The Bodhran is a Traditional Irish Drum
The Bodhran is an integral component of Irish folk music, serving as a frame drum.
Origins are unclear; it could have originated as an imitation of tambourines commonly seen throughout south continental Europe.
The Bodhran became widely accepted during the roots revival movement of the 1960s and 70s, eventually becoming an international instrument.
Bodhrans
The Bodhran is an iconic Irish drum and one of the most beloved instruments in traditional Irish music. Additionally, its use can be seen at La an Dreoilin festivals where mummers or wren boys travel from house to house spreading good luck and cheer!
Bodhrans are constructed primarily out of animal skin or synthetic materials; some bodhran makers also employ goatskin as the main playing surface.
There are various bodhrans, each offering different shapes, sizes and frames. When it comes to picking one out for yourself it’s essential that it feels secure without dropping, as well as fitting perfectly into both your hands and the way that you like to play it.
The word bodhran originates in Gaelic and means “deaf, numb or dull.” This term often describes the hollow tone produced by drums. Bodhrans have long been used in Irish music.
Skins
The bodhran is an Irish drum made of wooden frame covered by animal skin that can produce an incredible range of rhythms and sounds, making it one of the most sought-after instruments for beginner players to start learning on.
Goat skin has long been considered the optimal material for creating beautiful bodhran tones, and continues to be favoured among makers worldwide due to its superior durability and flexibility.
When purchasing a bodhran skin, ensure it has been carefully chosen by its maker and carefully inspected to meet musical instrument demands. Quality goatskin should always be considered when selecting an instrument’s cover material.
Keys
The bodhran is an Irish frame drum featuring an open side where one hand can be placed to control pitch and tone of the instrument. Played by striking its head with either a stick or various “tippers.”
Traditional music employs the use of bodhrans in many percussive rhythmic patterns. When not used as the main rhythmic instrument, however, they may occasionally be swapped out with bones or djembe during musical pub sessions.
Bodhrans come in various sizes and styles, such as tunable and standalone models. Furthermore, there are packs which provide everything needed for you to start playing the bodhran.
Beaters
Beaters are at the core of any bodhran, and while their design can have a major effect on its sound production, selecting one can be complex. There’s an array of sizes, shapes and weights available that can suit different playing styles.
Selecting the ideal stick can be daunting, so always begin your search by exploring all available types. Your ideal stick should complement your playing style while helping to further advance your skills as an artist.
There are a variety of beater variants on the market, but certain ones stand out. One such is Hi Hat Mix with its wide array of acoustic devices; an expensive alternative would be Tyee which uses multiple metal plates and jig to produce stunning effects; or consider weighted beaters which provide a smoother ride but are heavier than regular beaters – similar to having both options together in one.
Accessories
Accessories are an indispensable component of a bodhran player’s arsenal. A good beater can help produce more effectively while a drum bag protects it from everyday damage caused by use. Muzikkon offers an impressive range of high-quality Irish bodhran accessories to ensure that you can enjoy playing your instrument for many years to come. Browse our collection of packs and tunable bodhrans which include all necessary equipment – perfect for both newcomers to the instrument as well as experienced players! Do not miss out on our bodhran tutorial books and CDs which will guide you step-by-step through the basic elements of playing an Irish bodhran drum, plus our long-lasting material bags and covers that provide extra protection! Don’t forget our bags and covers too – they will ensure your drum remains safe for years!
