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Choosing Your Drum

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Now comes the tricky part.
Your going to have your drum for a long time, so it's best if you know it's right for you before purchasing it. High quality drums can cost a pretty penny, but they're worth the investment if you end up loving them!

What is a Bodhran?

Holding a Bodhran and Tipper

Striking the Bodhran

Details and Extras

The size of your bodhran is an important thing to consider. Bodhrans range from a 14" frame to a 22" frame, generally, but these can be bent.
If you have short arms, you should consider getting a smaller-sized drum, as bigger bodhrans will tire your arm out much faster.
If you have longer arms, you have a bit more flexibility, as I've seen big, burly men with 14" bodhrans. ;)

Playing with the Skin

- How to Treat Your Drum

- A Good Case

- Cooperman's Standards

A bodhran's depth can also vary greatly. Deeper drums provide a more resonant sound, but can be tougher to handle for a short-armed person.

Choosing Your Drum

A tuneable bodhran is best if you live in an area with carying climates. A non-tuneable suits constant conditions better. If you live in a dry climate, you should consider a tunable, as you can loosen the bolts if it gets too tight!

A crosspiece may be present on the back of the bodhran. It may be a double, a single, or, like the one pictured above, 3/4. The crosspiece enables you to have better hold while playing the drum, especially while standing, but it may limit the variations you can perform. This is why some experienced players have none. You can also get a drum with removable pieces.

Before purchasing a bodhran, check to see if the skin isn't damaged, and it it's securely held on the bolts. Check if it is not thinner in some areas, and thicker in others. There might be a bit of hair and frackle left on the drum, but these don't affect the tone. Make sure the rim is straight and even, and that the crosspiece (if present) is securely attached.

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