The Bass A is our lowest pitched Duduk. She manufactured in the same workshop as our other Duduk models are.
Due to its length this Duduk consists of two parts that are put together for playing. That makes this large Duduk handy to transport. The angle in the upper part makes the instrument ergonomically easy to hold.
Playing the Duduk Bass A requires some experience in playing Duduks. Like most low pitched wind instruments you will need a lot of air and good breathing/blowing techniques to have fun with it. But you will definately be rewarded with its wonderfully smoothly low-ptiched timbre.
The double-reed mouthpiece "Ghamish" is a piece of art in itself. It is produced by a different master instrument maker. Compared to other double-reed instruments the Ghamish reed of the Duduk is longer and broader. Due to this structural characteristic the "Armenian Flute" gets its smooth sound. Notice: The "F" branding on the Ghamish is just the signature of the maker, but not the indicator of the key/tuning.
The Duduk comes with one Ghamish reed and a small cleaning cloth.
(Single Duduks without Ghamish can be inquired by email.)
Just a few more words about the Ghamish (Reed)
Don't keep the Ghamish at the Duduk for storage. Put the Ghamish with its tapered end into the top part of your Duduk for playing. Use the "clamp" to fine-tune with your relieving pressure. To get the full scope of sound both the Duduk and the Ghamish need some time to be played warm and wet.
In order to open and warm the Ghamish before playing, we recommend to take it with a loosened ring between the lips (slightly lower than the playing position) and wet it lightly. The Ghamish will open slowly by itself. This can be heard with a slight crack, but is not a problem. To further warm the Ghamish for the game on the Duduk, simply turn it over, take the wrapped side into your mouth and breathe calmly for a few minutes. Through this process the Ghamish is slowly and evenly supplied with heat and moisture and is then ready to play.
During production, the Ghamish is carefully shaped over a period of two weeks without cracking.
We do not recommend to immerse the Ghamish in water to open it. Dipping the Ghamish into water causes moisture to penetrate the material too quickly, accelerating the opening process and causing permanent damage and cracking, making the Ghamish unplayable.
A practical idea: For a secure transport and storage get a cheap hard case for eyeglasses, drill some holes for a better air circulation and put your Ghamish there.
Get more background information in our blog
Although the Duduk is well-known as an original Armenian instrument it has long been played all over the world. The Duduk does not only appear in Armenian folk and art music, it is also played
There are various musical instruments, whose word stem corresponds to the term " Duduk ". In the countries neighbouring Armenia , several instruments can be found which are similar to the Armenian duduk, such as the Mey , Balaban or Duduki. All these instruments are double reed instruments , similar to an oboe . The sound is generated by double reeds pounding against each other. How does it happen that similar words refer to different musical instruments and what is it that makes the Duduk so unique as an Armenian instrument?
The typical sound of the Duduk is often described as contemplative and melancholic. The Armenian double-reed woodwind instrument again and again enchants people with its smooth sounds. Actually the repertoire of sad songs for the Duduk is by far larger than that of hilarious or dancing tunes. But what does sad mean? Which feelings and temper can be expressed with the Duduk? And when does the Duduk sound bright and jovial?
Two melodious documentaries come from the Magdeburg film production company Blende39 , Eva-Luise Volkmann and Peter Bräunig. "Mundton ", a portrait of the international Jew's harp scene, shot during the 5th International Jew's Harp Festival in Amsterdam, was released in 2006. At the suggestion of Jew's harp and duduk player Sören Birke , a second film is now being made. " Bitter Apricot " is still in the middle of production. The music documentary tells the story of the relationship between the world-famous duduk player Djivan Gasparyan and his grandson, who wants to pass the duduk on to the next generation. Eva-Luise Volkmann from Blende39 spoke with Helen Hahmann about the motives and the appeal of approaching these two musical instruments in two documentary films.
BITTER APRICOT tells the story of a sound that mesmerizes people all over the world. The power of this music connects the whole nation of Armenians. This unique sound inspires and excites international musicians like Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel or Hans Zimmer. Like them, we’re going to search for the instrument that sparked their imagination: A flute made of apricot wood, called the Duduk (Tzirana Pogh). The team of blende39 needs your support to finish the documentary film BITTER APRICOT. On the crowdfunding site Kickstarter you can support them with your donation.
Manufacturer
EthnicTune
Halabyan Street 39, 0038 Yerewan, AM
sales@ethnictune.com
Responsible Person
Clemens Voigt & Sven Otto GbR
Graßdorfer Str. 52, 04425 Taucha, DE
gpsr@danmoi.com
