Didgeridoos vary widely in price! The best affordable didgeridoo instrument can be anywhere from as little as $30 dollars for a synthetic didge. But the price for a high end didgeridoo can get pretty high- up all over a $1000 dollars for a customary bloodwood eucalyptus didgeridoo music instrument.
If you don’t want to invest $1000 dollars in a didgeridoo today, that’s understandable. There are TONS of great didgeridoo buys that offer the same deep, resonant didgeridoo sound familiar to the aboriginals in North Australia.
Here are the 12 best affordable didgeridoos reviewed, with a quick beginner buying guide to get you started making didgeridoo music.
Terre Handmade Eucalyptus Didgeridoo
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Yellowbox or Redwood eucalyptus
Lengths Available: 50 to 60 Inches
Keys Available: Usually E, D, or C, Request Key direct from Manufacturer before purchase
Review:
The Terre handmade Eucalyptus Didgeridoos are made from the traditional didgeridoo wood-Eucalyptus. This line is great for beginners because they are not over the top expensive compared to other Eucalyptus didges, and these are not too long.
Each Didgeridoo is handmade from a real eucalyptus branch, one-piece hollowed-out construction, so expect it to vary a bit from the picture.
No two are alike and because it is a nature-made product, getting an exact key is not likely.
It comes with a eucalyptus wood mouthpiece and in general, the bottom bell is about twice the diameter of the top diameter.
Bottom Line: Affordable Didgeridoo made with traditional termite hollowed eucalyptus wood.
Terre Natural Teak Didgeridoo 51 or 59 inches
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Teakwood
Lengths Available: 51 or 59 Inches
Keys Available: Not tuned to a specific note
Review:
These first-rate teak didgeridoos are a superb upgrade from the PVC didgeridoo or even bamboo beginner’s didgeridoos. They are made from teakwood branch, which is relatively heavy, but has a superior sound quality and is cheaper than traditional eucalyptus.
They have a natural bell shape at the bottom, which enhances the sound and gives the didge an authentic drone.
These didges are all hand-painted with out-of-this-world spectacular aboriginal themes artwork, and each didgeridoo is one of a kind.
You can use it with or without a beeswax mouthpiece and the drone is rich and resonant compared to PVC plastic or thinner lighter didges.
Bottom Line: A rich, deep, authentic drone, paired with top-quality artwork make this Terre Teak Didge among the best affordable Didgeridoo music instruments you can get.
Meinl Percussion 47″ Hand Painted Bamboo Didgeridoo
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Bamboo
Lengths Available: 47”
Keys Available: D#
Review:
This affordably priced, lightweight bamboo, beginner’s didge makes an impressive, satisfying drone in the key D#.
The carved and painted Australian aboriginal-themed artwork is hand done and each piece is unique.
This is an ideal didge for the money, perfect for beginners.
Bottom Line: A great bamboo didgeridoo at a low price with a deep, gratifying, resonant drone.
Handcrafted Australian Treasures Bamboo wood Australian Didgeridoo 51″
Country of Origin: Java-Indonesia
Material: Bamboo
Lengths Available: 51 inches
Review:
This Australian Treasures bamboo PRO-series didgeridoo is a step up from beginners and PVC didgeridoos. The high-level craftsmanship is apparent as soon as you have this didge in your hands. It has smooth well-finished edges, a natural bamboo color, and a honed mouthpiece which is comfortable and makes this didgeridoo easy to play.
It is a great didgeridoo for the price and produces a deep resonant drone. It is easy to play, light enough to take with you, and the step up in quality as an upgrade from a beginner didgeridoo is offered at a price that will not break the bank.
Bottom Line: Quality Intermediate level bamboo didgeridoo at an affordable price.
Hardwood Spiral Travel Didgeridoo from Australian Treasures
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Hardwood, split, carved, and glued
Lengths Available: 51 inches
Keys Available: C
Review:
This compact didgeridoo is designed for travel. It gives you the same deep loud reverberating drone as a full size, yet it can be played using one hand and is easy to carry with you.
This didgeridoo is lovingly made from solid hardwood which is split, carved, and carefully glued along the center.
This didge is unique because of its shape, the bell, or fat end sits in the middle.
Bottom Line: Easy to play & take on the go, with a drone as loud and rich as traditional didgeridoos. A great didgeridoo buy.
Terre Beginner Bamboo Burn Didgeridoo
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Bamboo
Lengths Available: 47″
Review:
This very affordable bamboo didgeridoo has a burned ornamentation that I think looks great, and means the detail and material are all natural.
This is a smaller didgeridoo, at 47 inches, but it has a big sound.
These bamboo didgeridoos have a low, full, vibrant drone and are a pleasure to play.
I also love that this didgeridoo is made from sustainable bamboo material as I really like the use of natural products.
Bottom Line: This is an economical beginner bamboo didgeridoo that maintains a high quality and employs all natural materials.
Toca Curved Didgeridoo
Country of Origin: Unk
Material: Synthetic PVC material
Lengths Available: 50
Keys Available: D
Review:
This synthetic material Didgeridoo has a clear, resonant sound in the key of D.
It contains a curve and a flared end just like didgeridoos made from traditional materials, which give it a superior sound quality among synthetic didgeridoos.
Plus the price cannot be beaten! It is lightweight too, so it travels easily. It is easy to play, and overall, a perfect didgeridoo for beginners. Also one of the Best Didgeridoos for Kids.
It is perfect for beginner to intermediate players.
Bottom Line: Best Affordable Beginner Didgeridoo. Lightweight, durable, and easy to play. Crazy fun to play!
Hand-fired Modern Didgeridoo by World Percussion Made in the USA
Country of Origin: hand-crafted by experienced artisans in the USA
Material: Synthetic natural jute fiber, beeswax, & a polymer, hand burned & shaped
Lengths Available: 45.5 inches
Keys Available: D
Review:
These synthetic polymer Hand-fired Didgeridoos are made in America by experienced artisans. They are quality built and custom made, so each is unique.
They are incredibly lightweight and durable, so they travel easily and they are weatherproof and kid-proof.
They have a dipped beeswax mouthpiece for a comfortable custom fit and are incredibly easy to play.
Bottom Line: Easy to play, light, durable, portable, synthetic, and affordable didgeridoo for beginners. Made in America, this is one of my favorite didgeridoos for sale.
Meinl Box Compact Travel Didgeridoo
Country of Origin: Unknown
Material: Mahogany
Keys Available: C
Review:
Travel light and always have a didge handy with this compact box didgeridoo by Meinl. At just 8.5 by 5 inches, it easily fits in your everyday carry bag or office desk drawer for when an emergency that only a didgeridoo can solve arises.
It has a surprisingly loud and authentic drone, despite its unconventional shape and tiny size, and will shock those who don’t know what it is when they hear the deep reverberating hum of the didge.
This small guy can make such a grand sound thanks to the air being forced through the zig-zag baffles since it lacks the travel of a long tube-like a traditional didgeridoo.
It is also quite inexpensive compared to traditional didges and is one of the best affordable didgeridoo compact options.
Bottom Line: Authentic didgeridoo drone, small enough to fit your pocket or backpack.
Terre Proline Eucalyptus Didgeridoo
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Eucalyptus
Lengths Available: 59 to 63 inch
Keys Available: C
Review:
This Proline is one of the best affordable didgeridoos at the pro level. It is made from traditional eucalyptus branches that are hand-carved to create even thin walls and a slow steady increase of diameter. This didge has a nice wide bell and a true, genuine aboriginal Australian sound.
It is available tuned to different keys and lengths and is professionally finished with a protective natural linseed coating inside and out.
It has ample counter pressure with a slow continuous increase in diameter as you go down the tube giving this didgeridoo a full-bodied, orotund drone you expect from a professional bona fide didgeridoo.
Bottom Line: Best affordable didgeridoo at the professional level, made with authentic materials.
Terre Hibiscus Wood Didgeridoo 71 inch
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Hibiscus Wood
Lengths Available: 71 inches
Keys Available: C, D, E, and F
Review:
This handsome, long Hibiscus wood didgeridoo is extremely thin and lightweight with a clear, booming drone.
The nature of hibiscus wood allows you to connect with the didge and your music as you can feel the vibration and sound through the wood.
These hibiscus didgeridoos are tuned to a specific key and have a carved hollow that is carefully crafted to make sure the wall thickness is even and that the diameter increases gradually down to the bell.
While hibiscus wood is not the primary wood for a traditional Australian Aboriginal Didgeridoo, the aboriginal men were known to use hibiscus wood in an impromptu performance as a temporary instrument if hibiscus was the only wood available at the moment.
Bottom Line: Quality Hibiscus Didgeridoo with a traditional, reverberant drone you can feel.
Terre Didgeridoo Maorí Style Didgehorn
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Material: Wood chips & bone glue Baked to form a fiberglass frame
Lengths Available: 15 inches
Keys Available: C, Cis, D, E, and F
Review:
The Maorí style didgeridoo didgehorn is available tuned to C, Cis, D, E, and F and the tuned tones are accurate and spot on.
The shell of this curved spiral style didgeridoo/didgehorn is a type of fiberglass made from a baked mixture of wood chips and bone glue.
This didgeridoo is responsive and uses very little air to hold the sound. The synthetic walls of this didge vibrate very easily so it’s super easy for a beginner to learn, and the price is reasonable considering the high level of craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: This affordable curved, synthetic, didgeridoo is easy to learn to play, durable and portable, making it ideal for beginners.
Didgeridoo Buyers Guide for Beginners
Not everyone has the time or budget to travel to Australia and talk to a bona fide didgeridoo music expert before buying their first didgeridoo. That’s why I put together this didgeridoo buyer guide to affordable didgeridoos for beginners.
Here are the TOP 3 things to look at before you decide the best affordable didgeridoo for you.
1. Didgeridoo Length:
The length of the didge matters. The large long didgeridoos take a lot of air to play properly. If you are new, it may be a challenge to produce enough air.
A good length for a beginner didgeridoo is between 45 inches and 60 inches.
You should know that longer didgeridoos have a deeper pitch and shorter didges have a higher pitch. So if you want a deeper tone, go for a longer didge, just be sure you can blow enough air to get a decent drone, and don’t get a didgeridoo that is too long as your first didgeridoo.
2. Didgeridoo Mouthpiece:
Many didgeridoos do not require a beeswax mouthpiece, but if it comes with one, it will make playing more comfortable. You can always add a beeswax mouthpiece later, to get a fit that is formed to your mouth.
Beeswax has many benefits. For starters, it is naturally antibiotic, which is hugely important for something you touch with your mouth.
Second, beeswax is soft and smooth and makes it more comfortable to drone. It is adjustable and allows you to get the fit just right.
3. Didgeridoo Material:
Eucalyptus Wood Didgeridoo
Traditionally, didgeridoos are made by the aboriginals by Australian eucalyptus which has been hollowed out naturally by termites. This wood is hardy, extremely resonant, and has a wonderful smell with natural antiseptic properties.
Eucalyptus didgeridoos are usually more expensive than others, but the sound and quality are worth it. However, many beginners start with PVC or bamboo didgeridoos because they are lighter, easier to play, and less expensive.
Bamboo Didgeridoo
Bamboo didgeridoos have two important benefits for the beginner didgeridoo player. Bamboo is cheap and easy to vibrate, making it easy to play.
Bamboo is also sometimes used by the aborigines to make didgeridoos. Bamboo is easy to find and work with, making it popular for DIY didgeridoo projects and it is lightweight, so bamboo didges are easier to carry around.
However, bamboo is not without its faults. Bamboo has thin walls which make a hollow sound that is not quite as rich as eucalyptus. Bamboo also tends to split more than other types of wood.
Teak Wood Didgeridoo
Teak wood makes a BEAUTIFUL drone for your didgeridoo music. A Teak wood didgeridoo is also less expensive than eucalyptus. It is however much heavier than eucalyptus and most other materials used for didgeridoos.
Synthetic Composite Plastic or PVC Didgeridoo
Synthetic plastic didgeridoos are very inexpensive, lightweight, and EASY to play.
They readily vibrate and are responsive, making them a breeze to drone and a favorite for beginners.
PVC is a popular choice for making your own or DIY didgeridoos because it allows you to make a didgeridoo on the cheap and try it before you invest in a proper didge.
The sound of synthetic didgeridoos is not as authentic or rich as wood didgeridoos, however, so be aware of that.
Agave Didgeridoo
Agave is the plant used to make tequila, it is common in Mexico. But Agave didgeridoos are not too common. The wood that comes from the flower of the agave is used. The agave has a nice sound and is very resonant, so it vibrates well and is pretty easy to play.
However agave is not available everywhere, but if you live in a place where it grows, it can make an affordable didgeridoo with great sound.
Hibiscus Wood Didgeridoo
Hibiscus stem is sometimes used as a provisional instrument.
A Hibiscus wood didgeridoo is extremely thin and lightweight with a clear, booming drone.
The nature of hibiscus wood allows you to connect with the didge and your music as you can feel the vibration and sound through the wood.
Mahogany Wood Didgeridoo
A didgeridoo made from real wood usually has a much better resonance. Mahogany is strong and durable and has a deep sound.
Mahogany wood is also a bit heavy and more expensive than some other didgeridoo materials, but mahogany wood is often used to make didgeridoos, especially compact, travel, or spiral didgeridoos.
PVC Didgeridoo-How to Make a Beginners Didgeridoo from PVC
Time Needed : 45 minutes
This EASY DIY Make Your own PVC Didgeridoo is perfect for beginners. The PVC vibrates easily, making it a breeze for beginners to drone, plus it costs so little, its a great way to see if the didgeridoo is the right shaman instrument for you.
Get PVC tube
Get a length of 40mm PVC tube between 41 and 52 inches.
Cut PVC pipe
Cut PVC pipe to the desired length based on desired Key. Cut to 41 inches for an E key didgeridoo, cut to 46.5 inches for a D key didgeridoo, and cut to 52 inches for a C key didgeridoo.
Sand or file ends of PVC tube
Sand or file ends of PVC tube so they are smooth and rounded off.
Get yourself some beeswax
Get yourself some beeswax, or purchase a didgeridoo beeswax mouthpiece replacement.
Warm the wax using the sun or warm water. Roll the wax into a tube shape about the thickness of a pencil. Place the beeswax on the top end of the didgeridoo and smooth down the edges. The mouth opening should be between 1.5 and 1.25 inches wide, it’s your preference and can be molded and adjusted to fit you.
The idea behind beeswax is to get a good seal with your mouth. You may also like to know that beeswax is naturally anti-bacterial and antimicrobial, which is why it is perfect for a didgeridoo mouthpiece.
Your didge is done
Your didge is done. Now it’s time to find your drone. Give your didge a toot.
Try this tutorial for some great tips!
How To Play Didgeridoo For Absolute Beginners with AJ Block
Tools
- File, sander or sandpaper
Pipe cutter or small hand saw (optinal)
Materials
- PVC tube
Tube cutter, hand saw or have hardware store cut PVC to desired length
Beeswax for mouth piece
File or sandpaper
Can I make DIY Didgeridoos for my Didgeridoo music from other materials?
You sure can. No need to look for where to buy didgeridoos if you are crafty. Check out these Make your own DIY didgeridoo videos:
Didgeridoo FAQs
How do I make the best Didgeridoo Music drones, sounds, songs, and rhythms?
The good news is you do not need a lot of prior musical training or experience to get started playing the didgeridoo. Even kids can pick it up pretty easily, provided the didge is light and easy to handle.
All you need is to be able to relax. If you know how to give a raspberry or motorboat with your lips, you are ahead of the game.
Some find it easiest to start by sitting, with a straight back, facing a wall so the sound bounces back to you, giving you feedback on how you are doing.
Relax your lips, but keep them closed, with the bottom lip protruding a bit more than the top.
To play the didge, take a deep breath in, get a seal between your lips and the didge, and slowly force the air out through closed lips, making a “Thbbft” sound similar to a sound a horse would make, or the sound of giving a baby a raspberry on his tummy.
Once you are successful in creating the iconic didgeridoo drone, it's like learning a song or two.
This YouTube video demonstrates a popular Didgeridoo rhythm and how you can learn to play it.
A Popular Didgeridoo Rhythm and How To Play ItHow do I use circular breathing with a Didgeridoo?
If you spend any time listening to didgeridoo teachers you will hear the term circular breathing. The idea is you give constant air to the didge so the sound is continuous. But if you are giving constant air, how can you inhale?
Truth: You can’t!
Teachers will tell you to learn circular breathing, but it is physiologically impossible to inhale and exhale at the same time.
But…
The technique called circular breathing is actually a method of filling your cheeks full of air to give pressurized air to your didge while you inhale, so the sound is not interrupted. Check out the following YouTube video to see how it’s done.
Didgeridoo Secret Revealed: Circular Breathing is NOT Circular Breathing!Where can I get replacement beeswax for my Didgeridoo?
It’s easy to replace your didgeridoo mouthpiece. All you need is some beeswax.
Beeswax is the BEST material for your didgeridoo mouthpiece because it is easy to work with, natural, and has built-in antibacterial properties.
If you do not know a beekeeper or other source of beeswax, you can purchase beeswax prepared for didgeridoos online.What is the Best Didgeridoo for Kids?
I personally really like the Toca Curved Didgeridoo and think it’s a great choice for kids.
The Toca Didgeridoo is super lightweight and made from durable PVC didge. It is cheap and easy to play since it readily vibrates. It is not too long and kids can carry it easily and knock it around without damaging it.
Youtube Video of Toca Didgeridoo
Amazon link for Toca Didgeridoo
What aboriginal Australian Instruments exist besides the Didgeridoo?
The Aboriginal Bullroarer
A Bullroarer is an ancient aboriginal instrument used to ward off evil spirits. Traditionally, only men used this haunting instrument, which was embellished with a rainbow serpent, known as a creator god among the aboriginals.
The bullroarer is how this instrument is known in the west but the aboriginals guard its actual name from outsiders. The aboriginals use the bullroarer for hallowed ceremonies like funerals and rites of passage.
The bullroarer makes its soul-moving, otherworldly sound by holding the string with one hand and whirling the wood through the air.
Aboriginal Clapsticks
Clapsticks are a common percussion instrument of the Aboriginals.
They make an even, consistent rhythm that is the perfect accompaniment for song, dance, and ritual.
Peace out and See you later, for now.
Thanks for stopping by on your journey to find the best affordable didgeridoo, I sincerely hope this helped you find the right one for YOU!
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actually enjoyed what that you published . it really is not that simple to find great posts to read (you know.. READ and not simply going through it like some uniterested and flesh eating zombie before moving on), so cheers man for not wasting my time on the god forsaken internet. :p
Thank you for your post, and i suppose it helps me a lot.
actually enjoyed what you posted actually. it really isnt that simple to find even remotely good text to read (you know.. really READ and not just going through it like some uniterested and flesh eating zombie before moving on), so cheers mate for really not wasting any of my time! :p
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Welcome to the Blog Tomasz!
Love and Light to you from our one true source
Katie Lyn
Fairly insightful post. Never thought that it was this simple after all. I had spent a good deal of my time looking for someone to explain this topic clearly and you’re the only one that ever did that. Kudos to you! Keep it up
Thank you!
Love and Light to you, Fellow traveler!
Katie Lyn
A thoughtful opinion and ideas I will use on my blog. Youve obviously spent a lot of time on this. Congratulations!
Thank you Trojany!
Love and Light
Katie Lyn
You made an amazing post. Put up more content soon! I will bookmark your blog. 🙂
Hello blessed Kawaly!
Thank you for the kind words!
Love and light energy to you my fellow traveler.
Katie lyn
Nice site, looks very organized. Finally found what Ive been looking for, thanks!
Thank you for the kind words!
Love and light!
Katie Lyn
Im grateful for the article.Much thanks again. Will read on…
Thanks Bruce!
I hope you find the Didgeridoo of your dreams,
Love and light,
Katie Lyn