We use the term Balan'daki as our tradename for the instruments we make out of trees we harvest. It is a contraction for the Yolngu terms "Balanda", meaning whitefella and "Yirdaki" which is the name for the didjeridu. So, Balan'daki means whitefella didj.
This term has been chosen out of respect and admiration for the Yolngu people and culture, because by using it, we state quite obviously that these are not Aboriginally made. We use the term also because these instruments are modeled after the yirdaki, but are a hybrid that utilizes modern techniques and materials in an attempt to marry some of the benefits of the old and the new.
I'd like to thank Djalu' Gurruwiwwi, his family and community for the time and lessons about life and yirdaki that were shared with me. I'd also like to thank my friend Allan Shockley for his encouragement and insight into to materials, acoustics and modern didj making techniques.