FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are answers to some common questions.
What is a Didgeridoo?

A Northern Australian aerophone musical instrument (brasswind instrument because the players
lips buzz). The didgeridoo or didjeridu are just a couple of the popular non Aboriginal ways of naming
one of the oldest wind instruments in the world. Yi
daki is one of the many Aboriginal names for this
musical instrument. The term yi
daki is the Yolngu Aborigine term which originates from a specific
region in Northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory of Australia. Find out more about yi
daki
traditions direct from the Yolngu by
clicking here. The didjeridoo is constructed from a termite
hollowed tree trunk or limb with a gum or wax substance put on the smallest tapered end to form a
mouthpiece for the player.

Who is John Groves?

John Groves is a professional: music educator, musician, crafter, and importer. Mr. Groves holds a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, specializing in the areas of music education and performance.
John hand crafts unique musical instruments and is one of the largest importers of Australian
Aboriginal made musical instruments in the USA. John was a guest performer with Teatro ZinZanni
and crafted the shows official instruments. John has also performed at The National Music Museum
in the USA and with the Bank of America DOWN UNDER TOUR for workshops and performance. Mr.
Groves is in demand for private instruction, school presentations and performance.
Click Here for
additional biographical information.

Is John available for private lessons, demonstrations, clinics and
performances?

Yes. Didgeridoo, bull roarers & clap sticks. I'm available for appearances just let me know your
needs. I do tours so let me know if you want me to come to your town for lessons, workshops and or
performance. Just email John at JG@JGMP.com and we can take care of the details of getting me to
your location for your event.

How easy/hard is it to learn and play didgeridoo?

Like with any musical instrument the more time you spend playing it the better you get and everyone
learns skills at different rates. No musical notation skills required. Playing didgeridoo is not rocket
science. It's very accessable to anyone who wants to enjoy the challenges of learning to play and half
the fun is in the learning anyhow so have fun and don't worry mates as you'll embark on a life time of
not only learning a musical instrument but about the culture it was developed from.

Are these items art or a musical instrument?

Both. Functional art may be more fitting. Needless to say how or what its used for, pride has gone
into every instrument created by various creators & artists items carried here.

Does the Australian Aboriginal community benefit from my purchase?

Yes, your purchase of anything Aboriginal produced helps to fund the individual artist or community
even other items sold here help to produce cash flow so we can buy from instrument craftsmen in
Australia. John Groves Music Productions: Didgeridoo Gallery is proud to present a diverse selection
of musical instruments and accessory items to choose from here in the USA by Australia's premiere
Aboriginal craftsmen from throughout Australia.

What does performance sound, concert player mean?

Classifying didgeridoos to certain performance or concert class is very subjective buzz term that
some may use. Do not let this confuse you as I see folks basically say the more expensive it is or the
bigger it is, the better. So, in turn it is classified concert quality. What does this mean? Seems to be a
size thing! It just creates confusion for the most part. If you are a professional musician you have the
chops to be able to play anything very well -- soft (piano) or loud (forte). I guess that makes any didge
a "concert" player  or "performance" quality didge, even plastic tubes if you have the techniques down.
Of course some instruments will have more desirable qualities to the masses of players and
individuals as well that may be described as instant gratification. NE Arnhem Land yi
daki by Yolngu
for example have different playing characteristics than contemporary didgeridoos made in other parts
of Australia by various Aboriginal groups. Classifying between these 2 groupings of didgeridoo
instruments opens up a can of worms as so called concert qualities for a didgeridoo may be totally
different in the mind's eye of a didge player in America compared to its traditional use in Arnhem
Land and other places throughout Australia. Anyway, pretty subjective stuff to say the least in
describing of concert/performance quality. There's no need to over think it. If there is something about
the sound and look that draws you to a didgeridoo you see here, the didge has found you!

Is my name and location put next to sold instruments?

No. Not in less you really want us to. We do not disclose our customers names this prevents other
folks from tracking your purchases. Furthermore your email is not shared with any other person or
business.

Why does or doesn't my didgeridoo have a wax mouthpiece?

Wax is usually only applied for one or both reasons: For comfort to the player or as a reducer in size
of the bore at the mouthpiece end. Otherwise wax is not applied. Most instruments from the Arnhem
Land region of Australia do not have wax. This can be a shock to some folks that are use to playing
bigger contemporary sized wax mouthpieces and tubular plastic pipe didges. If you need beeswax
click here.

How do I care for my didgeridoo?

Click here for a didgeridoo care guide.

Can John find a specific didgeridoo for me?
Such as length, bell size, art work, color, tuned to a particular key, double
mouthpiece, other wants in a didgeridoo?

Yes, let me know your needs. I may have something in stock you are looking for or may be able to get
it in for you.

What does the term Didj or Didge mean?

This is an Aussie short hand term or reference to didgeridoo. For example: That's an awesome
sounding didj!

Do I have to pay a duty, customs charges or tariff?

No Hassles with Customs and No Duty Charges if you live in the USA. All stock is here in the USA for
fastest delivery in the US. Usually within 3 to 4 business days for in stock items even sometimes
less if you reside close to Washington state. (Based on US Postal Service Priority shipping data)

Does John ship to outside of the U.S.A.?

Yes. Rates vary and duty fees may apply. This depends on location & what item(s) are shipped.

Got other shipping questions?

Visit our shipping information and rate page by clicking here.

How do I spell Didgi@%!*&$?

Pick your favorite way. Here are some spellings I've found: didgeridoo, didjeridu, didjeridoo,
didgeridu, digeridoo, didgeredoo, dijerido...... Which one is correct depends on who you talk to but
the most popular spellings from what I can tell is didgeridoo or didjeridu.

Does John supply wholesale to retailers & distributors?
And if I am one, can I contact you?

Yes. Contact for wholesale terms email: JG@JGMP.com

I've still got questions. How do I reach John?

Contact me with ANY questions you may have. Email: JG@JGMP.com
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