The 14 inch tuneable McNeela bodhran is designed for petite players. Offering a rich bass sound, this instrument makes an excellent accompaniment for musicians in smaller session spaces.

Beginners to advanced players alike will appreciate the ease of use of this bodhran, from beginners to experts alike. If you are new to playing bodhran or just curious, take advantage of McNeela Instruments’ free online bodhran lessons!

Handmade in Ireland

The bodhran is an Irish drum that holds an unusual place among drums and percussion instruments, played with a special stick known as a “tipper”. This Irish music store offers an impressive collection of bodhrans as well as other traditional Irish musical instruments.

McNeela Signature Bodhrans are expertly designed and constructed from Lambeg or Vellum goatskin for maximum sound quality and come equipped with an 8 point hand tuning system, giving players control over their sound.

A bodhran’s tone can be customized through various skins that have been carefully treated to achieve maximum depth of tone and response from its tin rim. Other ways include the addition of cross bars or tape around its edges to reduce rasp that often results from striking the instrument – something especially helpful for novice bodhran players.

Lambeg or Vellum Skin

A bodhran with a Lambeg skin is ideal for melodic playing or those looking for the rich bass sound of deep, rich basses. Additionally, Vellum goatskin drums produce warm tones while providing exceptional responsiveness.

The McNeela Bodhran is an ideal option for beginners as its non-tunable shell allows for simple care and maintenance – simply apply some cream regularly to keep it soft and responsive!

Apply the cream by spreading a small amount onto the front of the skin and massaging it into its surface with your fingers, using large circular movements. When this step has taken effect, buff it with a soft lint-free cloth until the surface has been thoroughly saturated – this will ensure your bodhran remains in tune no matter the weather conditions! For extra protection, McNeela bodhrans come lined with waterproof materials.

8-Point Hand Tuning System

A bodhran is a small circular frame drum covered in goatskin that’s played using a beater (also called a tipper) made out of wood. Beaters come in various shapes and sizes for maximum sound impact.

McNeela Bodhrans come equipped with an 8 point hand tuning system that enables players to respond quickly to environmental changes while remaining accurate throughout performance. Their tapered edges help produce that lush bass tone found only with McNeela instruments while expanding harmonic range of the drum.

At McNeela, our goal is to offer an engaging musical experience worthy of their name. That means pairing quality lambeg or velvet goatskin with our complete bodhran package: gig bag, beater and free online bodhran lessons from founder Paraic McNeela as well as easy-to-follow bodhran lessons designed to quickly get you playing Irish music sessions with ease; these lessons cover fundamental techniques like up-beat and downbeat timing fundamentals as well as advanced strategies for working with other musicians.

Free Online Bodhran Lessons

McNeela 16″ Tuneable Bodhrans are ideal for both beginner and professional bodhran players alike, featuring beautiful design features, deep resonating tone production, comfortable T-bar arm cut-out for playing comfort, our trademark tuning system and made with quality goat skin carefully treated to last over time.

The Bodhran is at the core of Irish music and tasteful bodhran playing can bring any session to life. Played using variously called beaters, cipins or goat whacker sticks; beginners may opt for simple bodhran sticks; however advanced players have access to many types of tippers designed specifically for them.

Ronan O Snodaigh is one of Ireland’s premier bodhran players and teachers. He has recorded hours of inspiring bodhran masterclasses exclusively for McNeela Instruments that will have you accompanying sessions with gusto in no time at all! These lessons are free to any purchaser of any McNeela tuneable bodhran for a limited time only!

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