Bodhran Drums
Bodhrans are unique percussion instruments. By touching certain regions on the drumhead, one can produce different pitches or notes by making contact.
Sean O Riada is widely recognized for reviving the bodhran to modern Irish music during the 1970s, with players such as Peadar Mercier (of The Chieftains), Mel Mercier and Johnny Ringo McDonagh taking it to new heights.
Origins
The Bodhran is an Irish drum that resembles a large tambourine without its jingling parts, usually used to beat with either hands or small beaters called Cipins (pronounced ‘coy-ran).
James “Sonny” Davey began manufacturing goatskin frame drums commercially for tourist use during the 1920s; however, due to a greater demand from musician circles he quickly stopped this endeavor.
Sean O Riada largely contributed to this dramatic surge in interest by including arrangements for bodhran in his ensembles Ceoltoiri Chualann and Chieftains, inspiring an explosion of innovation among players and tippermakers alike. Since then, numerous innovative players and tippermakers have developed their playing techniques.
Types
There are various styles of bodhrans. Some feature deep or shallow rims; others don’t; some come equipped with adjustable tuners while others do not; while still others feature goatskin heads, while some might sport calf, lambeg or greyhound skin instead.
Some bodhrans feature crossbars inside their frames that can be adjusted using screws for easy tightening and loosening, to protect their drumhead from changes in atmospheric conditions and protect its sound quality. This system was invented by Seamus O’Kane.
Since O Riada revived the bodhran, it has become a crucial instrument in Irish percussionists’ arsenals. Peadar Mercier, Tommy Hayes, Johnny Ringo McDonagh and John Joe Kelly have taken its use to new levels and are leading its revival.
Materials
The bodhran is composed of stretched goat skin over a wooden frame and immersed in water for two days before drying and stretching to achieve its classic pale hue. During this process, its pliable nature and bleached appearance is further emphasized, making the drum both manageable and flexible.
Irish cultures have used the bodhran for centuries as an early form of rhythm instrument and noisemaker, as well as an effective grain tray and husk-sifter. How the frame drum came to Ireland remains unknown, although some speculate that its development came from indigenous agricultural tools.
Sizes
Size has an effect on tone. Therefore, selecting an appropriate frame drum is of critical importance. While ornamental bodhrans with Celtic designs or Guinness logos may look nice at first glance, such bodhrans do not belong in music environments and tend to have lower quality components than more appropriate instruments.
Do not select your bodhran solely based on recordings – most have been enhanced through signal processing techniques, making the best way to assess its sound live performances or audio files. Furthermore, consider buying one with interior tuners if possible.
Sounds
The Bodhran is capable of producing an array of tones depending on where the musician places their hands within the drum, making it a versatile musical instrument suitable for use across a range of genres and musical styles.
Over time, the sound of a bodhran has vastly improved. While in years past it was typically loud with bells attached to its frame, modern day instruments are much quieter with enhanced playing techniques and far less loudness attached to their frames.
Modern bodhran players such as Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh or John Joe Kelly have introduced exciting rhythms into the genre and helped establish it as a leading Irish music instrument.
Techniques
Traditional performances involve striking the drum either with either their hands or with a stick called a cipin, using beaters as necessary to lessen its sound or produce different tones.
Pressure and position of the hand on the skin of a drum can change its pitch by an octave or more, while using last knuckle of thumb and back of pinkie can add extra beats on downstrokes.
Numerous techniques have evolved over time to assist players in maintaining control of the bodhran. One commonly-used strategy involves keeping wrist and forearm relatively still while striking.
Styles
Seamus O’Kane created an internal tunable system which helps minimize atmospheric conditions’ effect on skin tension.
Other advancements in bodhran making have included using goat skins. This high-grade material produces an array of notes ranging from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats.
The bodhran can be played using either your bare hand or with the assistance of a tipper stick; experts such as Peadar Mercier of the Chieftains, Planxty’s Christy Moore and De Dannan’s Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh have developed advanced playing techniques.
