PERC. A little bit of trivia Vol.2~Udu edition~

PERC. A little bit of trivia VOL. 2. Following on from the previous cajon, I would like to introduce you to the Udu (UDU), a musical instrument made from a pot.

Udu is a percussion instrument that produces sound by hitting a pottery pot with bare hands.
Originally, there was an instrument called the Igbo drum that was played during ceremonies by the Igbo people of Nigeria, and those made with a body made of ceramic or fiberglass based on this shape are widely called the Udu drum.

Basically, the mainstream is pot-shaped pottery with a hole in it, but there are many different types, such as ones with skin on the bottom that can be beaten like a drum, and ones with a liquid called liquid inside the pottery that produces the unique sound of water.

It is a relatively quiet percussion instrument, so it is popular as a percussion instrument that can be played at home.
When used in live performances, the sound is often picked up by a microphone and played.

General wuduThere is a hole between the cylindrical tip and the center of the body.

Udu has leather on the bottom and can be beaten like a drum.

A wudu in which the common hole is the striking surface.

Now let's take a look at the basic way to play wudu.

The most important basic posture when playing the Ibo drum (Udu drum) is to relax and fix the hole in the side so that you can comfortably cover it with your palm.
There are two styles: sitting on the floor and sitting on a chair (or using a stand).

1. Sitting on the floor (traditional/common)

This is the most stable posture, and the one that makes it easier to hear the unique low tones of wudu.

•  How to sit: Sit cross-legged on the floor or with your legs slightly bent.
• Fixing the instrument: Place the bottom of the wudu between the thighs (between the thighs) or on one thigh.
  *Udu tends to roll, so place the included ring-shaped pedestal (cushion) or place a rolled up bath towel underneath to stabilize it.
• Orientation: Tilt the side hole so that you can close it vertically from above with the palm of your left hand (if you're right-handed).

2. Style of sitting on a chair (contemporary/for live performances)

This position is suitable for playing in combination with other instruments or for long periods of time.

• How to sit: Sit shallowly in front of a chair and stretch your back.
• Fixing the instrument: Fix the Udu's body by sandwiching it between your thighs.
• Use of a special stand: By installing it on a percussion snare stand or a stand dedicated to Udu, you can concentrate on playing without putting any strain on your feet.

• Main striking methods and differences in sound

• Bass sound (bass)
  • How to hit: Quickly hit the hole on the side (or the hole at the top) with your palm, then quickly release your hand.
  • Sound characteristics: When the air is compressed, a unique deep bass sound called "Bowan" and "Muwan" that resonates in your stomach is produced.
• Open tone (treble/dry tone)
  • How to hit: Hit the pottery body (body) with no holes with a snap motion with your fingertips or palm.
  • Sound characteristics: Produces extremely sharp and clearly defined high-pitched sounds, such as the "chip" and "tap" sounds unique to ceramics. The pitch changes depending on the thickness of the place you strike.
• Mute tone (stuffed sound)
  • How to hit: After hitting the body, press your finger directly against the surface to stop the vibration.
  • Sound characteristics: Produces a short, tight sound with no reverberation, perfect for accenting rhythms.
• Special performance techniques (pitch changes and sound effects)
  • Air control: By hitting the body while covering one hole with the palm of your hand, or by gradually releasing your hand that is blocking the hole, you can smoothly change the pitch (bending) with a "wow, wow" sound.
  • Scratch: By scratching the surface of the pottery with your fingertips or nails, you can create an environmental sound effect similar to maracas or guiro.
  • Finger roll: Play fast, detailed phrases by hitting multiple fingers in succession, like a tabla.

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We sell a variety of Udu drums at our store, so if you are interested after reading this article, please come and visit us!
You can try it out at the store, so if you would like to try it out, please feel free to ask our staff.

notice! !

Also this SaturdayUdu fair (percussion instruments and pottery fair) will be held from August 8th.I will do it!
We have collected a variety of domestic and international udu, starting with the unique udu made from Mashiko ware, which is rarely seen elsewhere, so please come and have a look.

[Ended] Udu, Ibo Drum Pop Up Market “Percussion Instruments Pottery Market”
We have decided to hold an event where you can see, touch, and buy Udu and Ibodrum! It will be held at "JPC 3rd floor Ethnic City" from August 8th (Saturday)!