Bodhran Drums
Irish bodhran drums gained prominence in modern Irish music after Sean O Riada integrated them into performances with Ceoltoiri Chualann and later the Chieftains. Since then, playing techniques for these instruments have continuously evolved.
Formerly, performers used a bare hand to beat a drum; now a stick known as a cipin is preferred as it allows players to produce various tonal levels and soundscapes.
Origins
The Bodhran (pronounced Bo-HARN) is a flat round drum composed of a wooden hoop frame stretched with goatskin stretched tight across it, similar to a tambourine without its jingles, used primarily in Irish traditional music. It has two crossed wooden supports that support its hoop while featuring holes for players to hold beaters known as Stick, Tippers or Cipin and strike its skin with it.
The Bodhran has seen great popularity during the folk music revival of the 1960s due to players like Sean O Riada who propelled it into mainstream Irish traditional music and instrument status with their masterful performances of traditional Irish instruments like Bodhrans. O Riada created a new playing style which explored all musical aspects of this versatile drum; ultimately making Bodhran an essential element in Ireland’s cultural legacy.
Styles
Different bodhran playing styles have evolved over time. Bodhrans can be played using either just your hand, or with an instrument such as a beater, tipper, or cipin stick. Sometimes your left hand may even press its skin differently to change pitch and sound characteristics.
The McNeela Classic Performance Bodhran is an affordable instrument to explore this next level of music making. Featuring a 14″ drum with deeper shell and internal tunability, this model can take your musical journey to new heights.
Modern bodhrans often include this internal tuning system, making the Irish frame drum into an increasingly sophisticated musical instrument. Furthermore, this allows a drummer to tune his bodhran independently from atmospheric conditions, such as humidity levels; which can have an enormous impact on its tone.
Materials
A bodhran is composed of a circular frame covered with goat skin that can be adhered to the frame using glue, staples or nails; glueing produces the strongest and neatest results.
A drum can be played using either your hands, fingers or with a tipper (a double-headed stick commonly known as a beater). Playing from the heel of your hand creates sharp, urgent sounds while using its flat side can produce more gradual strikes.
The bodhran, typically associated with Irish folk music, was revived into modern traditional music by Sean O Riada and since then taken to exciting new heights by percussionists such as Peadar Mercier who have brought new energy and enthusiasm for Irish traditional music to its drum. Now considered its beating heart.
Tuning
To achieve maximum effectiveness when playing a bodhran, its tension should be evenly balanced to produce a clean and true tone.
Bodhrans can be played using either bare hand or with the use of a stick known as a “cipin.” A “bottom end,” who employs their skin hand to move up and down along the bearing edge to produce different pitches, is known as an expert on using only their bare hand to play their instrument.
Longer-term solutions involve inserting cardboard’shims’ to raise the pitch of a bodhran. Insert multiple of these between its shell and head for best results, placing in a humid environment to allow shims to loosen over time and returning it back to its original pitch; once removed from playback they may be removed for optimal sounds, from urgent beats to melodious rings and sobs.
Maintenance
Bodhrans can easily become damaged through accidental contact with sharp objects or sudden fluctuations in humidity or temperature. A small dab of neatsfoot oil on the underside of their heads (without paint designs) should help reduce this possibility.
If your bodhran features a tuning system, ensure the tension is spread equally between all tuners to help ensure tight skin and reduce any risk of stretching. This is essential in maintaining its shape over time and ensures an even sound.
The bodhran is one of the most iconic Irish drums. With roots both traditional and contemporary music, its popularity continues to increase through players like John Joe Kelly from De Danann band. These musicians have pioneered new playing techniques that have established this instrument as an integral component of Irish culture.
