The Bodhran (Celtic Frame Drum) is at the core of Irish music. Although a simple instrument, its popularity in traditional Irish music has become unparalleled.

Bodhrans come in various sizes and materials. Goat skin has proven the most durable for prolonged playing compared to lemo, kangaroo and greyhound skin options.

Size

A bodhran must fit comfortably in your hand in order to be played successfully; its contemporary ideal diameter range is 16-18 inches, while its shell depth should also be considered; those with shallow rims sound clearer while deeper shells may produce muffled tones.

Always choose a natural goat skin head drum when possible; these high-quality drums offer greater variety in tones compared to synthetic heads. Avoid drums featuring corporate logos, cutesy Celtic art or beer ads painted onto them – these could alter its tone adversely.

An exceptional bodhran tutor will teach you all of the fundamentals of playing, from basic strokes and accompanying jigs to more intricate patterns and fills. For absolute beginners, an online or one-to-one tuition course is recommended as they offer great value while teaching essential bodhran skills.

Materials

Some musical instruments can be difficult to learn. The bodhran is relatively straightforward for beginners to pick up quickly and is an ideal first instrument, while also serving as an effective transition instrument if one already knows another genre of music.

The bodhran is a one-sided frame drum made of goat skin stretched over either wood or birch frames and played using a stick known as the tipper to insert into its center. Before being attached to its frame, its skin must first be bleached in sunlight and dried outside before being attached; this process makes the skin more flexible while simultaneously eliminating oils that build up inside it.

The bodhran is an instrument with endless applications in Irish music. From providing lively beats for energetic sessions to serving as subtle accompaniment, the bodhran makes an effective solo instrument. McNeela Instruments offers both tuned and non-tunable models.

Tuning

The World Beat 18″ Tunable Bodhran from LP boasts easy tuning lugs for exploring an extensive range of tonal variations. Additionally, this instrument comes complete with a tipper (two-headed wood beater) and durable black nylon carrying case.

The Irish drum, or Bodhran, is at the core of every traditional music session and an ideal instrument for beginners who may find other musical instruments more difficult to master. Its accessible nature also makes it suitable for newcomers wishing to begin learning traditional instruments such as violin or guitar.

To maximize the performance of your bodhran, it is vital that its skin be properly stretched and cured prior to playing. Too much dry skin can tighten, leading to rigid and flat tones being produced; to combat this effect simply rub some clear water over its back before playing; this will keep the skin flexible enough for easier tonal production while protecting from direct sunlight and keep its integrity. Keeping it out of direct sunlight also helps maintain this soft touch on its backside!

Accessories

The Bodhran is at the core of Irish music, and can instantly increase any session’s quality. Constructed from some kind of hardwood with animal skin stretched over it, its primary use is for rhythmical performance but you can also use a beater (double-headed stick) to hit it as needed.

We offer a selection of accessories to enhance the bodhran experience, such as spare beaters and cases. In addition, Suzie Sullivan has written an outstanding instructional booklet and cassette tape designed to teach anyone how to play this beautiful drum.

Waltons Bodhrans are well-renowned for their high quality. Each comes equipped with all necessary accessories, making them suitable for beginner as well as experienced bodhran players alike. We carry a selection of these fine instruments here at our store.

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