I’m interested in this instrument (just what I need–ANOTHER instrument) and I’m wondering if anyone plays these and can tell me about it. Is it hard to play? Rewarding? Do you like your duduk?
Look here for info about it…
http://www.duduk.com/Arm-music-ins/index.html
Why a duduk?
(duduking and running)
Yeah, I never met a Duduk I didunt likeuk.
Especially in Duduk Soup.
sorry folks, couldn’t resist…
Quit quacking duduk jokes!
They’re pretty rare outside of Armenia or ethnic Armenian enclaves. Your best bet if you want to learn to play one is to go to Armenia for an extended period of time.
Back to my usual sullen, proper, PC seriousness…
I spot you live in San Francisco. As far as I remember (which gets back to 1980…) there was a live Armenian community there, complete with churches (but what congregation doesn’t have its church in SF?), restaurants…
AFAI remember, I’d put its center near West Geary, somewhere in-between Richmond and 25th Ave.
Anyway, if I wanted to learn the music, I’d spot their church first… It’s always the heart of a small community even for the agnostics…
But hey! what duduk I know after all these years?
You’re looking for an instrument that makes you look like this??
Yeah, the piper’s grip is ok, but that left hand down looks ridiculous…
If only Tony didn’t flip the negative 
God, and I thought I looked stupid when I play the whistle. Those guys looked really silly.
But I love the sound and there’s something about that big double reed that attracts me…Well, I guess when I have some spare time, I’ll seek out the Armenian church and see if there’s any duduking about…
I don’t think I can go to Armenia (or anywhere else) for an extended period of time, unless I win the lottery, which I don’t even play.
As I read this thread, I was going to post “What’s a duduk?” But now I don’t think I will.
So, are the tennis balls in your mouth required when playing the instrument or is that just tradition?
Yeesh, those things must have a lot of back pressure!
Edited to add - so much back pressure that with some hardboiled eggs and beer a soloist can probably play a duet…
All kidding aside, they sound really lovely, especially in the hands of a master like Djivan Gasparyan. The music definitely has a middle eastern sound to it, lots of semitones that are created via cross fingerings and embouchure control. It has a fairly diverse tonal palette, too and more dynamic range than you’d expect from what is basically a kind of shawm. I’m sure it’s extremely difficult to play well (circular breathing is necessary in many cases) and the reeds must be challenging to make.
Duduk, Duduk, Duduk,
Duduk of Earl, Duduk, Duduk…
That must account for the ‘Chipmunk’ facial expressions!
It probably does. Sounds great when the chipmunk behind it knows how to play well.
GOOSE!
Kar, the Duduk has been charming me for years now and I’ve always wanted to own one. A friend of mine made one last year and it sounded fairly good and I gave it a try. The back pressure is tremendous so if you can keep from passing out and build up your lungs to meet the demand its a fabulous instrument. If you find a source for fine quality instruments please let me know.
Ronaldo
I’ve been wanting one of these for years.
Great web site David, thanks.
Ronaldo