Even though the bodhran has enjoyed immense popularity, few productions exist that solely feature it. This album hopes to change that.

Bodhran players have long been seen as an impediment to Irish music sessions; now they are pushing for greater roles within these sessions. This album provides evidence of this change.

The history of the bodhran

The bodhran has long been part of Irish music, yet only since the 1960s has it become a mainstream instrument. Before that it was mostly associated with Saint Stephen’s Day rituals of hunting for “Wren,” an animal which legend states betrayed Saint Stephen and made sacrifice for Saint Stephen instead.

In the 1970s, several bodhran virtuosos pioneered new playing techniques. These included Sean O Riada, Peadar Mercier (and his son Mel), Christy Moore from Planxty, Tommy Hayes of Stockton’s Wing and Johny Ringo McDonagh from De Dannann.

This new approach to bodhran has transformed it into an extremely flexible instrument. Simply by altering pressure placed upon its skin, one can produce sounds ranging from sharp urgent beats to melodious ringing beats; skilled players can produce all these tones simultaneously! When played perfectly, the bodhran can evoke emotions such as sob, mirth or even martial action!

The rim

This classic Trinity College drum features a deep rim made from natural wood that offers strong earthy resonance for an impressive sound reminiscent of McNeela bass tones.

This drum offers enhanced playing comfort with its removable cross bar and arm cut out for improved playing comfort, and taped edges for enhanced tone quality allowing you to achieve that distinctive McNeela bass sound.

The Bodhran is an Irish frame drum composed of a circular wooden frame with goat skin head tacked to one side and played using a small stick called a beater, tipper or cipin. One end is open so players can touch different spots of its surface to change pitch and timbre as needed; playing it sitting, standing or lying down has made this versatile instrument popular among many legendary Irish musicians.

The skin

Every bodhran is different; even two identical models produced by different drum makers will sound slightly differently due to differences in skin thickness.

Bodhran drum skins are made from natural animal hides and thus have many unique qualities that contribute to its sound. A bodhran with visible spines (more or less visible as darker stripes) often produces warmer and melodious sounds while one without such features has a dry tone.

An instrument with a spine tends to produce higher tonal pitches, so it is imperative that its skin be well treated – this means rubbing it in with camelia oil at least once every month and treating its rim (especially if painted), to prevent rust and maintain smooth, quiet, and good condition playing surfaces.

The tuning

Bodhrans can be played using two distinct styles. Kerry or West Limerick style involves striking the drum using both ends of the beater above both head, known as Kerry style; or holding only one end above head in top end style – either may be preferred depending on individual players. Both styles may be employed; it simply depends on their preference.

A bodhran cannot be played without its accompanying beater, usually made of wood. These come in various designs such as hard tippers, split beaters, hotrod dowel beaters and weighted models which all produce different sounds when hit against.

Compared to some musical instruments, the bodhran is one of the easiest instruments to pick up and play – making it the ideal instrument for beginners! Our online bodhran lessons make learning this traditional Irish instrument even simpler! Within no time at all you could be accompanying your first traditional Irish music session!

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