Bodhrans are one of the most enjoyable instruments to learn, offering both beginners and more experienced players an ideal starting place for musical experimentation.

A bodhran is a round frame drum covered by one side of goat skin that can be played either by hand or using a double headed beater known as a tipper. Tuning this drum gives it its rich and deep tone.

Size

The Bodhran is a round wooden frame drum fitted with goat skin head. Played using a beater (double-headed stick), this instrument serves as the centerpiece of Irish music sessions.

Choose a drum diameter to suit the size and shape of your hands. Larger hands may prefer larger bodhran (18” or bigger), while medium-sized (15”-16”) instruments can still provide plenty of musical fun. Also consider whether or not you’d prefer shallow or deep rims; deeper ones offer a modern bassy sound while shallower ones add traditional character.

Bodhran skin should be carefully prepared to prevent cracking or flaking with use. Goatskin is an organic material which outshone synthetic and lemo skins in terms of performance and sustainability; be sure to opt for sustainable-sourced goatskin when purchasing one for best results.

Skin

Bodhrans are made with goatskin skin that must be regularly maintained to stay in good condition. Without being stored away in a case or protected from direct sunlight, its surface can dry out and tighten, leading it to dislodge from its pins on the frame and even cracking open in certain instances if left exposed for too long. Clear tape should be used over any cracked areas to protect it against moisture damage as soon as possible.

Waltons offers an assortment of tunable bodhrans, standalone drums, and packs with everything needed to start playing bodhran – perfect for beginners or experienced players alike. Additionally, we carry accessories for existing bodhran owners, such as spare tippers and leather carrying cases for existing instruments. You can even buy an 18 inch drum kit complete with 18inch bodhran, DVD and beater!

Tipper

A bodhran is more than just a drum; it’s the core of traditional Irish music. A bodhran consists of a frame drum covered by animal skin stretched over it that is hit using a tipper stick; an essential instrument for any serious Irish musician.

An effective bodhran tipper can make or break your playing style, so finding one that is comfortable to hold and brushes against the head is of the utmost importance. This ash wood stick fits that bill beautifully, with ergonomic features designed to support players of any level on its design.

This bodhran tipper has sloped sides which make it easier for beginners to hold and brush against their drum without fear of it slipping out of their hand. Furthermore, pros prefer this weighted tipper when rolling triplets or rolling rolls; however it may prove too heavy for some novices and can lead to wrist pain; nevertheless it’s an affordable bodhran tipper worth trying!

Styles

The Bodhran is an ancient drum and one of the earliest percussion instruments known to man. Consisting of a circular frame drum with goat skin attached on one side and played using a beater (commonly known as a tipper or cipin).

The beaters for the Bodhran come in various shapes and sizes to produce various sounds made of either wood or bone and are an integral component. A tipper is used to add dynamic sounds while simultaneously changing pitch. Furthermore, this instrument can be played using various styles including Kerry style, West Limerick style and Sliocht style bodhran music.

The Bodhran is an intriguing drum with the ability to produce complex rhythms. Unfortunately, however, playing it requires precise coordination of lower and upper bodies as well as an inner sense of time; anyone merely beating away at their Bodhran would do nothing but damage its sound quality and undermine music sessions.

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