Aspen Didgeridoo by Ben Hicks

Gutsy and Feral are the two adjectives that leap forward to describe the sound of this didge. Ben Hicks of Colorado never disappoints. Trumpet tones jump to attention when one just thinks about them. With a little settling in and practice, one can just jump to any of the first three trumpets in any order at any time. Many didges with the first trumpet on the octave are controllable like this. Vocals are raw and loud. Slightly kinked didges are often rich sounding at all volumes.

Just solid Aspen, the wood has special grain patterns at the knots where branches grew that make you want to stare. It has nice even silking patterns, and feels light for as big as this didge is. Being Aspen, it is really unbreakably strong, Giants could play baseball with this stick.

Very easy to play in all aspects. It dropjaws a major third with ease and has an excellent controllable upward glissando worth noting, even bragging about. Back pressure is light and makes for easy circular breathing. A beginner friendly didge with professional sound and action. It makes you understand why aboriginals and cavemen liked to play didgeridoos. And it makes you want to try new techniques, cuz you are instantly good at them.

Sound sample

Here are Steve's ratings, on a scale of 1 - 10:

Specs

Length  73"
Mouthpiece OD  1 3/4"
Mouthpiece ID  1 3/16"
Bell OD  4 3/8" x 5 3/8"
Bell ID  3 1/2" x 4 1/4"
Weight  7 lbs  8 oz