HEXADIDG and HEXADIDG MINI - 3D printable didgeridoo

HEXADIDG - FULLY 3D PRINTABLE DIDGERIDOO

DESIGN BY: L3V3C

Have you ever wanted to try play didgeridoo? Well, you now can thanks to amazing new technology of 3D printing. With modern and usefull design focused on the superior shape of hexagon, this playable instrument is not only that. It is a tool to relax your brain and body and a perfect gadget to annoy every living creature surrounding you. This is something YOU need.

HOW TO PRINT?

Normally, didgeridoo is made out of wood, that gives it acoustic abilities. 3D printing on the other hand, normaly uses polymers, such as PLA and PETG. To make the model sound relatively good, the tubes should be printed with min 4 perimeters (I've tested 5 and it did good). The infill is also a a factor to consider. It is possible for infill to absorb sound so either go low on infill percentage (15-20%) with gyroid infill or 100% infill. I recommend lower spectrum, since it saves quiet a bit of time and material.

Other settings:

• Layer height: 0.2 - 0.28 (it doesnt matter that much, its just for looks)
• Line width: 0.4 - 0.65 (changing that setting improves time)
• Support: NO
• Adhesion: Brim - at least 10mm
• Line count: 4+

It is though, a relatively long print.

UPDATES:

Mouthpiece suggestion update:

Use beeswax for best seal around lips, at least for me it gives the best sound. Make a roll of it and spread it around the mouthpiece and blend it with plastic, then squeeze on top to make sharper corner. Here is the example picture:

INTRODUCING HEXADIDG MINI (BETA):

Same mouthpiece that can be used with existing add-ons, takes less time to print and sounds good. It has a higher pitch sound, tested somewhere around E note at alpha testing. Different design, still focused on hexagonal shapes. Use same settings as mentioned above. Note: this is still being tested, the final model and settings will be uploaded when the tune is correct (exact E), but this version still produces rather nice sound. Here is the video demo of the mini:

V2 - corrected overhang for easier printing.

V3 - more sizes and easier to play with mouthpiece (8. 4. 2023)

New v3 version has an updated mouthpiece, that makes instrument a bit easier to play with for begginers (takes less air to play) and it also comes in 3 different sizes (none of them is tuned though): 

• V3_OG_Size - same height as original model
• V3_MK3 - slightly taller but fits MK3S+ bed
• V3_Ender3 - even taller, fits ender printers (DON'T USE THIS MODEL FOR PRUSA)

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

I've made an add-on mouthpiece, that fits on top of the existing mouthpiece, that makes an instrument whole much easier and comfortable to play. For better sound I recommend gluing it with hot glueto make nice seal. It has 30mm opening and fits every design so far. 

30mm_MOUTHPIECE_ADD-ON

Print it with your normal print settings, I've tested 100% infill and 10% infill and it didn't make a difference.

Minor update to mouthpiece: 30mm_MOUTHPIECE_ADD-ON_V2

I've made another variation of the 30mm mouthpiece, which has a bit sharper end to it (first iteration is more rounded to make it possible to print with no support). This however requires a support material to be added. I recommend using organic supports, with printing in given orientation. It could be possible to turn the model upside down and use brim, but it requires good tuned printer. (There is also a tighter fit version that shouldn't require glue)

HOW TO PLAY IT?

Now, if you had successfully printed the didg, you have to learn to play it. Starting of by relaxing your lips and blowing through them causing them to vibrate - this will produce the sound. Now place your lips on the mouth piece and try to do the exact same thing. With some practise you will soon hear your drone tone. Then when you can achieve drone with ease, try tightening and losing your lips, this will produce variation in tones. Moving your tongue around the mount will also affect the sound. The only thing left to learn is circular breathing, which allows for continous drone sound without pauses for breathing.

Enjoy!