Drum Shop Glasgow is delighted to bring Ireland’s popular McNeela bodhran range directly into Glasgow from Ireland! McNeela stands for innovation, improvement and placing musicians first; making this 14″ tunable bodhran ideal for beginner players and equipped with free gig bag, weighted beater and Allen key!

Features an innovative tape rim treatment to reduce tone levels and broaden harmonic range for an elegant bass tone. Also features easy eight point hand tuning to quickly respond to changing atmospheric conditions.

Free Online Lessons

The Bodhran is an integral component of Irish music and culture. This circular drum with goatskin heads attached is played using a beater, tipper or cipin stick; widely used across Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton Island and symbolizing Saint Brigid of Kildare – their patron saint!

Paraic McNeela is an expert bodhran maker who utilizes only top quality Lambeg goatskins that have been ethically and sustainably sourced as by-products from healthy animals, naturally hand cured in lime for deep bass tone, then carefully hand stitched onto his bodhran for an outstanding playing experience. Equipped with an 8 point hand tuning system for quick response to changing weather conditions and environmental influences such as humidity or temperature influences.

Ronan is a highly accomplished and gifted musician who has performed around the globe with Dead Can Dance and Kila. Additionally, he has written and released three critically-acclaimed albums.

8-Point Hand Tuning

Bodhrans, known as the heartbeat of Irish music, bring life and rhythm to sessions and concerts alike when played tastefully and competently. Bodhrans consist of small circular frame drums covered with goat skin which are played using sticks known as beaters, tippers or cipins for maximum impact.

The skin is then placed over the rim and fastened securely using staples or nails; most makers prefer glueing as this provides the most efficient finish while making tightening any loose spots easier.

McNeela uses Lambeg skins for maximum sound performance; Vellum skins offer even subdued tones with full bass potential. Both types are carefully treated and inspected to ensure top-quality materials. Plus, their lightweight design allows more free playing motion with clearer tone production; additionally their adjustable interior allows pitch adjustments according to atmospheric conditions (loosen during cooler temperatures, tighten during hot and humid environments).

Adjustable Interior

A bodhran’s internal structure strongly determines its voice, including thickness and tone. Furthermore, diameter and depth also impact its sound quality; for optimal sound production the ideal size should range between 13-3/4 to 15-3/4 inches with shallow to medium rims; deeper rims can produce muffled sounds.

Purchase the highest quality bodhran your budget will permit. When shopping, avoid models with synthetic heads and non-tunable drums as these could impede with the drum’s sound; additionally, steer clear of models featuring corporate logos or cutesy Celtic art as these could interfere with its voice; these additions can easily be removed later.

A tunable bodhran allows you to tailor its pitch according to environmental conditions, from cooler temperatures and tightening it when hot or humid environments arrive, enabling you to play along with rhythm of music more quickly, speeding up learning time. Also, an interior thumb-wheel tuner may be more convenient for tuning than those requiring an exterior hex wrench wrench for tuning purposes.

Gig Bag

The lightweight Gig Bag makes transporting and protecting your bodhran much simpler between lessons, gigs and sessions. Furthermore, its soft fabric will shield it from bumps or scrapes which might damage it during transit.

McNeela Bodhrans have earned them worldwide respect as industry-leading instruments that put musician first – this philosophy drives their designs. These premium quality instruments are used by musicians of all backgrounds across the world! We are delighted to bring them directly from Ireland.

This bodhran is the ideal starter drum, complete with free online lessons from expert bodhran player Paraic McNeela that cover upbeat, downbeat, roll, jig-timing and reel-timing basics, tuning tips and maintenance advice – everything you need to begin enjoying Irish music on this wonderful instrument! Sign up now and begin learning your bodhran!

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