Udu DG
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 El Chico € 80,00 Buy |
 Uduka € 160,00 Buy |
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 El gordo € 120,00 |
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The origin of the word Udu is Nigerian, in the Ibo language this is how water clay pots are called. These objects are also used as percussion instruments, for they create fascinating sounds. We can find something similar in other cultures, like in India, with the Ghatam.
By striking the centre hole of the Udu with the palm of the hand, a hollow bass sound is obtained, close to that of an Indian bass Tabla, Bayan. The rest of the body is played with the fingers, creating a high pitch sound, typical of ceramic objects.
The shape of the instrument determines the register: the bigger the instrument, the lower the frequencies. Pouring water inside also changes the sound.
To use the Udu it is important to have a good stable support and an accurate microphoning, since the volume of sound of this instrument is limited. A Conga support or round pillows, as used for Tabla, are ideal to hold the Udu (see picture).
The DG Udu line is composed by three models: the smaller, El Chico, is about 18" (45 cm) in length, and 14" (35 cm) in diameter; the second one, El Gordo, measures 22" (55 cm) per 14" (35 cm), and the third one, Uduka, is the same size as El Gordo, but it features a natural skin placed on the opposite side to the neck, mounted on a rim of about 6" (12 cm) in diameter, with a side of 1.5"(3.5 cm) tall. This kind of built-in Darbuka, is part of the body of the instrument, and offers an impressive variety of sounds.
All measures are approximated by an inch, because all these products are entirely handmade.
The terracotta is then soaked with a specific high resistance wax, which gives it a pleasant look and tact.