Waltons Bodhran Review
No matter your experience level or skill set, finding the ideal drum can be daunting. Waltons offers both tunable and non-tunable models so that you can select the ideal model for yourself.
This bodhran features an extra-deep shell and comes complete with a hardwood beater for a traditional sound. Additionally, its goat skin drum head adds an authentic vibe.
8” Bodhran
Waltons 8″ Bodhrans offer an ideal introduction to Irish music. Handcrafted from fine wood with real goatskin heads, each includes an hardwood beater.
While bodhrans have long been used in Ireland, their popularity as an instrument only came into widespread recognition during the roots revival of Irish Traditional music in the 1960s and 1970s, when players like Robin Morton of The Boys of the Lough, Peadar Mercier from Ceoltoiri Chualann’s Peadar Mercier of Ceoltoiri Chualann Peadar Mercier Planxty Christy Moore Christy Moore Planxty Christy Moore from Planxty Christy Moore from Planxty Christy Moore from Planxty alongside De Dannans Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh further developed their playing techniques. By 1980’s worldwide recognition and with increased interest in Celtic music came various styles and techniques which had previously existed within it’s scope – new styles were emerging within its realm allowing for new styles and techniques being introduced onto its instrument.
Electrical tape has become an increasingly common method for covering the rim of drums by either drummers or makers in order to reduce edge loading and dampen unwanted overtones, giving more control of sound from bodhrans. Furthermore, manufacturers often employ mechanical tuning systems similar to those found on drum kits in order to prevent atmospheric conditions from changing tension of skin tension on their instruments.
Modern Bodhran brings the traditional Celtic frame drum into modern music production and production environments. It serves as an essential percussion library for composers or producers looking to add authentic Irish flavor into their compositions.
12” Bodhran
The Bodhran is an iconic Celtic instrument with roots dating back centuries, perfect for kids and beginners. This package includes one Bodhran, a wooden beater and an instructional DVD to get you playing correctly right away.
Tunable bodhrans offer several advantages over non-tunable models. A tunable drum can quickly be tuned to respond to changing environmental conditions like climate and venue size. A tunable bodhran can also provide subtle accompaniment in quiet session rooms as well as full, deep bass resonance for concerts.
These tunable bodhrans feature lambeg skins that have been hand-scraped and processed to provide a fine tone with good projection, and evenly stretched for accurate tone production and long life. We suggest using our specially tailored care cream designed specifically for this type of drum; its natural moisturising elements help maintain optimal condition of its skin in extreme temperature or moisture conditions; too cold can loosen it causing it to sound lower; too warm can tighten it causing it to sound higher; price should not necessarily correlate to quality as even cheaper models can perform just as well!
15” Bodhran
No matter your level, Waltons offers an impressive selection of bodhrans designed specifically to meet any player’s needs – be they newcomers or experienced veterans alike. Choose between tunable and non-tunable frame drums as well as starter packs featuring everything necessary for learning one of Ireland’s beloved folk instruments.
A bodhran is a round wooden frame drum featuring a goat skin head tacked to one side and played using a beater (cipin). There are two main varieties of bodhrans on the market today: those adhering to traditional styles with shallow shells and crossbars; and modern variations with deeper shells and smaller diameter heads.
Choose your type of bodhran based on hand size and sound preferences; larger hands may prefer deep-rimmed versions for comfort and modern bassy sounds, whereas those with smaller hands might opt for shallow-rimmed versions for their comfort and contemporary bassy tones. Once you choose your instrument, make sure that you use an appropriate beater; different beaters produce different sounds so it is your responsibility to find out which beater produces what sound – from hard tippers with teardrop or ellipsoid heads, hotrod dowel beaters, hotrod dowel beaters even brushes – to find what suits you best. Our handy guide, Everything You Need to Know About Bodhran Beaters provides all of this knowledge necessary in finding your ideal beater!
