I’ll be the first to admit that I know absolutely nothing about didgeridoos, and that I would never have thought that I would mention them here, on my Bassic Sax Blog. However, that was before I happened across David Blonski’s video of The Python saxophone-shaped didgeridoo. Blonski handcrafted this instrument, and it is the result of years of work.
Source: timelessproductions.com
The Python is crafted out of Douglas fir. The one pictured above is pitched in the key of C—although according to Blonski, C through low G pitched instruments are available.
On Blonski’s website, The Python is described like this:
This Python is a saxophone shaped compact didge with concert quality sound characteristics in the key of C. It is made of Douglas Fir by David Blonski who has 20 years of experience in making didgeridoos. The folded compact design makes this a great travel didge without sacrificing the sound you would associate with a full sized didge. In fact this is a full size didge with a 78 inch bore length that is folded over so that the instruments actual length is only 34 inches. This didge features an oval, waxless mouthpiece and a 6 inch bell. The tone is full and rich with excellent back pressure, great phrase articualtion and vocal response. Trumpet tones are D, A, D, F#.
I give this didge an A+ rating. View the video demo below.
If Blonski’s playing has inspired you to want to learn more about didgeridoos, and you’d like to find out how players make the sounds that they do, check out some of his tutorials. It seems that if you’ve ever played a bit of tuba, you likely have a very basic didgeridoo embouchure already.
Now if all of this information has you wanting your own Python saxophone-shaped didgeridoo, then you’re in luck, because although Python 001 has been sold, 002, in Bb, is available through Blonski’s website. Being a Bb pitched instrument, it is a bit bigger than its C-pitched cousin:
…In fact this is a full size didge with a 85 inch bore length that is folded over so that the instruments actual length is only 36 inches.In fact this is a full size didge with a 85 inch bore length that is folded over so that the instruments actual length is only 36 inches….
If the idea of owning your own Python saxophone-shaped didgeridoo has triggered a G.A.S attack, then it will set you back $485. No worries though, if you live in the US, you even get free shipping!
If you’d like to check out some of David Blonski’s other didgeridoos, he also has another website. On DidgeXtreme.com, you can find lots of pics of his other creations, as well as accessories, tips, CDs, and more.
Suzy and I took Didgeridoo lessons and wow was it fun. I even have my plastic one next to my harmonium. BTW Helen, I still haven’t repaired the pump on the harmonium. I will say that the Didgeridoo took a *lot* of air. I would get so light headed. BTW, I still have that problem with the flute. Be well.
I can see that a didgeridoo would take a lot of air. It’s never been an instrument that has interested me a great deal. The sound just doesn’t do it for me I’m afraid. That said, I think it’s interesting how it is a very personal sound—in that you can experiment with different things to get different effects. That’s one of the things I like about the saxophone as well. I’m not sure how many other instruments that’s true for.