Yidaki D*a*u Gurruwiwi Ceremonial used black Wititj
My Comments: From the global community of players, to collectors, to didgeridoo enthusiasts, Old Man D*a*u Gurruwiwi needs no introduction. Renowned as the "finest" craftsman, his yidakis are revered for their exceptional quality. Since his departure in 2022 for the Dreamtime, his instruments have been extremely rare to obtain.
This yidaki has quite a story: it's over 25 years old and was first used by the Old Man at the Garma Festival, then kept for a long time as his personal instrument for clan ceremonies. A close friend bought it directly from the Old Man in Australia and has kept it all these years. Of course, the instrument isn't new because it was played a lot by the Old Man, but that's precisely what gives it even more power. Originally, it had the sacred black serpent Wititj painted on it. I'll let you understand the power of this yidaki.
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.