Subject: Wandering Didj
Date: Monday, March 23, 1998 4:00 AM

Hey everyone,

Wandering Didj is wandering! First stop is David Mills in Tasmania. From there it will probably go to Peter Lister in Sydney.

I take no further responsibility for Wandering Didj - it is well and truelyout of my hands. This project is many things, but simply, it is a symbol of our connection through sharing of breath, our daily exchange via
cyberspace, the friendships we have made throught this list, and not least of all the passion we share for an aboriginal musical instrument which is also a cultural heritage object. At times it may test our communication skills and goodwill. Other times it may be an education project that brings the focus back to Australia's indigenous peoples. Creativity will be explored, musical genius further teased out, different playing styles exhibited... Be sure to know that lurkers will have to go public if they want to be involved. Please, no private emails to me asking to be a participant.

May your spirit enjoy the journey.

Guan

Mike asked:

>And Guan, has it got a case yet? ;))
>Oh and what's it like!!

No, unfortunately no case. I haven't got a case and have never needed onesince I have no need to transport my instruments. What I did was wrap the didj in bubble wrap which should give it some protection. The bubble wrap can probably be re-used quite a few times, although at a certain stage, a
few extra layers might be needed or a whole new wrap used. Unless someone wants to donate a case along the way...

What's it like? It's a nice instrument, traditional sounding; in fact, it was the first instrument I played that sounded like anything I have heard on those old Alice Moyle field-recordings. When I put my lips to it I knew I could not put it down again so I bought it!

It is painted with red ochre with no motifs. It has a flared mouthpieceshape with no wax. I would guess that its provinence is Top End somewhere,but exactly where I don't know although I do have a few suspicions. Thedealer whom I bought it from didn't know (and probably didn't care!).

The instrument flares gradually and is nicely shaped and fairly tough. Real nice sound, warm and rich harmonics. The overtones are easy and tight. Maybe we can put up sound samples on a web site dedicated to this?

Guan

I haven't been keeping a list and I don't think one exists. This is where the organising becomes interesting! It is certainly a job for more than one person...

I had thought that one way to do this is by asking for the next participant where ever the didj happens to be. Thus, David Mills might ask now who might be interested in receiving the didj next. The next recipient will do the same thing, and accordingly send it to the closest request...

Guan