The bodhran is the traditional beat of Irish music with its deep sound and varied playing styles, you can play in the traditional Irish folk rhythm or in any modern and personal style. To obtain different sounds tap on the goatskin or on the rim, for more advanced playing you can place the hand on the back of the playing surface and move the hand position to get different sounds. The tipper – which is the double headed drumstick held in one hand - allows very fast and complex rhythms. Information to help you Select Your Bodhran (click here) Watch an inspiring Irish drum video (click here)
To select your bodhran you have two basic choices, Tunable OR Fixed Head. The Fixed type is great, you just pick up the drum and play it. The Tunable Head is ideal for adjusting the head skin tension to give you the desired tone, especially if it is played in different temperature and humidity which makes the head tension change. The tunable types have either Internal or External mechanisms: the External is generally easier to adjust, while the Internal is more aesthetically pleasing and the mechanism will not get caught onto anything while is being played or moved around.
The sizes 14”, 16”, 18”, 26” are for personal preference; the larger heads giving a deeper sound and more room to maneuver the hand behind the playing surface for different sounds. The smaller size bodhrans are easier to carry around, while giving a crispier tone. The preferred drum is the inside tunable 18” as it gives a wide playing surface at the same time the flexibility to vary the playing tone.
The bracing at the back of the bodhran are again subject of personal preference, but generally the crossbar is for beginners and all round playing, the T-bar and the single bar allow for more manouvrability of the hand behind the playing surface for varied sound effects.
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