What is a Bodhran?
A bodhran is an Irish frame drum made up of two parts: the body (typically goatskin) stretched across one face of a shallow wooden cylinder and an open side, featuring one exposed side.
Modern professional bodhrans often include one or two bracing bars inside its frame for additional stability, while mechanical tuning systems similar to those found on drum kits may also be integrated.
Size
Bodhrans are circular frame drums often found in Irish traditional music. They range in diameter from 25 to 65 cm (10-26 inches), with most drums measuring 35-45 cm (14-18 inches).
The sides of a drum typically measure 9-20 cm (3+1/2-8 in). A goatskin head (sometimes synthetic or other animal skins ) is attached to one side; on the other end is open-ended so one hand may press against its interior surface to control pitch and timbre.
There are various playing styles of the bodhran. Kerry style is perhaps the most widely-practiced, where both ends of the beater are directly above the head of the instrument. Other popular styles include West Limerick and top-end styles.
Bodhrans are essential elements in Irish music collections and at Red Cow Music we offer a small selection with all the accessories required to get you playing right away.
Materials
Bodhrans can be made from various materials depending on their style and size; such as wood, leather or even synthetic materials.
Bodhrans are typically constructed using steamed wood bending into a circular form and covered by goatskin membrane. Their drum heads can then be attached by tacking them onto either side of their shell (though synthetic heads may also be used).
In some styles, drums can take the shape of an egg and may feature decorated rims with bells or mental rings for decoration.
Consider both quality and playability when purchasing a bodhran. Beginners should opt for an affordable model which allows them to develop their skills more rapidly.
Your choice of skin for your bodhran will have an impactful influence on its sound. Animal skin tension varies with temperature, leading to different pitches as it changes its tension over time. Some modern bodhrans come equipped with an internal tuning system which eliminates this problem altogether.
Sound
Bodhrans are percussion instruments, and require extra special care in order to stay looking and sounding their best. This is particularly true of their goatskin heads which may become disfigured under severe weather conditions and need replacement regularly.
Dimensions are of paramount importance in determining the quality of sound produced from drums, as they have an effect on their tones and bass resonances.
Quality of the skin also plays a factor. Although goat is considered standard, deer or synthetic alternatives can also be utilized.
A bodhran with a natural skin head will always sound better than one with a synthetic one, since the latter tends to produce one sound regardless of how hard you hit it, while natural heads have a wider tonal range.
Before attaching the skin of a bodhran instrument onto its rim, it must first be properly stretched and dried – this helps remove most of the oils that could warp and clog its hide.
Maintenance
To keep the skin of your bodhran in tiptop condition, it is important to understand its sensitivity to humidity and temperature. Too much heat or dryness could cause the skin to sag into a low tone (‘pingy’), while too much dampness would tighten it and create a higher tone (‘boomy’).
Keep your bodhran in top-shape by following some basic maintenance practices to loosen and soften its skin. One standard method involves applying water directly onto it – this lubricates and deepens your tone!
Hand warmers can also help soften up skin by safely and conveniently heating up drum heads for several minutes at a time.
These hand warmers come in various sizes to meet any need you might have for your bodhran. A great alternative to heating pads or hair dryers, they can be reused over and over.
