Bodhran Tippers
Bodhrans can often be seen at Irish pubs and bars during traditional music sessions. Composed of a round frame covered with goatskin stretched over it, players play these drums using an instrument called a tipper or beater to strike its surface and beat against it with.
Beaters come in various forms and sizes with unique sound qualities. This article will focus on hard and soft tippers, hot rod dowel beaters and weighted beaters to provide you with all of your options.
The MEINL Percussion Bodhran Tipper FDT4
Sweetwater offers this lightweight ash wood tipper from Meinl, designed specifically to unlock its full sonic potential in five sizes of frame drum. No ordinary stick will do; for maximum results from your bodhran drum this tipper must be carefully balanced to provide ergonomic comfort while increasing attack. We proudly feature it at Sweetwater!
MEINL Percussion Bodhran Tipper FDT4 is an excellent choice for Irish drummers.
The Stevie O’Neill Tipper
Stevie Moises created this stunning bodhran tipper made of bar ash (commonly known as birch or sycamore). Designed as an easy tipper yet having playing strength comparable to heavy hard tippers, this piece can accommodate all fingering techniques and playing styles.
Bodhrans, traditionally played with both hands, have gained widespread acclaim over time. A revival in Irish traditional music in the 1960s popularised this unique instrument further and brought famed players such as Robin Morton from The Boys of the Lough (now part of Planxty) as well as Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains (The Chieftains) and Christy Moore (Planxty).
Born in Minooka, three miles southwest of Scranton, O’Neill began working in mines after his 10th birthday separating slate and other refuse from anthracite coal; earning only pennies per day as compensation. Over his career he appeared in various public service ads and commercials such as one for Miller Lite.
The O’Neill Tipper
The O’Neill Tipper is a split tipper constructed of bar ash wood that features a weighted teardrop head and oval handle for increased sound variations from your bodhran. Available in various configurations and options, the O’Neill tipper makes an excellent addition for anyone wanting more sound variations from their instrument.
Tip O’Neill was an ardent Democratic and staunch believer that all politics is local. A dedicated public servant, he tirelessly worked on behalf of working people throughout central Arkansas.
Tip continued his efforts for community improvement upon retirement from Congress in 1987 through various civic organizations and his best-selling books such as Man of the House; he died peacefully at Boston at 82.
