Why Buy a Bodhran?
Compared to many other musical instruments, the bodhran is easy to learn – making it ideal for beginners!
A bodhran is an Irish traditional drum played with a beater. Made of wooden frame and animal skin, its tuning can either be tuned or non tuned depending on its intended use.
What is a bodhran?
Since its debut as part of Irish folk music in the 1950’s, bodhran has become increasingly popular both with musicians and non-musicians alike. At that time, Irish traditional music saw a revival that introduced it to public audiences through recordings and live performances by such performers as Christy Moore, Planxty, Stockton’s Wing etc.
An African drum, also called a frame drum, features one skin stretched across its base that is played using hands or sticks (tipper or cipin). On one side of its frame there is an opening through which a player may place their finger to dampen or change the skin and alter sound/pitch of instrument.
While the bodhran shares many characteristics with other frame drums used worldwide for musical traditions, its unique playing technique only began to flourish during the 1950s and continues to develop today. Today’s professional bodhrans feature mechanical tuning systems which enable users to adjust head tension using a hex key.
Sizes
Some musical instruments can be challenging to get started on, but the bodhran is one that’s simple for new musicians to pick up immediately. It makes an ideal entry-level instrument as well as providing a smooth path from novice to intermediate skill level musicians.
Bodhrans are typically tuned to a low pitch, making them easier for beginners to play. They can be altered, however, to meet individual player and environmental requirements; for instance if played in an extremely cold room the skin tightening effect can make the bass heavier – this process is known as temperature manipulation.
McNeela Instruments carries an expansive selection of bodhrans, from tuneable models to deep rim ones. Christian Hedwitschak collaborated closely with notable bodhran players to design four Signature Bodhran models which match specific playing styles and sound ideals; these can be ordered with short delivery time frames. For more information about these instruments please visit our website.
Materials
The bodhran has become the heartbeat of traditional Irish music and there are various options available to players looking to play one. Ranging from tunable models with deep bass notes and crisp rim shots to non-tunable models that offer precise tuning for sharp rim shots.
Sean O Riada’s work has contributed immensely to the increase in bodhran popularity since its first use by Ceoltoiri Chualann and other bands like The Chieftains during the 1960s. Using an assistive beater known as a cipin or tipper became fashionable and allowed for greater drum playing precision.
Christian Hedwitschak uses Edlauer Select Premium skins that have been refined according to an exclusive in-house process, which reduce edge loading while dampening unwanted overtones for an harmonious sound with good flexibility for his skin hand.
Sound
Bodhrans are beloved Irish traditional music instruments renowned for their deep, rich tone. Bodhrans have become an icon for Irish folk culture since gaining widespread attention during the folk revival movement in the 1960s; since then a complex modern playing style has come into its own that fully explores this versatile instrument’s musical possibilities.
Compared to many musical instruments, the bodhran is particularly accessible and beginner players can begin playing almost immediately – making it the ideal first instrument for those wanting to discover Irish traditional music and explore its depths. McNeela instruments offers a selection of bodhrans suitable for beginners as well as more experienced bodhran players ranging from souvenir souvenir to tunable models with different skin options for serious musicians – all designed in partnership.
