Beeswax or Natural Wood: Didgeridoo Mouthpieces for Learners

The mouthpiece is the part of the didgeridoo you are in contact with the whole time you play, so it has a real effect on how comfortable your practice feels. In this part of the Didgeridoo Buyers Guide, Benny from Didgeridoo Breath shows two common types of mouthpiece and explains why the choice comes down to personal preference. Here is how that plays out for someone who is learning.

The two types in the video

Natural wood. On some instruments the termites have hollowed the end so neatly that no beeswax is needed. The mouthpiece is simply the bare wood. Benny says some players love this, and prefer it when jumping from the drone to the toot.

Beeswax. On others the termites have eaten out a wider opening. A ring of beeswax is added to bring it to a comfortable size, and Benny points out that most didgeridoos have one. He describes beeswax as soft, comfortable and pleasant smelling, and calls it a natural antibiotic.

Why comfort matters when you are learning

Benny sums it up: a comfortable connection is what it is all about. Early on, you are asking your lips to do something unfamiliar for minutes at a time. If the mouthpiece feels awkward, you tend to press harder, tense up and tire sooner. A mouthpiece that suits your mouth lets you relax, which makes it easier to find and hold a steady drone.

Shaping a beeswax mouthpiece to fit you

One of the first things experienced players do when they pick up a new didgeridoo is give the beeswax a tap and a pinch to customise it to their own mouth. Benny recommends doing the same when your instrument arrives. A few practical tips:

• Make small changes. Press and shape the wax a little, play for a while, then adjust again. It is easier to fine-tune than to undo a big change.
• Aim for a comfortable seal. Your lips should rest against the mouthpiece without straining, so that air does not leak around the edges.
• Pay attention after a session. If your lips feel sore or tired in one spot, that is a sign the shape could be better.
• Give it time. Benny says that pretty soon you will get a feel for what is right for you. Your preference may change as your technique develops.

If your mouthpiece is bare wood

A natural wooden mouthpiece cannot be reshaped the same way, so the fit is more about how you position your lips. Many players are perfectly happy with it, and some prefer the direct feel. If you find it uncomfortable, it is worth trying an instrument with beeswax to compare.

Find your sweet spot

There is no single correct mouthpiece. Like much of the didgeridoo world, it is an organic, personal thing, and part of the fun is discovering what feels right for you. Once you have a mouthpiece you are comfortable with, the next step is building a reliable drone. The beginner didgeridoo lessons at Didgeridoo Dojo walk you through that, starting from the very first sound.