If you have ever spent any serious time looking for a high-quality instrument, you have probably realized that finding a bob druett didgeridoo is like finding a bit of Australian history that you can actually play. It's not just about a hollow log or a piece of wood that makes a deep noise; it is about the craftsmanship and the specific ear that Bob brought to the table. For anyone who's into the "didge" scene, his name carries a lot of weight, and for good reason.
Bob Druett wasn't just some guy making souvenirs for tourists in a dusty shop. He was someone who deeply understood the physics of sound and the natural beauty of eucalyptus wood. Based out of the Northern Territory for a long time, he had access to some of the best raw materials in the world. But more importantly, he knew what to do with them once he found them.
Why These Instruments Stand Out
The thing about a bob druett didgeridoo that hits you first is usually the finish. He had this way of making the wood look almost liquid. A lot of makers leave things a bit rough or go for a very "earthy" look, which is cool in its own way, but Bob's work often felt like fine furniture. He used high-quality resins and finishes that didn't just protect the wood—they made the grain pop in a way that's hard to describe until you're holding one in your hands.
But let's be real: you don't buy a didgeridoo just to look at it. You buy it for the sound. Bob was known for creating instruments with incredible backpressure. If you're a player, you know exactly why that matters. Good backpressure makes circular breathing so much easier. It means you don't have to work twice as hard just to keep the drone going. It allows for those crisp, sharp percussive sounds and clear vocalizations that make a performance really stand out.
The Magic of Termited Eucalyptus
You can't talk about Bob's work without talking about the wood. He almost exclusively used eucalyptus that had been naturally hollowed out by termites. Now, to the uninitiated, that might sound a bit weird—why would you want a "bug-eaten" stick? But in the world of high-end didgeridoos, that is the gold standard.
Termites eat the heartwood but leave the hard outer shell. This creates a natural, irregular bore that gives the instrument its soul. A machine-drilled didge often sounds flat or "plastic," but a natural termite-hollowed one has a resonance that feels alive. Bob had a knack for selecting pieces that had the perfect internal dimensions. He would then clean them out meticulously, ensuring there were no loose bits of wood or "termite dust" left inside to muffle the vibration.
The Playing Experience
I've talked to a few people who own a bob druett didgeridoo, and the common thread is always how "playable" they are. Some didgeridoos are finicky. You have to find the exact right lip tension or the exact right angle to get a good drone. Bob's instruments seem to meet the player halfway.
They are incredibly responsive. If you want to drop a subtle "toot" (those high-pitched trumpet-like notes), it happens almost effortlessly. The transition between the drone and the overtones is smooth. Honestly, for someone just starting out, a Druett might actually be "too good" in the sense that it makes things feel easier than they usually are on a cheaper instrument. But for a pro? It's like switching from a beat-up old sedan to a precision-tuned sports car.
Attention to Detail in the Mouthpiece
Another thing Bob was famous for was his mouthpieces. A lot of didges come with a standard beeswax mouthpiece. While beeswax is great because it's adjustable, it can get gross over time, melt in the heat, or collect lint.
Bob often integrated permanent mouthpieces made of timber or resin. These were shaped perfectly to fit the human face. It sounds like a small detail, but when you're playing for forty minutes straight, having a comfortable, hygienic, and perfectly sized mouthpiece makes a massive difference. It allows for better seal and better control, which ultimately leads to better music.
A Legacy of Quality
While Bob isn't as active in the scene as he once was, his instruments are still highly sought after on the second-hand market. You'll see them pop up in forums or specialized instrument shops every now and then, and they usually don't stay on the shelf for long. Collectors know that a bob druett didgeridoo is an investment. They don't really lose value; if anything, they become more precious as they age and the wood settles.
It is also worth noting that Bob operated under the name "Emu Didgeridoos" for a long time. So, if you see an Emu didge with Bob's signature or style, you know you're looking at the real deal. He wasn't just making a product; he was building a brand based on the idea that an Australian icon deserved to be treated with the highest level of craftsmanship.
What to Look For
If you are lucky enough to be in the market for one, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. First, check the weight. Bob's didges are often quite solid because he used dense, high-quality eucalyptus. They feel substantial in your hands.
Second, look at the bore. You'll notice how clean it is. Bob didn't take shortcuts. The airflow should feel unobstructed and powerful. Lastly, look at the art. While some of his pieces were left natural to show off the wood grain, others featured stunning Indigenous-style art or contemporary designs that were executed with a lot of respect and skill.
Is it Worth the Price?
Let's not beat around the bush—a bob druett didgeridoo isn't going to be cheap. You're paying for years of expertise, the cost of sourcing wood from the outback, and the hours of labor spent sanding, sealing, and tuning. But if you're serious about playing, it is absolutely worth it.
It's the difference between playing a toy and playing a professional-grade musical instrument. The satisfaction of hitting a perfect drone with rich harmonics is something you can't really put a price on. Plus, there is a certain pride in owning something crafted by a master of the trade.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the world of didgeridoo making is filled with a lot of hobbyists, but very few true masters. Bob Druett definitely falls into that master category. He took an ancient instrument and applied a level of modern precision and aesthetic beauty that really raised the bar for everyone else.
Whether you are a seasoned performer or just someone who appreciates fine woodwork and Australian culture, the bob druett didgeridoo represents the pinnacle of what this instrument can be. It's loud, it's beautiful, and it's built to last a lifetime. If you ever get the chance to play one, take it. You'll hear the difference in the first breath. It's not just noise; it's a craft perfected over decades, and that's something pretty special in this day and age.