Hi,
I’ve been playing tin whistle for a few years now and am looking to branch out a bit. I’ve narrowed down the choices to two: duduk and bamboo sax. Irish flute doesn’t really interest me. I love the sound of both of these mentioned, and am willing to put in the time to learn. I was wondering if anyone has used duduks or saxes they would like to sell. Duduks seem to be esp. expensive, at least for a professional instrument. Or, if anyone has info. about the quality of the cheaper duduks, or any helpful info. really about these two instruments(breath requirements, fingering, tone, etc.) it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.
Aaron
Aaron, try posting over in the World/Folk Winds forum. There are a few duduk and xaphoon players there. Also do a forum search there for previous posts on both.
I know you didn’t get an answer to your last question there, but that happens. It’s a bit hard to get good advice when you’re not quite sure what you want. But it’s sure OK to ask.
Over here, I’m duty-bound to tell you to stick with the whistle. It’s in my contract. 
Aaron, your profile doesn’t say where in the world you are, so I don’t know whether this would be financially or logistically viable for you, but I have a 2nd hand bamboo sax/xaphoon type thing available to sell.
I can’t play it (can get a sound out of it OK) - sax/clarinet reeds kill my lip! It has been played for me and makes a lovely, rich and rather loud sound. I think it is in C (bottom note of diatonic scale).
Pictures below.
- Two shots of the label because it was hard to photograph due to its shiny surface (and my poor photo-skills). The signature on the side appears to read something like - Jam. M. Brock. ‘97’ - but I wouldn’t swear to that reading.
I’m asking £35 GBP plus P&P and transaction charges if any. PM me if you are interested.
Aaron, I too have been enchanted by the sound of the Duduk. A friend of mine has tried them and they have a tremendous amount of back pressure… enough to make your head spin. So if you’ve got strong lungs perhaps you can manage one but if not the bamboo sax would be a better choice.
Ronaldo