Bodhran Tippers
Bodhrans were once obscure drums rarely heard outside pub kitchen sessions; but, during the 1960s, Ceoltoiri Chualann elevated this modest percussion instrument to new levels of prestige.
Bodhran tippers (commonly referred to as beaters or cipins) are an integral component of modern bodhran playing technique and come in different lengths, diameters and materials for use.
Weighted beaters
The bodhran beater (also referred to as a stick, tipper or cipin) is an integral component of the bodhran drum, producing a lively rhythmic sound when struck against its head. There are various types of bodhran beaters on the market with different sounds and weights – from brass or steel weights attached at their ends to wooden models equipped with metal tips – that each help distribute weight more evenly and reduce pressure on players’ stick hands for enhanced power when playing the instrument.
Hot rod beaters are another type of bodhran beater. Similar to tear drop tippers, but with smaller impact surfaces and more attack per impact point. Some hot rod beaters also allow tightening or loosening dowels so players can tailor the sound produced from each beater accordingly.
Wooden tippers
Wood type has little bearing on a bodhran tipper’s sound; however, it does impact its weight and feel. Different designs and materials offer various playing styles and tones; the MEINL Bodhran Tipper range features five models each offering something distinctive – for instance a brush tipper gives off an undulating swish sound with wooden attack.
Rattan tippers offer another solution. These long, slim tippers feature a restraining band for added snare drum-style sound production.
Many bodhran players have designed their own tips, such as split or core tippers. Additionally, these come in different shapes and materials with some even featuring fabric covers – these personalization options allow each bodhran player to find one best suited to their playing style and comfort preferences. Trying various styles will allow you to find what best fits for you.
Steel tippers
Steel tippers are specifically designed to carry large loads. They’re an excellent solution for operations requiring frequent tipping over short routes, including gravel and concrete rubble handling. Plus they comply with vehicle weight regulations for reduced fuel consumption! Plus they can be customized specifically to your application by offering either abrasion resistance or chemical resistance features.
As opposed to musical instruments, the material of a bodhran tipper has minimal impact on its sound; however, it does affect comfort and grip of its beater, so choosing the appropriate tipper material is vital for an enjoyable bodhran playing experience.
Hot rod beaters, which consist of thin dowels held together with tape, are an increasingly popular bodhran beater option, offering soft clicks when struck and offering the same amount of impact area as hard tippers. Furthermore, their lightweight construction makes them comfortable to use on wrists while coming in various shapes and wood varieties such as snakewood or maple.
Metal tippers
There is a range of bodhran beaters available, and each produces its own distinct sound. To choose the ideal beater for yourself and your style, it is essential that you understand which style matches up best with what type of material makes the beater as this will affect how comfortable it feels in your hand and vice versa.
MEINL Percussion Bodhran Tippers come in different styles, each featuring their own special qualities. Rattan tippers feature thick knobs at their ends to add extra momentum – beaters or cipins are often known by these names and can be swung back and forth against the head of a bodhran to produce rhythmic patterns with lively, rhythmic beats.
Hot rod tippers, composed of thin dowels secured together with tape, produce a much softer sound than hard tippers and offer percussive clicks when struck against the bodhran head.
