Bodhrans have been around for centuries, but only with the Irish traditional music revival in recent decades did they find widespread recognition. Musicians such as Peadar Mercier, Christy Moore from Planxty’s band Planxty, Tommy Hayes and Johnny Ringo McDonagh have introduced innovative playing techniques which expand its musical capabilities.

McNeela is a premier provider of high-quality bodhrans that prioritize tradition and quality. From beginners to professional musicians alike, our store offers something suitable for each of these groups.

Historically renowned in Irish traditional music

A bodhran is at the core of Irish music and, when played correctly, can make an incredible addition to any group musical session. This ancient frame drum features a goat skin head which is struck using an instrument known as a Cipin, Tipper or Beater stick; its rhythmic beats have long been part of traditional Irish culture and traditions, providing resonant beats which resonate throughout Ireland’s festivals and celebrations.

Sean O Riada led an instrumental revival for bodhran in the 1960s thanks to figures such as him. His influence elevated it from folk instrument status into formal Irish ensemble settings while challenging accepted practices using thick skins on bodhrans for crisp notes at higher and lower pitches and increased playability.

An effective approach to learning the bodhran requires dedicated practice and attention, so finding an instructor to lead you through its basic principles and help develop your abilities is highly recommended. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with Irish music and different playing styles of bodhran players will prove essential as you progress with this skill.

Adaptable and versatile

The bodhran has long been used as an accompaniment instrument in Irish traditional music and more recently in fusion projects that mix musical genres. Due to its rhythmic versatility, it works well alongside instruments from diverse cultures.

An adjustable bodhran is essential for advanced players, as it enables them to tune the tone according to temperature and weather conditions. Dry or arid climates may cause the skin to tighten up and raise pitch; in damper environments however it loosens up, decreasing it.

Our tunable bodhrans feature Lambeg or Vellum goatskin that has been ethically and sustainably sourced, then hand-cured, pickled, stretched and taped by hand to expand harmonic range and add layers of sound – so that you can easily fine-tune and appreciate its full bass tones. Learn to play one with McNeela’s expert bodhran player Ronan through free online lessons – you’ll soon be accompanying traditional music sessions yourself!

Renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship

Paraic is committed to producing superior-quality bodhran products that meet the needs of all bodhran players, including experimenting with various timbers, shapes and sizes while continuously refining tuning systems.

Tunable bodhrans allow you to match the sound of the drum to its surrounding environment, from tightening its skin for cold or warm environments, or loosening for humid settings. This makes them more adaptable than ever, giving you full resonating bass all night long!

Choose from either Lambeg or Vellum goatskin skins sourced sustainably as byproducts from healthy animals, then carefully cured and treated for optimal sound performance. Each drum also comes equipped with taped edges to extend harmonic range and deepen tone quality.

Renowned for its versatility

Recently, we’ve seen the bodhran become an indispensable instrument beyond Irish music and find its place in various fusion genres. Renowned bodhran players like Tommy Hayes have adopted complex playing techniques to extend the instrument’s rhythmic flexibility while Micheal O Suilleabhain is often credited for linking traditional with classical forms of music.

Lambeg or Vellum, our tunable bodhrans make it simple to personalize the tone and pitch of your drum to meet environmental conditions such as humidity or temperature change that cause skin tightening or loosening that alters its sound.

Your beaters (also called tippers or cipins) should also be carefully considered when purchasing your Bodhran. There are various kinds that produce different sounds; hard teardrop and elipsoid beaters can produce harsh or soft tones; split tippers, hotrod dowel beaters and weighted beaters may provide additional options; for more information please read our comprehensive guide, Everything You Need To Know About Bodhran Beaters.

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