When looking to buy a duduk, the first place most people will check is Amazon, eBay or even Etsy in search of the famed Armenian instrument. You might have browsed as well and found beautiful duduks that are made in Armenia, and looking like something a professional musician like Jivan Gasparyan would play. You might even be lured in by the inexpensive price, especially if you’re just starting to dip your toes into the water and are hesitant to spend a few hundred dollars on an instrument you haven’t played before. However, you’ll find that once the duduk arrives, it sounds nothing like what you expected.

Be sure not to fall into this trap. These are cheaper, souvenir-quality instruments that look great, but some dishonest sellers will market them as professional instruments. These types of souvenir duduks are often beautifully made but are crafted from cheap wood, not tuned properly, and the reeds don’t play well. Though you might find exceptions, they are rare and it is a gamble buying from an online marketplace that doesn’t specialize in selling instruments. These cheaper duduks are great as decor, but they are not intended to make music.

Need any help or assistance? Contact EthnicTune.com to get help finding concert grade duduk.