Any wooden instrument needs to be properly cared for, and didgeridoos are no exception. These instructions are good ways to extend the life of your didgeridoo.
I got my new eucalyptus didgeridoo, now what?
Immediately after receiving your new didgeridoo you should avoid playing it excessively (20 minutes or longer) as the moisture from your breath and saliva will increase the tension in the wood and could cause cracking. Break your didgeridoo in slowly over several days.
How do I keep the inside of my didgeridoo clean?
After you play your didge you should let it "air out" and not put it in a bag or cover it up. It is always a good idea not to eat garlic or other "smelly" foods before you play your didge. Brush your teeth or have a mint before you start. If your didge does start to get funky use Tea Tree oil. Spray a little down the inside of your didge if you start to notice it is getting funky. Tea Tree oil can be found at most major drug stores in the vitamin/herb supplement area. NEVER pour water down the inside of a wood didgeridoo.
Will weather conditions affect my didgeridoo?
Keep your instrument in a stable climate. Do not store it in a hot room for long periods of time. Do not keep it in direct sunlight for long periods. Do not subject it to extreme climate changes. Examples: having it in your heated home and then taking it outside to play it in the snow. Or having it in your air conditioned house and taking it out into a hot summer day to play. When traveling between climates it is a good idea to use a didgeridoo travel bag.
Do I need to coat the inside of my eucalyptus didgeridoo with anything?
Most of our didgeridoos are already coated inside and out. They do not require further work. However it is a good idea with any high quality wooden instrument to follow these guidelines. Coating with an equal part mixture of tung oil, lemon oil, and linseed oil (found at hardware store) is recommended every week for one month, every month for one year and occasionally after that for the inside of the instrument. Put this mixture in a spray bottle and spray a light coating down the inside of the didge. Place the didge on a piece of cardboard so you won't make a mess. This mixture will create a moisture barrier and harden the wood over time which will improve the instrument. Alternatively you can also use water based urethane to seal your instrument. It will not harden the wood but it does provide an effective water barrier. NEVER pour water down the inside of a wood didgeridoo. This can seriously stress the wood and cause cracking.
How often do I have to change / put on a new beeswax mouthpiece?
Beeswax mouthpieces should last 6 months to 1 year or longer. Keep it out of direct sunlight and heat or it can melt off. Keep it away from dirt and carpets as the beeswax tends to attract dirt and fuzzies. If you decide to replace your mouthpiece you can find beeswax at craft stores in the candle making section. Make sure to use only 100% beeswax with no perfumes or oils added. Heat it up with a hairdryer until it gets soft. For a 2" diameter didge roll out a 1/2" x 8" snake/coil like shape. Adjust the amount of wax used based on the diameter of the didge. Take the snake/coil to the didge and make it into a circle on top of the didge. You may have to trim some wax. Now apply the beeswax by pushing it onto the didge. Bend the wax slightly inward until the mouth opening is 1 1/4".
Following all of the above guidelines will insure many years of enjoyment with your didgeridoo.