Where to Find a Used Bodhran for Sale
The Bodhran is a traditional Celtic drum and remains at the core of Celtic music even today. Played using a beater that allows one hand to create complex rhythms while the other provides tonal expression, it provides vital rhythmic pulsations to Celtic tunes as well as vital tonal expression.
Amazon sells many affordable yet less than stellar bodhrans for sale, but they do carry several high-quality options, including Meinl and Remo tunable models as well as Walton models with tunability options.
eBay
If you’re on the hunt for used bodhrans, eBay can be an invaluable source. Though you might only find cheap painted drums with broken beaters that need replacing, sometimes higher-end models from Metloef, Hedwitschak or O’Kane makers do turn up.
Hobgoblin specializes in folk instruments and sells several good bodhrans by Michael Vignoles and Russell Buckmaster (Bridget Bodhrans), in addition to some Waltons cheaper bodhrans which are quite acceptable. Amazon is another large retailer which carries these drums; they carry Meinl and Remo models and even some Walton’s better tuned drums that may meet your requirements.
The Session
Bodhrans are an ideal instrument for beginners to start out on as they fit comfortably alongside fiddles and acoustic guitars in folk sessions. Bodhrans are circular drums covered by skin that has one side stretched over. When played, a tipper beater allows users to apply various levels of muting tension to its head.
Beginner-grade bodhrans usually come equipped with tensioned skins for easier playing, while more expensive models can be tuned for optimal sound. When selecting your ideal bodhran, keep this tip in mind: the instrument should fit comfortably within your hand and arm span and be easy to operate.
Christian Hedwitschak of Bavaria offers some of the finest drums available. Rolf Wagles also produces top quality drums; additionally he sells cases, books, and an extensive variety of tippers for them as well. Other makers include Roosebeck & Mid East of Germany as well as Walton who offers more affordable tuned bodhrans at more reasonable price points.
Chiff and Fipple
Chiff and Fipple is a website dedicated to Irish music with an active discussion forum. While much of the focus of discussion relates to flutes and pipes, other instruments including bodhrans can often be found for sale through “Used Instrument Exchange”; or post an “Want to Buy” notice if you need one specifically.
There are some bodhran manufacturers with websites who sell their drums directly; many make affordable yet high quality bodhrans that can be found easily online retailers like Amazon – with options ranging from mass produced models from Roosebeck and Glenluce to Meinl and Remo drums tunable options; otherwise try contacting the individual bodhran makers themselves directly to inquire if any are for sale.
Craigslist
With just a little searching online, it’s possible to locate bodhrans for sale almost everywhere. eBay may be your most reliable source; here you may come across cheap painted models as well as mass-produced brands like Roosebeck and Glenluce; however, more expensive bodhrans from makers like Paraic McNeela, Hedwitschak or Seamus O’Kane sometimes pop up for sale here as well.
Be sure to pose plenty of questions when purchasing an untested used bodhran sight unseen, such as getting sound samples or videos of it being played. When buying from unknown sellers it’s wise to buy from someone familiar with bodhrans like Christian Hedwitschak (a former cabinet maker renowned for crafting high quality drums with scientific methods he also creates tippers for). Christian has his own website where his drums, prices and information is clearly laid out for buyers – one such maker being Christian’s scientific approach in building high end drums which he sells; among his offerings he sells tippers that go with his drums too!
