How Bodhran Drums Have Evolved
Since Sean O Riada reintroduced the bodhran during the Irish folk music revival of the 1950s, this drum has seen extensive modification – from tuning systems to various frame depths and dimensions – continually developing over time.
Bodhran master players such as Peadar Mercier of the Chieftains, Christy Moore from Planxty and Johnny Ringo McDonagh have further refined playing techniques, keeping the instrument relevant in modern culture and music.
Origins
Over centuries, this remarkable versatile drum has evolved from its humble origins into an essential part of Irish folk music. Its deep tones provide rhythmic support to traditional melodies, creating one seamless piece.
Sean O Riada and Ceoltoiri Chualann of Ireland can be credited with propelling the bodhran into prominence during the 1960s. Under their tutelage, traditional Irish music moved beyond kitchen sessions into concert halls.
However, the drum had long been in use before that date. In the 1920s, James “Sonny” Davey of Donegal began producing bodhrans for tourist trade use with distinctive jingles similar to tambourines. Later due to increasing demands from musicians he abandoned tourism industry production entirely and focused on manufacturing more bodhrans for musicians’ use exclusively.
Skins
The skin is the cornerstone of any bodhran and ultimately defines its sound and feel. Over time it develops its own personality which the player can then customize according to their musical tastes.
All natural skins eventually lose their inner tension and vitality over time, even when treated carefully. At that point, they have “played out” and must be replaced.
Experienced players will discover which drumhead best meets their tonal preferences. Some prefer spined heads such as CoreLine classic or slim and bullet, while others enjoy playing on a homogenous head without any spines.
Frame
The frame of a drum has an enormous influence on its sound, producing deeper tones with longer sustain, while narrower and shallower frames yield brighter tones with sharper overtones.
The batter head, or drum skin, plays an integral part in shaping the sound of a bodhran. Both natural and synthetic heads have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when selecting one for use on this instrument.
Playing technique is what truly distinguishes the bodhran as an instrument. By manipulating pitch modulation via moving the skin hand on the back of the drum (called modulating pitch) or by changing timbre with tippers sticks called tippers in different ways, players can create various tones and mimick nearly all percussive sounds from standard drum kits using these techniques.
Tone ring
Bodhrans, like their tambourine-inspired predecessor, feature a shallow frame with an attached drum head on one side that may be played using either hands or sticks.
The bodhran became widely recognized during the Irish folk music revival of the 1960s. Sean O’Riada championed it as the national drum of Ireland and promoted it through bands like Chieftains.
Nowadays, it’s increasingly common to come across tuned bodhrans. Tuning reduces humidity effects on natural goat skin drums, enabling drummers to play more consistently and precisely while dampening unwanted overtones and producing a purer sound for the instrument.
Sound
Seamus O’Kane in Dungiven, County Londonderry has invented a groundbreaking rim-tuning system which has dramatically enhanced the bodhran’s sound. His system allows the internal tone ring to be tensioned or loosened using screws to control edge-loading caused by atmospheric conditions and reduce edge-loading significantly.
Precision tuning of bodhrans also enables more precise tuning, helping players in damp weather who often face untunability due to atmospheric conditions. This is an issue which should be taken seriously.
Since its revival during the folk music revival of the 1960s, the bodhran has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Today it boasts an innovative playing style which fully exploits its musical capabilities.
