The shallow rim bodhran is the ideal instrument for beginning musicians. Its smaller frame provides more comfortable playing, and doesn’t need to be tuned – saving both money and effort!

Deep rim bodhrans produce an exceptional bass tone, yet can be difficult for young and petite musicians to hold and navigate inside. That is why many bodhrans feature cutouts designed specifically to accommodate hand positioning.

Lambeg or Vellum

The Bodhran is a special instrument. A small frame drum with an undertone-producing bass tone produced when struck with a beater or tipper wooden stick.

Bodhran goatskin is often referred to as lambeg or vellum. Though these terms can often be used interchangeably, typically vellum refers to preparation of calf skin while lambeg can consist of any animal skin.

Beginners looking to start learning how to play can find affordable bodhrans among our selection. This includes our 14 inch tuneable bodhran, perfect for younger musicians or those with shorter arms. This model boasts a shallow rim taped on its edges for producing rich bass tones – providing you with complete control of its sound as you make music together! Additionally, its eight point hand tuning system gives you complete sound management. Our 14 inch tuneable bodhran is an affordable first instrument that will bring their musicality forward!

The Wave

The Bodhran is at the core of Irish music. An ancient frame drum with a goatskin head and double-headed stick known as a Cipin, Tipper or Beater; when played well it can make for an amazing addition to any group musical session.

The Bodhran is an accessible instrument, making it a good way for beginner musicians to quickly progress past the initial learning stages of music. As such, it makes an ideal way for those just entering music’s scene but have experience playing other instruments such as guitar or fiddle to break into it quickly and get moving along their musical journeys quickly.

Take a look at this video of modern-day legend Ringo McDonagh playing on a TrHED Bodhran and watch how he does it – you’ll soon see just how effortless his technique is. He always remains in control, with each beat considered carefully before each beat is released. If you want to emulate his style, we suggest our 18” Tuneable Bodhran which features a wide frame drum with shallow rim.

The Signature

For advanced bodhran players looking to take their game one step further, we highly recommend our 16” tuneable drum. Featuring a shallow rim for easier playing from beginners as well as offering deep tones with its tuning system and top quality goatskin covering, this 16″ tuneable drum will take your playing to new levels.

Vellum goatskin is an ideal choice for bodhran players as its soft texture provides an outstanding musical tone without interfering with other instruments. Plus, its natural eco-friendly qualities make it highly durable!

Ronan is an accomplished percussionist and the lead bodhran player for Kila, one of the world’s premier bands. He has performed and toured worldwide with them, playing to capacity crowds in stadiums. Additionally, Ronan is well-recognized percussionist and teacher – co-authoring two books on contemporary bodhran performance performance; more information can be found at his website.

Getting Started

Beginners or experienced drummers should not worry too much about tuning the drum at first; that comes with practice and experience. Don’t fret either about finding your ideal tone; that may take time.

The Bodhran is at the core of Irish music, and when played skillfully and tastefully it can bring any session or concert alive. Playing is great fun and makes an excellent way to meet people!

McNeela Instruments offer an impressive selection of both tuneable and non-tunable bodhrans in various sizes to meet every musical need. Their head is typically constructed of goat hide; however, other materials like kangaroo, reindeer or lamb skin may also be available. When properly tuned and ready to play the drum produces a powerful and crisp sound which can often surprise novice players! McNeela offers both tunable and non-tunable models.

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