Peter Lister wrote:
It's that F# that is ex Saltwater Band material - great sound and Guan's description has piqued my interest. It sounds great on Youtube.....Another one to my liking is also an F - the Gondarra instrument - a little dearer but it's been used in ceremony. Actually didn't notice that one before - I didn't realize Guan had 4 pages of sticks in that section. Of course I'm interested in ex ceremonial sticks because of my interest in trad sound - this is a stick that must have all the right qualities for playing trad fashion but alas I can't afford both so some other lucky person will get that one.....
So guys and gals, I'm a very happy new owner of that Yarrngu Gon
darra stick. It arrived today all warm and cosy and beautifully packaged - thanks Guan. It's a lovely piece of wood - newer than I imagined (still has natural colour inside)and very clean, solid. Gorgeously fluted from termite attack within - totally natural bore with just a little bit of working at the mouthhpiece. The throat is tight - can't even get my finger up to the second joint !
While I have long aspired to be "player" I can't say I ever achieved what I wanted, but it was always fun. This instrument plays both slow and fast - just terrific, so, great for "older-style" (read Galpu-style...) and also fast, percussive styles such as that employed by Nunggubuyu or over on Elcho. I get the impression that I'll like playing this more than I imagined.
It's a bit hungry for air - if you don't give it enough it sounds flat, but you can't seem to overfeed it either - or maybe not with my old lungs. Best not try lest I leave pieces of lung within.
So I hope you're all envious - I'm off home for a little tooting !!
. This is the way I work with him and can't complain at all.
