HempStone Hemp HE511
In short: A HempStone didgeridoo in hemp fibre, in D#, with 6% biochar: a great richness of sounds, good precision and an excellent response to attacks, in a 100% natural material that fears neither knocks nor humidity.
My view: Why look at the other end of the planet for what we have on our doorstep? It took me a while to start working with HempStone, in Austria: I found that the first configurations lacked power and precision.
I had the chance to test the latest models and, believe me, I had made quite a mistake. Over the years, Norbert has developed different configurations and different models.
Today his didgeridoos are sought after all over the world, and production is very limited, because of the long making process and the unique character of each instrument. HempStones have an incredible richness of sounds, good precision and an excellent response to attacks and percussive playing.
Norbert has managed to combine the air-column configuration and the density of the material to achieve terrific acoustics and bring out new frequencies. I must say I am truly surprised. This material fears nothing, neither knocks nor humidity, at a very affordable price for a hemp didgeridoo.
The material: HempStone didgeridoos are 100% natural! HempStone, or "hemp stone", becomes as hard as stone after processing. The innovation of this Austrian patent: the hemp fibre is moulded hot and under high pressure, with nothing added but water.
The process needs neither glue nor resin, and the material is dyed with non-toxic pigments. It is described as non-toxic and malleable.
The maker: The Austrian Norbert Schmid is the pioneer of hemp didgeridoos, well before the Australian models. The material, developed by an Austrian scientist, consists solely of hemp fibre, with no additives, glue or synthetic bonding agents. Hemp fibre is denser than the hardest wood.
Norbert's comments: Material used: HempStone + 6% added biochar. The instrument is varnished with Legnopur, which gives it a completely sealed surface inside and out, with Adler Soloplast varnish on the outside. The added biochar is produced by Gerald Dunst, a soil and composting specialist.
It is made from organic husks of wheat and other cereals. The charcoal, finely ground, is mixed into the wet hemp pulp and gives the material a very special deep colour!
- Shipping is free! (France only) I will use a private courier (UPS) for dispatch.
- Didgeridoo Passion also offers you the carry bag free!
Classification
This scale is the result of an air column/bell start ratio If we divide the diameter of the bell with that of the beginning of the air column we get a number between 1.5 and 3.5. We can classify all the didgeridoos in 4 large families. Each family groups the instruments with a similar character, simply based on the overall shape of the air column (conical/cylindrical) and on the diameter of the column (wide/narrow). The result is a simple and very reliable reading grid, making it easier to search and purchase on line.
The diameters are measured with a caliper, start of the air column after the mouthpîece. This ratio is very reliable for a didg having a air column with a 'smooth' internal work, in the case of a hollowed eucalyptus instrument it give an approach of the instrumental character.
Hempstone
Norbert Schmid's hemp didgeridoos
Austrian Norbert Schmid is the pioneer of hemp didgeridoos, long before the Australian models. It is worth remembering that this material was developed by an Austrian scientist. Hempstone is made solely of hemp fibres, with no additives, glue or synthetic binders. Hemp fibre is denser than the hardest wood: it can reach frequencies and resonate with energies beyond the reach of traditional wooden instruments.
Once processed, Hempstone, or "hemp stone", is as hard as stone. The innovation of this Austrian patent lies in the fact that the hemp fibre is moulded under heat and high pressure, with only water added. No glue or resin is needed in the making. The material is coloured with non-toxic pigments: it is non-toxic and malleable.
Over the years, Norbert has developed different configurations and models of didgeridoos. Today they are sought after all over the world. Production remains very limited, because of the lengthy process and the unique character of each instrument.