Didjeribone The Original Slide Didgeridoo - RaD Didgeridoos-Australia!

an image showing the features and benifts of a didgeribone

Image showing an extended dijeribone also stating words such as slide didgeridoo and multiple Notes

Didjeribones for Sale

Great news! Yes — RaD Didgeridoos is now stocking the Didjeribone, the slide didgeridoo invented by Charlie McMahon with multi-note key change. Their site proudly introduces the instrument and announces it's part of their current offerings.

What’s a Didjeribone?

The Didjeribone, a clever fusion between a didgeridoo and trombone, allows sliding between notes — transforming the traditionally monotone instrument into a multi-note slide didgeridoo. .
Created in the early 1980s by Charlie McMahon of the band Gondwana, its goal was to make the didgeridoo more tunable and prominent in live music
RaD’s announcement confirms they are excited to share this instrument with both beginners and seasoned players
Australian-made to build trust and relevance.

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How to Circular Breath on a Didjeribone

a flyer showing how to curcular breath with images and words.

How to Play a Drone on a Didjeribone

poster showing picture of someone trying to play a drone on a didgeridoo

How to Circular Breath Playing a Didjeribone

poster showing picture of someone trying to play a toot on a didgeridoo

image of person blowing air into a didgeridoo in a 2D viewng

A Didjeribone Being Played in a Song by Midnight Oil

Didjeribone Being Played by the Creator of the Didjeribone

"Charlie McMahon"

1. What is a Didjeribone?

The Didjeribone is a modern slide didgeridoo invented by Charlie McMahon. It combines the traditional didgeridoo’s drone with a telescopic slide (like a trombone), allowing players to shift between multiple keys. Dijeribone is made of PVC, with a rubber mouthpiece for comfort and a two-piece telescoping slide for pitch control.

2. How does it differ from a traditional didgeridoo?

Traditional Didgeridoos are made from termite hollowed timber such as Eucalyptus. )Plastic (PVC)PitchFixedAdjustableRangeOne drone noteUp to 8 pitchesPortabilityHeavier, delicateLightweight, durable

3. Who can play the Didjeribone?

It’s great for:

Beginners
Children
Buskers
Professional musicians
Experimental artists

4. Is it hard to learn?

A Didjeribone is one of the best didgeridoos to learn to play on

Basic lip buzzing (like blowing raspberries)
Learning circular breathing (for continuous play)
Mastering slide control for pitch variation

5. What is circular breathing, and do I need it?

Circular breathing is a technique that lets you inhale through your nose while pushing air out with your cheeks. It’s essential for continuous droning and rhythmic play.

6. How do I change notes on the Didjeribone?

Extend or retract the slide tube while playing:

Slide out = lower pitch
Slide in = higher pitch

There are roughly 8 clear pitch steps across its range.

7. Can I use vocalizations and effects like a traditional didgeridoo?

Yes! You can:

Hum
Growl
Sing
Use percussive tongue/lip sounds. These techniques interact with the drone for rich, layered sounds.

8. Is it good for looping or electronic music?

Absolutely. The Didjeribone’s pitch control and effects-friendly tone make it perfect for:

Live looping
Electronic fusion
Ambient or cinematic textures

9. How do I clean it?

Detach both tubes
Rinse with warm water and mild soap
Use a cleaning brush for the inside
Dry completely before storage

10. Can it be used outdoors?

Yes. The Didjeribone is:

Weather-resistant
Durable
Great for festivals, busking, or camping

11. Where can I buy a Didjeribone?

RaD Didgeridoos

12. How much does it cost?

Rad Didgeridoos sells Didjeribones for AU $180, this includes accessories like:
Carrying case
Rubber moutpiece
Free beginners face to face or online

13. Can I tune the Didjeribone to specific keys?

Yes. You can approximate specific keys by:

Using a tuner
Marking the slide at key intervals, This is especially useful for playing in bands or with other instruments.

14. Can it be mic’d or amplified?

Yes! You can use:

A clip-on mic
A contact pickup
A mic placed at the bell

Combine it with loop pedals or FX processors for unique sounds.

Final Tips

Practice circular breathing separately before combining with playing.
Experiment with rhythm, beatboxing, and vocals.
Record yourself to hear progress and adjust techniques.

Heath Benifits of Playing a Yidaki

Explore how playing the didgeridoo can improve your health. From better breathing and reduced sleep apnea symptoms to stress relief and enhanced mindfulness, learn how this ancient instrument supports physical and mental well-being. Ideal for those seeking natural, holistic health practices.

Can Playing the Yidarki Help with Sleep Apnea?

Discover how regular didgeribone playing can reduce sleep apnea symptoms by strengthening airway muscles and improving breathing patterns. Backed by studies, this natural, non-invasive technique offers a unique way to manage obstructive sleep apnea and improve sleep quality.

1. Helps Reduce Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Regular playing strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, helping prevent airway collapse during sleep.
A 2006 study published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) found that playing the didgeridoo significantly reduced daytime sleepiness and improved sleep uality in people with moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

2. Improves Breathing and Lung Function

Practicing circular breathing improves respiratory control and lung capacity.
Beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions (when practiced correctly).

3. Enhances Core Strength and Diaphragm Control

Playing engages abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles, helping improve core stability and breath support.

4. Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

The low-frequency vibrations and meditative nature of playing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Similar to mindfulness or breathwork in calming the body and mind.

5. Supports Mental Focus and Mindfulness

Circular breathing requires concentration and rhythmic control, promoting mental clarity and present-moment awareness.

6. May Lower Blood Pressure

The calming and slow breathing involved may contribute to reduced blood pressure over time.

7. Improves Sleep Quality (Even Beyond Sleep Apnea)

By promoting deep breathing and relaxation, it can help improve sleep patterns even in people without diagnosed apnea.

8. Encourages Better Posture

Playing correctly requires an upright, aligned posture, which over time can help improve overall spinal health and reduce tension.

1. Strengthens Upper Airway Muscles

Playing the didgeridoo involves controlled breathing and muscle engagement around the throat and mouth.
This tones the soft palate, tongue, and pharyngeal muscles, reducing airway collapse during sleep — a key cause of OSA.

2. Reduces Daytime Sleepiness

A landmark 2006 study published in the BMJ found that patients with moderate sleep apnea who practiced didgeridoo playing regularly experienced significantly less daytime sleepiness.

3. Improves Sleep Quality

Participants in the same study also reported better overall sleep quality, both subjectively and as measured by sleep assessments.

4. Enhances Breathing Control

The circular breathing technique used in didgeridoo playing helps regulate and strengthen respiratory patterns, which can positively influence nighttime reathing.

5. Non-Invasive, Natural Therapy

Unlike CPAP machines, playing the didgeridoo is a natural, drug-free method with no side effects. It can be used alongside or in place of other treatments for mild to moderate OSA.

6. Promotes Relaxation Before Sleep

The rhythmic breathing and vibration can have a calming, meditative effect, helping the body prepare for restful sleep.

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Didjeribone Frequently Asked Questions

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) & Snoring - Randomized Controlled Trial (2006, BMJ)

A Swiss study published in the British Medical Journal (2006) evaluated 25 adults with moderate OSA who received didgeridoo lessons and practiced at home daily for four months.
Key findings:
- Epworth Sleepiness Scale (measuring daytime sleepiness): Significant reduction of ~3 points compared to control (p = 0.03)NCBI Sleep Review BMJ WIRED.
- Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI): Significant improvement—a reduction of about 6 events per hour (p = 0.05)NCBI Sleep Review.
- Partner-reported sleep disturbance: Significant reduction (p < 0.01)NCBI.
- Sleep quality (self-reported) and overall quality of life (SF‑36) showed no significant improvementsNCBI Sleep Review.

Overall, the trial concluded that regular didgeridoo practice is a well-accepted, effective alternative treatment for moderate OSA

Current medical and scientific research and the health benefits of playing the djeridu.

Specifications of a didjeribone

Creator: Charlie McMahon.
Instrument Type: Slide didgeridoo, multi-note didgeridoo, modern design.
Functionality: Key change, smooth slide, airtight seal, hands-free locking, pitch changes.
Construction: High-quality PVC, rubber mouthpiece, flared sound end, linear shape.
Trademark: Didjeribone is a registered trademark.

First Nations Names: Yidaki, Yirdaki, mandapul, mako, liddung, ngorla, and many others, varying by region and specific instrument.
Western Terms: Didjeridu, a non-Indigenous onomatopoeic word describing the sound.
Classification: Aerophone, end-blown tube, wind instrument.
Origin & Culture: Australian Aboriginal, cultural symbol, ancestral spirit, ceremony.
Construction: Termite-hollowed wood, tree trunk, bamboo.
Playing Techniques: Circular breathing, vibrating lips, diaphragm pulse, harmonics