's the same It's made from Arnhemland It's the same
Peter G. from Canada One made and using authentic materials from Australia One made and used by Aboriginal Peoples One used by the Aboriginal tribes people Come On, really
Pierre from Switzerland Genuine should only be made by genuine aboriginal people not from any body else.. Authentic as well. Traditional does not mean much to me. The tradition can be good or bad! Authentic should only be made by authentic aboriginal people not from any body else. The one made by tradition in a group of people. The one made by the people living on the place.
Quinn from USA A didgeridoo made with wood and straighter and sold for musical use A didgeridoo made to look like traditional one but using different material A didge using the material that aborigines used but made with modern tools A didge using the material that aborigines used and made in traditional fashion
Randy from USA One hollowed out by termites and harvested by Aboriginal people. See above. See genuine definition provided. Should mean the same as what I wrote for "genuine" didgeridoo
Anonymous Produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or maker Made from hardwoods usually eucalypt. Not really sure Hollowed out by termites
Robert Smithee from USA One made with various materials and following the general design One made with Aboriginal materials but may be made by other than Aboriginal artists One made in the same design as Aboriginal designs but made out of various materials. One made with material originally used by Aboriginal artists and made by Aboriginal artists using original techniques.
Robert Stotts from USA Any instrument that can be played as a didgeridoo Not sure what this means-depends on the "accepted" definition, i.e, "according to whom?" Didge made of a termite hollowed, usually living, trunk a number of species of a young eucalyptus trees Traditional didge crafted by aboriginal peoples of australia
Roberto Mojica from Puerto Rico It is a eucalyptus tree made by aboriginal people, termite hollowed. It is any playable didgeridoo A traditional didgeridoo is a standard old didge A didgeridoo made by a north australian aboriginal
Robin from USA Musical instrument Musical instrument Musical instrument Musical instrument
Ron from USA Made from the eucalypts Markings? Looks like a real didj One actually used or made by the Aborigines
Ronald from USA Something that is 'genuine' is not a fake it is exactly what is say it is. I would define authentic is the same way as genuine Traditional speaks of something that has been done/made in the same way for generations. One that is made by a person of Aboriginal decent.
Santiago from Colombia A didgeridoo that has the sound and the shape of the traditional ones Is one made like a copy of one traditional didge Is one that has been made copy the models of the aborigines from australia Is one made from the aborigines from australia
Anonymous from USA Genuine, to me, means that it was created by real Aboriginal people from Australia. Authentic, to me, means it can be traced back to a real Aboriginal artist who created it using termite hollowed wood. Traditional, to me, means that it was created using techniques that have been passed down generation to generation within the Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal, to me, means a didgeridoo that was created by an Aboriginal artist using the "traditional" Aboriginal techniques that can be traced back to the Aboriginal Territories in Australia.
Sheldon from Australia One made from traditional aboriginal people One made the tradition way One made using traditional aboriginal methods As all of the above
Simon Tannock from Australia One that has been hollowed out by white ants and made by an Aboriginal person. One that has been hollowed out by white ants but may be made by a non-aboriginal using aboriginal techniques. One that has been made from the techniques of the last 4000 years but not the last 100 years. The same as genuine.
Stefano Brutti from Italy Didgeridoos made thank to the termites that eat inside a eucalyptus wood Didgeridoos that can be found only in the northern territories. An original instrument that bring with him all the tradition and experience of aboriginal people. Instruments made from aboriginal people in aboriginal territories with aboriginal heart!
Stephan from USA A eucalyptus, termite hollowed didgeridoo made by hand by Aboriginals. A eucalyptus, termite hollowed didgeridoo made by hand by Aboriginals. A eucalyptus, termite hollowed didgeridoo made by anyone. A didgeridoo made by hand by Aboriginals.
Anonymous Hollowed out by ants As above As above As above
Steve Bradshaw from United Kingdom One made from Eucalyptus by Aborigines One made from other types of wood One made from any type of wood by other people /counties Any didgeridoo made by Aboriginal people
Steve from USA One made by native Aboriginal people using traditional methods, and of course respect for the natural resource. Same as above. Same as above. One that is "genuine" "authentic" "traditional"
Tamara from United Kingdom Made be an aboriginal from wood taken from the outback. As above A didgeridoo that has been used by aboriginals in their culture. One made by an aboriginal person.
Thomas Ryan from USA Some of these terms sound silly. I would say one that is termite hollowed, but not necessarily made in Australia. One both made in Australia and termite hollowed. Probably has most to do with the flourishes in the design. Maybe less flashy and with purpose. A didge made in Australia, by an aboriginal, and is termite hollowed. Probably the best type because the didge making craft has been seamlessly passed down.
Tony from USA OK, I'll give this a try, then after completing this dig through your web site to see how I did, as I think this may be addressed in your web site. The words "genuine" authentic" and "traditional" seem very closely related. however, I'm always suspicious of anything labeled "genuine" Is suppose it could loosely mean any real didgeridoo that can be played--maybe even a "genuine" PVC didge. Authentic, to me, means that it was crafted by Aboriginal peoples. Traditional may mean one of two things to me: either the didge was crafted in the traditional manner (termite hollowed) or painted/played in a traditional manner or setting. Aboriginal, to me, encompasses all of the above: a didge crafted by Aboriginals, termite hollowed, traditionally decorated (and played)
Anonymous Produced by the original maker Made the same way as the original Made with cultural continuity One made by indigenous people of Australia
Anonymous One that makes a earth sound One that makes a earth sound One that makes a earth sound One that makes a earth sound
William from USA Made in Australia A termite hollowed limb Could be made out of wood or man made materials of correct sound and style A hollowed limb, harvested and painted by Aboriginal tribesmen

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GENERAL DIDGERIDOO ISSUES

DIDGERIDOO AUTHENTICITY

DIDJSHOP COMMENTS

TRADITIONAL DIDGERIDOO PLAYING

EFFECTS OF DIDGERIDOO PLAYING & LISTENING

ABORIGINAL ISSUES

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