The Irish Bodhran Drum
Irish bodhrans can be notoriously challenging to play due to atmospheric conditions affecting the tightness of the drum head.
These drums resemble large tambourines and feature a goatskin head attached to one side for beating with a beater known as a cipin or tipper.
Origin
The bodhran is an Irish drum similar to a tambourine in appearance, consisting of a frame drum fitted with goat or calf skin stretched over its frame, playing either directly with hands or with a small wooden beater known as a cipin.
Sean O’Riada’s drumming propelled the instrument back into prominence and is now closely associated with Irish Traditional Music. Today there are numerous variations of its original design such as different frame sizes and depths as well as mechanical tuning systems which give players more control of how their drum sounds.
The name bodhran comes from the Irish word for deaf or dull, which can also be translated to bow. The first syllable should be pronounced bow, just like wow!
Construction
The bodhran is a frame drum made of wood – typically plywood but sometimes solid wood as well – featuring a natural goat skin head with tacks attached and usually one or more crosspieces at its back for reinforcement.
A drummer usually hits their skin using either their bare hand, or with an instrument made of lathe-turned wood known as a bone, tipper, beater or stick (cipin). Their playing technique involves up and down wrist movements with each up or down stroke to vary their beat and change it with every varying stroke.
Electrical tape was once commonly used to protect the rim and reduce “edge-loading”, as well as dampen any unwanted overtones. Furthermore, it’s wise to store your drum away from heat sources such as hairdryers, fireplaces or sunlight; excessive heat exposure is one of the leading causes of skin failure on bodhrans.
Tone
Bodhrans can be played bare-handed or with the aid of a cipin, producing anything from sharp urgent taps to melodious ringing beats under skilled playback.
A bodhran’s tone can vary greatly with changes in humidity; optimal tonality will often occur when playing it under conditions similar to when it was made. Dubbin, available at shoe and ski supply stores, can help achieve this result.
An alternative way of increasing responsiveness to atmospheric changes is by adding strips of cardboard – long, thin and curved – that increase tension on the skin of a bodhran. While this solution could potentially remain permanent, for optimum performance it is advisable that they are removed when conditions become drier in order to protect its delicate skin from being damaged by excess tension.
Styles
Since it first made waves during the late 1960s thanks to high profile Irish musicians and then internationally through LP recordings, bodhran playing techniques have undergone an evolution. Today it can match any musical genre by tuning to match its tone.
At one time, bodhran players would traditionally use only their bare hand to beat the drum, however today cipin sticks tailored specifically to a player’s wrist size are increasingly used as they allow multiple styles of playing such as up and down wrist movements or roll (triplet) patterns. Electrical tape may also be applied over the drum’s edges in order to reduce edge-loading and dampen unwanted overtones.
Accessories
Contrary to other percussion instruments, the bodhran doesn’t require special sticks for its playing; its sound can range from urgent, sharp taps to melodious ringing beats when played by an experienced player. This drum forms the heartbeat of Irish traditional music.
Electrical tape often serves several functions when applied to drum rims, reducing edge-loading risks and dampening unwanted overtones, providing greater control for drummers over their sound of drum.
This bodhran is constructed of hardwood and features a goatskin head. Perfect for beginner players to professionals alike, this piece also makes an attractive display on any wall when hanging up on its hooks or as part of a gift set. Additionally, a tipper (double-headed stick) is included to beat the drum.
