What is a bodhrán and why is it important?
Throughout history, the bodhrán was employed by Irish clans as a battle drum in attempts to strike fear in the hearts of enemies. The drum was likely used to provide a steady rhythm for Celtic warriors to march to. Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish!
What is a bodhran drum?
The bodhran ( pronounced “bow-rawn” ), or simply the Irish drum, is an Irish frame drum measuring 12 to 24 inches in diameter and a depth between 4 to 8 inches. Its body is usually a hard, circular wooden or plastic piece.
Is the bodhran a good instrument to learn?
The bodhran is a fun instrument to play even for those who are just getting started learning the instrument. The drum gained recognition as a legitimate musical instrument during the resurgence of Irish traditional music in the 1960s, when muscians, particularly Sean O Riada , began to use it in their compositions.
Where can I find the best bodhrans in Ireland?
Welcome to McNeela Instruments - home of The Bodhrán Maker. We offer one of the best selections of bodhrans in Ireland & the UK. Browse our exciting range of best selling bodhrans below. The Bodhrán Maker, Paraic McNeela, began making his handcrafted Irish drums in 1979 and has never looked back since.
What is a bodhrán in Irish music?
The word bodhran means "drum" in Irish, which is part of the Celtic family of languages; the word literally translates as "skin tray." In centuries past, the word bodhran could refer to a variety of percussive musical instruments, but from the early twentieth century onward, it has referred to a specific Irish drum ...
Where did the bodhrán come from?
The bodhrán is an old drum but a young musical instrument. Although it has existed in Ireland for centuries, it was introduced into traditional music performance only in the 1960s, and became common only in the 1970s.
What is a bodhrán stick called?
The stick is often referred to as a cipín, which is also the word for a small stick or piece of kindling. Other names include beater and tipper. They can be straight pieces of strong timbers such as ash and holly, but often are bulbous at one or both terminals.
What year was the bodhrán invented?
The bodhrán's use in Irish festivals The bodhrán as an instrument was played throughout the year. This bodhrán was made in c. 1820 by a man in Killinarden, Tallaght, Co. Dublin.
Why is the Bodhrán used?
The traditional bodhrán in Ireland was not so much a musical instrument for pleasure and entertainment but instead, it was used as a tool in certain rituals and holy days. Throughout history, the bodhrán was employed by Irish clans as a battle drum in attempts to strike fear in the hearts of enemies. The drum was likely used to provide ...
What is a Bodhrán?
A bodhrán is essentially a cross between a tambourine and a drum, and there are studies into the resemblances between the tabor, tambourine, and the bodhrán as they all have very similar designs. A bodhrán consists of a circular frame with a skin stretched over one face. The traditional bodhrán drum featured wooden frames ...
What is the difference between a bodhrán and a Kerry tipper?
Kerry Style: with the Kerry style of play both ends of the tipper are used. The player holds the drum securely on his or her knee and holds the tipper with ...
What is the skin of a Bodhrán drum?
Each musician will generally have a preferred size bodhrán. The skin was traditionally goatskin, but sheepskin was also used. Today, entirely artificial synthetic skins are commonly used. Modern instruments have tuning features by which the bodhrán drum's skin can be tightened in order to produce a more musical note.
What is the Bodhrán basket used for?
Originally a flat wide vessel, the bodhrán has been used to carry peat. It has also been cited as being a winnowing basket in its original purpose. Winnowing is what is done to wheat to separate out the hard, spikey coverings from the soft kernels.
Where did the Bodhrán drum come from?
The name bodhrán comes from Gaelic and is believed to translate to the words 'skin tray'.
What is the hand used for in Bodhrán?
Hand: the hand is used to strike the bodhrán, with the heel of the hand creating a sharp, loud beat, whilst the flat of the palm creates softer sounds. The fingers come into play too, with gentle taps, slides, and hard rapping all taking their place in the pantheon of sound produced by the humble bodhrán drum.
What does the name Bodhran mean?
Meaning of “Bodhran”. The name “bodhran” is an Irish word that derives from the word bodhar which means deaf or dull. [3] . Others insist the word means skin tray due to its likely origin within agriculture. [4] .
What is the Bodhran style of music?
Sophisticated techniques that prompt players to follow tunes being orchestrated have been developed, resulting in what has been deemed by many as the rebirth of bodhran music. These techniques have not only received accolades in Ireland but also the world over with rookies receiving music lessons taught using these newer techniques rather than the former techniques.
What is the Bodhran drum made of?
Its body is usually a hard, circular wooden or plastic piece. Normally, people make the bodhran drum using goat skin, however, modern bodhrans have been made using other animal skins as well as synthetic materials with similar qualities. The skin is tacked to one side with the other side left bare and open to facilitate control ...
What is a Bodhran hex key?
Bodhrans that have been professionally crafted are fitted with integrated tuning so that the player uses a hex key to either tighten or loosen the skin. The art of tightening or loosening the skin depends greatly on the weather conditions. When buying a bodhran, it is important to learn the difference between tacked bodhrans and tunable bodhrans. ...
How big is the Bodhran?
Bodhran Page: History of the Irish Drum. The bodhran ( pronounced “bow-rawn” ), or simply the Irish drum, is an Irish frame drum measuring 12 to 24 inches in diameter and a depth between 4 to 8 inches. Its body is usually a hard, circular wooden or plastic piece.
How to play the Irish drum?
In order to play the Irish drum, the drum must be held on the thigh and supported by the arm and the upper body at the same time. One hand must be placed under the skin to tighten or loosen it by pushing to provide the required pitch and timbre. The varied tension of the skin, coupled with the strike of the tipper, produces the tunes.
Why do Irish drums have screws?
Players by now know that atmospheric conditions may influence loosening or tightening of the skin and, therefore, will use these screws to make necessary adjustments to the Irish drum.
The Bodhrán in battles
During the Irish rebellion of 1603, the Irish forces used the bodhrán as a battle drum. Providing a cadence for the pipers and warriors to keep to. It would also announce the arrival of the army. Some believe it was derived from an old Celtic war drum.
How to Play The Bodhrán
The drum is mostly played in a seated position, held vertically on the player’s thigh. It’s supported by his/her upper body and arm, usually on the left side, for a right-handed player. The hand is placed on the inside of the skin controlling the tension and therefore the pitch and timbre.
What is a Bodhran drum?
What Is the Bodhran Drum? The Irish bodhran drum is a frame drum with a shallow body and a single-skin head. It is common throughout Irish traditional music and other forms of Celtic music. Use of the bodhran drum gained more prominence during an Irish folk music revival of the 1960s, when famed Irish composer Seán Ó Riada championed ...
What hand do you play the Bodhran with?
Bare-hand style: As with most percussion instruments, a drummer can play the bodhran with their bare hands. For most players, this means holding the instrument with the left hand and striking it with the right hand.
How to play Bodhran drums?
Play a bodhran drum with a wooden beater—known as a tipper, bone, or cipín. There are four primary playing techniques among bodhran players: 1 Kerry style: A Kerry-style bodhran player uses a two-ended beater and strikes the instrument by pivoting their wrist back and forth. 2 Top-end style: The top-end playing style involves striking the bodhran around the outer edge of the instrument, particularly near its top. The player can move their hand to strike precise regions of the drum head, producing a variety of pitches on the instrument. Bodhrans played in the top-end style tend to be smaller with thicker drum heads. 3 Bottom-end style: Bottom end bodhran playing uses the same technique as top end playing; the only difference is the player mostly strikes the bottom end of the instrument. 4 Bare-hand style: As with most percussion instruments, a drummer can play the bodhran with their bare hands. For most players, this means holding the instrument with the left hand and striking it with the right hand.
What is the frame of an Irish drum?
A standard Irish frame drum has a wooden frame that is open on one side and topped with a drum head on the other. Traditional Irish bodhran makers fashion their instruments with a goatskin head, while other bodhran makers use different animal skins or synthetic material for the drum head.
What is the difference between bodhran and bottom end?
Bottom-end style: Bottom end bodhran playing uses the same technique as top end playing; the only difference is the player mostly strikes the bottom end of the instrument.
What is the Kerry style of Bodhran?
Kerry style: A Kerry-style bodhran player uses a two-ended beater and strikes the instrument by pivoting their wrist back and forth. Top-end style: The top-end playing style involves striking the bodhran around the outer edge of the instrument, particularly near its top.
What is the traditional instrument of Ireland?
Teaches Drumming and Percussion. The traditional music of Ireland incorporates instruments from many parts of Europe. One homegrown Irish instrument, though, is the bodhran.
What is a Bodhran?
The bodhran is a traditional Irish frame drum, most popular in Celtic music. The cross braces and laminated rosewood of this musical instrument offers support to its goatskin cover. The bodhran is a fun instrument to play even for those who are just getting started learning the instrument. The drum gained recognition as a legitimate musical ...
How to choose a Bodhran?
The ideal way to choose a bodhran is to first decide whether you want a tacked version or a tunable version of the same. A tacked bodhran has its head held together with tacks that keep it from being tuned. A tunable bodhran has its head held together with metal hardware that allows you to tighten or loosen the instrument in order to change the sound. While choosing a bodhran, it is important to distinguish between drumheads that are made from natural skin and those that are made from synthetic material. While goatskin drumheads offer a deeper sound, they also require regular oiling as opposed to synthetic heads.#N#Bodhrans are available in a variety of sizes. While they range from 10 inches to 26 inches, most professional musicians use bodhrans that belong to the 14-inch to 18-inch category. Small-sized bodhrans are recommended for children or musicians of slight stature, who may not be able to hold larger variations of the celtic instrument.
How big is a Bodhran drum head?
While goatskin drumheads offer a deeper sound, they also require regular oiling as opposed to synthetic heads. Bodhrans are available in a variety of sizes. While they range from 10 inches to 26 inches, most professional musicians use bodhrans that belong to the 14-inch to 18-inch category.
What bands used the Bodhran?
Thereafter, bands such as The Chieftains and Ceoltoiri Chualann used the bodhran as part of the second wave roots revival of Irish traditional music. Following that, the musical instrument began to be recognized across the world. [1] A tacked bodhran. Table of Contents [ hide] 1 Choosing the Right Bodhran.
What should a Bodhran drumhead be made of?
If the drumhead of the bodhran is made of natural skin, it should have no holes, rips or gouges. If the drumhead is made of synthetic material, it should be free of blemishes, dents and scratches. Listen carefully to the sound of the bodhran that you wish to purchase.
What is a tunable Bodhran?
A tunable bodhran has its head held together with metal hardware that allows you to tighten or loosen the instrument in order to change the sound. While choosing a bodhran, it is important to distinguish between drumheads that are made from natural skin and those that are made from synthetic material.
What is the most vulnerable part of the Bodhran?
Maintaining and Caring for the Bodhran. The most vulnerable part of the bodhran is its skin. Not only does it have to bear regular beating but also tolerate extreme climatic changes, including temperature and humidity, which could eventually lead to tears or punctures on the drumhead.
What is a Bodhrán drum?
A bodhrán is an Irish frame drum consisting of a circular wooden frame covered with a goatskin head on one side. It is played by striking the skin with a small wooden stick known as a bodhrán beater, tipper or cipín.
What is an 18" bodhrán?
18" Non-Tuneable Bodhrán with Gig Bag Sometimes it's best to go back to where it all began. This traditional 18" Irish bodhrán is already a classic - the simple and pure provenance of its design means that the player can...
When did Paraic McNeela make Bodhrán?
14" Non-Tuneable Bodhrán Paraic McNeela has been making bodhráns since 1979, it's not a hobby for him, it's a passion. This professionally crafted 14" goatskin bodhrán has gone on to be one of his best sellers.
What is the Irish tricolour?
The Tricolour Bodhrán The national flag of Ireland, also frequently referred to as the Irish tricolour is a vertical tricolour of green, white, and orange. The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the...
What is the purpose of the other side of the drum?
The other side of the drum is open-ended allowing one hand to be placed against the inside of the drum head to control pitch and timbre. This versatile musical instrument is the most popular Irish percussion instrument today and one of the most recognisable frame drums in the world.
What is a Celtic hound?
The Celtic hounds were a breed of dogs in Gaelic Ireland described in Irish legend. Celtic Hounds can be found in Celtic jewellery designs and paintings as far back as the 17th century. Celtic Hounds symbolise hunting, healing, and the Otherworld in...
Is the McNeela Wave Bodhrán set back?
The McNeela Wave Bodhrán Set I am really delighted and very proud to bring you the new and improved McNeela Wave Bodhrán, yes, it's back! I think it’s a bit of a show stopper and bound to...
What are the different types of Bodhrán tippers?
Different types of bodhrán tippers. There are many, many different types of bodhrán tippers, and they are also are known by many different names! Tippers, beaters, drumsticks…part of the reason I think the bodhrán is such an interesting instrument is that no two players seem to do things exactly the same, whether with their chosen bodhrán ...
Is Bodhrán lighter than hot rod?
There is a lot of clarity in the top end of the bodhrán and with all of the tones in general when you use a harder stick. Depending on your tipper, it may be lighter and smaller than a hot rod style of stick too. Here’s a demonstration of me playing with my (personal) favourite hard style of tipper.
History of The Bodhran
Meaning of “Bodhran”
- The name “bodhran” is an Irish word that derives from the word bodhar which means deaf or dull. Others insist the word means skin tray due to its likely origin within agriculture. Either way, this tambourine replacement has grown in popularity within Irish traditional music since the 1960’s as well as other nearby countries. In Scotland for example, Celtic music has gained a considerable …
Modifications to The Irish Drum
- Nowadays, most bodhrans will have insulated edges to reduce unnecessary tones brought about by vibrations of the skin. The most common material used for insulating is electric tape because it’s made of rubber and is easy to stretch. Modern bodhrans have also been fitted with screws to aid in adjusting the skin tension to required levels. Players by...
Bodhran Tippers
- The Irish drum is most often played with a small piece of wood known as a tipper. According to history, tippers were initially crafted from bones. Today, however, there are various types of bodhran tippers made mainly from wood. Bare knuckles can also be used to play this instrument, but it is no longer as common as it used to be. The type of tippers used may determine the style…
Newer Playing Styles
- With the evolution of bodhran music, more and more playing techniques and styles have been born thanks to players like Tommy Hayes and Abe Doron, among others. This newer style of playing is usually done on a smaller, but deeper drum that uses a thinner skin and a straight tipper with the main focus on the top of the drum. Sophisticated techniques that prompt players to foll…
Listen to Some Funky Bodhran Music!
- Watch Josselin Fournel of the band DOOLIN’ break it down with this funky Irish drum solo! As you can see by the way Josselin plays, the Irish drum requires exceptionally good hand-eye coordination and rhythm in order to play it effectively. Most professional Irish drum players are the way they are because they spend hours at a time practicing their stroke, so don’t be discourage…
List of Notable Players
- Seán Ó Riada – Ireland
- Junior Davey – Ireland
- David Fallon – Ireland
- Mel Mercier – Ireland
References
- “Snap-Apple Night globalphilosophy” by Daniel Maclise – 1833 painting by Daniel Maclise. Via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maclise.snap.apple.night.jpg. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimed...
- Nolan, R. (2003). History of the Irish Drum. Irish Music.
- Mittleman, J. (1999, March 30). Linguistics of Bodhrán-related Words. Retrieved December 1…
- “Snap-Apple Night globalphilosophy” by Daniel Maclise – 1833 painting by Daniel Maclise. Via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maclise.snap.apple.night.jpg. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimed...
- Nolan, R. (2003). History of the Irish Drum. Irish Music.
- Mittleman, J. (1999, March 30). Linguistics of Bodhrán-related Words. Retrieved December 14, 2015, from http://www.ceolas.org/instruments/bodhran/linguistics.shtml
- “bodhrán,” Grinnell College Musical Instrument Collection, accessed December 14, 2015, https://omeka1.grinnell.edu/MusicalInstruments/items/show/308
