The Bodhran is one of Ireland’s most iconic traditional musical instruments. Though various drums (used either with hands or sticks) have long been part of Irish musical traditions, its popularity was further expanded during the 60s traditional music resurgence.

McNeela Bodhrans are handcrafted by expert bodhran maker Paraic McNeela using high quality Lambeg or Vellum goatskins that have been ethically sourced as byproducts from healthy animals, then stitched by hand and naturally cured with lime for deep bass tone and responsiveness. Finally, these instruments are taped around their edges for safety.

The Story

The Bodhran (pronounced bow-rawn) is an Irish frame drum and the rhythmic heartbeat of traditional Irish music today. Its rise was catalysed by an unprecedented revival in Irish folk music during the 1960s; Sean O Riada introduced it into Ceoltoiri Cualann as part of its musical arrangements, opening up new musical opportunities for an overlooked instrument.

Seamus O’Kane of Dungiven in County Londonderry invented a taped drumhead in 1975 and completely revolutionized both making and playing of bodhrans. By eliminating atmospheric conditions which caused skin looseness in playing conditions, it allowed players to develop individual playing styles without the risk of its skin loosening due to climate conditions.

Paraic McNeela established his bodhran business with his brother Rory back in 1977 and it remains in their family ever since. Over time, their business has expanded into offering other Irish instruments, most notably flutes, whistles and concertinas. The McNeela name has become synonymous with quality products in Ireland.

Features

A bodhran is a small goat skin frame drum used as a percussion instrument in Irish traditional music and popular culture, producing deep bass tones when struck with its wooden beater or tipper stick. The instrument is considered an iconic cultural symbol.

McNeela Bodhrans are expertly hand-crafted by experienced bodhran players to deliver an unparalleled quality of sound and playability. With a shallow rim designed for easy handling by young or petite musicians and no tuning needed – saving time and money!

McNeela bodhrans also come equipped with their trademark 8 point hand tuning system for quick and easy tonal and pitch adjustments – perfect when playing in changing environmental conditions. Bodhrans are taped around the edges to dampen tone for fuller and richer sound, and come complete with a free hardwood bulbous beater and light weight gig bag, making them suitable for beginners as well as experienced drummers alike.

Materials

The Bodhran is a circular frame drum featuring a goatskin head. To play it, one requires a small stick (known as a beater/tipper/cipin). Length, weight and material preferences vary according to player preferences; McNeela Instruments’ Bodhrans are made using lambeg and vellum goatskin for an incredible musical experience with variations in skin thickness, surface details and colour making every Bodhran one-of-a-kind!

For optimal bodhran performance, setting the skin tension correctly is critical. To do so, place your instrument near a low source of heat such as a radiator or hairdryer for several minutes until its skin loosens then tightens after removal – this process allows the instrument to be tuned perfectly with regards to deep bass tone while remaining easy for playing.

After your bodhran has been assembled, apply a thin coat of Drum Diddly Bodhran Cream to keep its skin hydrated and reduce maintenance needs.

Sound

Traditional Bodhrans were constructed of goat skin stretched over a circular wooden frame, then secured. Today’s Bodhrans, however, feature much more sophisticated musical instruments with inbuilt tuning systems that give players complete control of sound production.

Bodhrans are one of the easiest drums for novice players to pick up and play, making them ideal for novice musicians seeking to explore Irish traditional music. This makes bodhrans an excellent choice for learning Irish traditional music!

Our 14″ McNeela Tuneable Bodhran is an excellent way for beginners or experienced players alike to advance their playing to the next level. Featuring responsive action and deep claret French polish finish, it also comes complete with lightweight gig bag featuring removable T-bar and arm cutouts for comfortable playing.

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