Agave Didjeridu

These instrument are made in our shop from agave stalks. The agave is a plant that lives in dry, desert areas. They are common in the southwest, but I have also havested some in Florida. They are often referred to as a cactus, but are actually a succulent, related to the yucca.

Agave plants bloom only once in their life, the blooming spike is so large and grows so fast that it saps all the resources of the plant, which then dies, leaving a tall wooden seed stalk. It is this stalk which is harvested and used to make these instruments. The plant is referred to as the century plant because of this once a century bloom. In actuality, the plant lives an average of 25 years. It was also an important plant to indigenous people, being used for medicines, fiber, needles, and food. Tequila and Mescal are produced from fermented juice from the agave plant

The first agave didjeridus were made by Mark Woody and master agave maker, Allan Shockley. Mark had the original idea, and Allan perfected the instrument and the process into what is now known as his Dreamtime Pipe. Allan has produced and sold thousands of his Dreamtime Pipes, which are revered by players all over the planet, including David Hudson, Stephen Kent, Randy Graves and many more.

Anyone who makes instruments from agave or yucca owe their success to Allan Shockley. One of the most special moments for me was at the 2001 Joshua Tree Didj Fest when another master agave maker and player, Jason Strazzabosco emotionally dedicated his performance to Allan Shockley, as the grandfather of the instrument. For Allan, it has always been more than the instrument ... it is the complete, inseparable relationship with the plant, breath and harmonics. For his pioneering work and dedication to perfecting the instrument, I am forever indebted.

For more info on Allan and his instruments, please take the time to visit Allan's web site and check out his instruments.