Bodhran Tippers
A bodhran is an Irish frame drum played with a tipper stick and considered one of the oldest instruments ever created.
Bodhrans come in various sizes and shapes. Additionally, there are numerous kinds of beaters to choose from that may relieve pressure on your wrist.
Weighted beaters
These beaters feature small metal weights embedded into each tine to help it swing effortlessly in your hand and reduce pressure on your wrists, relieving any additional stress when compressing wefts. However, it’s important to remember that overusing this type of beater could result in injury due to its added weight.
These thin beaters are an excellent option for weaving smaller EPI weaves, thanks to their large impact surface and clear sound that resonates well. Furthermore, these hard maple beaters feature smooth Danish oil finishes with five per inch wooden teeth attached for additional attack power.
Hot rod tippers
Hot rod tippers are very popular due to their full sound. Constructed from wood or bamboo, they can be adjusted at an adjustable angle with sliding rings to create multiple impact points on a drumhead while decreasing friction at its contact points. Attack surfaces must be carefully finished (by rounding or sanding) in order to minimize concentrated friction points – although loose clothing, scarves and long hair could become trapped within them and require careful handling by players so as not to cause further damage.
These Hedwitschak tippers are lightweight yet still provide ample bass content, featuring bar ash handles. There are multiple versions available:
Soft tippers
Soft tippers differ from weighted beaters in that their impact is dispersed over a series of small dowels, producing a fuller sound with percussive click when struck, creating an elegant sound. Bodhran players who desire more delicate sounds have increasingly turned to this style of beater.
While the material of a bodhran tipper has minimal influence on its tones, it does have significant ramifications on how comfortable and grippable the beater feels and grips the instrument. Therefore, it may be beneficial to experiment with various wood species like ebony, snakewood, maple, ash or grenadillo for maximum results.
At its core, every bodhran tipper will sound and feel different, so experimentation will help you identify those best suited to your playing style. Borrow some from friends to test, making notes on length, wood type, diameter size, end shape design treatment of tip and location of grips.
