Didgelement
Fascinated by didgeridoo since 2003, thanks to a Grenoble gathering in 2006, Chris decided to make his first instruments in 2007 and created his own company in March 2009. Since then, the didgeridoo-crafting is his main activity. The use of French wood is very important for Chris : wild cherry, Maple, walnut, elm, pear tree, boxwood, ash and many others.
For high-rated aesthetic, he also uses exotic wood species at the bells and mouthpiece. Chris selects the Logs according to their shape and defects. So every tree is unique. Chris uses the sandwich method : two parts dug symmetrically then restuck together to form a hollow tube, using branches or wooden trays.
The air stream is the most important stage because it will determinate most of the instruments characteristics. It is done with carving disk and gouges, bent plane, rasps, and abrasive cloth. After the sticking, the outside shape of the didgeridoo is sculptured according to its air stream. This stage allows to work on the global aestheticism of the instrument. The sanding is then realized carefully hand-made to obtain a perfect surface. The tuning takes place in several stages by alternating playing test and modification of the air stream.
This allows to optimize the sound quality and the playability of each of his instruments. Mouthpieces are wooden (boxwood, pear wood) since its more hygienic and more easy to play than beeswax. The internal finish is made of at least 4 layers of varnish professional (ecological label according to standard U.E and Standard toy 71.3). The outside finish is made with satiny hard oil (water resistant and standard toy 71,3) or brilliant applied with a pistol. Several successive layers (between 5 and 10) are realized to obtain a high quality of finish and protection. Each of his didgeridoos have a customized bag with well-balanced handle. They are doubled inside with moss material and a reinforcement in the bell. A small pocket allows to tidy up a pad of protection. This pad is used to put the didgeridoo on the ground safely. These home-made bags are unique and realized according to each instrument.
Didgelement didgeridoos are extremely sought after and make them almost a collectors piece. A must-have for every serious didgeridoo player.
