How to Buy the Best Bodhran
When purchasing a bodhran, many factors will determine its quality and sound, including factors like skin (originally goat-skin but now synthetic), height, depth, and optional bars.
Bodhran Maker Paraic McNeela created this bodhran from deep-rim goatskin with internal thumb-wheel tuners for easy tonal adjustments regardless of weather fluctuations. This makes maintaining an consistent tone easy.
1. Skin
The skin is the cornerstone of any quality bodhran, as it creates the sound and feel of its drumming action. A high-grade model typically utilizes lambeg or velvet goatskin for optimal response with varied tonal options available to it.
The skin of a bodhran drum is extremely responsive to temperature and humidity changes, causing its tone to change depending on conditions like tightening under high levels of dryness or loosening due to low levels of moisture; conversely, when exposed to low levels of humidity the tone softens, leading to lower pitch levels. Many players opt for tunable models which enable them to fine-tune both tone and pitch by tightening and loosening its rim accordingly.
If you don’t wish to invest in a tunable bodhran, there are still ways of managing this problem. Regular treatments of Bodhran Care Cream will keep the drum in top condition and prevent drying out; you can find this product at music shops or online. Simply apply some cream to its skin before leaving it overnight.
2. Height and depth
Height and depth also affect how bodhran feels to play, contributing to both tone and playability. A suitable bodhran should enable fluid movements without straining your body; selecting one with lighter tippers can enhance agility for faster playback while heavier designs offer more control and precision for intricate and precise movements. Experimentation is key to finding your perfect drum set!
The bodhran is an intuitive instrument designed for beginners. Entry-level options may suffice for beginning players, while investing in higher quality models will enhance sound and comfort when playing – two factors especially vital for novice players as they will impact their learning experience and ultimately the quality of music produced. Furthermore, quality bodhrans should easily tune themselves to ensure it remains in tune during use; this feature makes them essential when performing live or recording sessions.
3. Optional bars
Bodhrans are not widely played drums, which means there aren’t as many accessories or gifts designed specifically for them as there would be with more popular drums. This can make shopping online for one frustrating if they want something for someone who plays it or simply appreciates its sound; often search results will return items which bodhran players may not need or require!
Addition of single bars, cross bars or T-bars can improve or alter the sound of the bodhran to further alter or enhance its tone. However, any closeness between them and your skin could restrict hand movement; so for optimal results it is wise to have your instrument measured prior to purchasing so you know its optimal distance from skin to bar distance.
McNeela Instruments offers an expansive selection of bodhrans suitable for both newcomers and experienced players alike, from tunable and non-tunable models with shallow and deep rim bodhrans to those featuring cross and T bars to suit players of different styles. We carry both tunable and non-tunable bodhrans in both ash and birch wood construction for you to choose from, plus more advanced models with adjustable tuning controls and cross and T bars so that every style of player is covered.
4. Tuning system
Tunability of a bodhran is of utmost importance in keeping it sounding its best and is sensitive to humidity, temperature changes and skin tightening/loosening from humidity and temperature changes, which may alter tone. If your drum tightens too much before playing a session try applying some lighter fuel or beeswax; it has proven highly successful at improving tone.
For beginners looking for an excellent starter bodhran they can advance, our recommended model would be the McNeela Classic Performance. At an excellent value for its price point, this durable mulberry wood frame and gig bag makes this instrument truly unbeatable value! With lambeg skin for strong clear tones or Vellum for subtler sounds – perfect for melodic players!
