Bodhran Drum For Sale
A bodhran is a traditional Irish frame drum made of shallow circular shape with goatskin covering. Although originated in Ireland, its design shares characteristics with older drums from North Africa and Middle East.
Search for a bodhran that is free from holes and rips, with an unblemished surface and sound that pleases. Listen carefully when making your selection.
Size
Your choice of bodhran will depend on what you need it for; beginners should opt for an entry-level model, which should be easy and affordable to play. But for experienced players looking for an upgrade, investing in something slightly more costly may prove worthwhile, not only improving the sound but also being easier on both hands and shoulders while playing.
Waltons Bodhrans are widely respected for their quality and are ideal for beginners or experienced session players alike. Each Waltons bodhran features a natural goatskin head attached to a wooden frame, as well as offering tunable models and starter packs with everything you need for playing the instrument. Many also come adorned with iconic Irish symbols such as Kilkenny Cross or Claddagh symbols to help get players started right away!
Materials
Ideal bodhran skin should be resilient and flexible enough to withstand regular beating and extreme temperature and humidity changes, including extreme climate shifts. To maintain these characteristics, the drumhead must remain free from small tears or holes as even seemingly minor ones may produce significant variations in sound output. To help achieve these ideal conditions, regular conditioning with lanolin or neetsfoot oil may help maintain this goal.
The bodhran is a shallow hand drum with a circular wooden frame covered by goatskin. To play it, one uses a short stick called a beater, tipper or cipin to strike against its head to create rhythmic beats and rolls; drummers may press on its head to bend or shape its tone to create simple musical patterns with simple patterns. At Waltons, we offer both tunable and standalone bodhrans along with accessories to support learning this versatile instrument.
Tacking
Bodhrans differ from other frame drums in that one side of their skin can be directly touched to control pitch and tone, enabling musicians to perform rhythmic beats as well as rolls and ornamentations with greater ease. Sitting with their instrument vertically over their thigh, musicians use a small wooden beater or tipper to strike its head for ornamentation purposes or control pitch and tone directly.
Quality bodhran skin should be free from holes, rips and gouges with a smooth surface and have high levels of elasticity and resilience. Regular conditioning with natural lubricants like lanolin or neetsfoot oil should help preserve this quality condition.
Waltons offers an extensive selection of bodhrans that are suitable for novice, student and experienced players alike. Our collection features tunable bodhrans, goatskin drums and accessories designed to aid the learning and playing experience – perfect as gifts for music lovers!
Sound
The Bodhran features a circular goatskin drumhead enclosed within a wooden frame, played by striking its skin with a short stick known as a beater, tipper or cipin. A hand inside the frame presses down on its head to shape tone so even simple patterns sound musical.
When purchasing a bodhran, ensure it has a quality drumhead free from holes or rips and free from scratches on both its skin and drumhead. Small tears should also be repaired using patches of duct tape or gaffer’s tape; goatskin drumheads will require regular conditioning or oiling in order to achieve the desired sound.
Bodhrans are an ideal classroom percussion instrument, as they can be tuned to meet the specific needs of different students and age groups. Available in 12-18″ sizes and sold either alone or as kits that come complete with instructional materials and premium tippers for additional cost, bodhrans make an excellent classroom percussion option.
