junk or a ok starter

[Whistling Archer]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-Bodhran-Drum ... 4d1554422b

[Feadoggie]

Looks like one of Mid-East's bodhrans. They are the purveyors/importers of many of the much discussed eBay flutes. I had a go on one just like it at a festival recently. While that model is better than much of what Mid East sells, I'd suggest skipping it. I won't go into all the reasons why I think that. Price is high, IMO, given the "quality". You can learn as much using an empty pizza box for a drum.

You'd be better off spending a bit more on a decent drum from a well known maker.

Or... You're a crafty guy. Why not make one. It's not too hard once you've gotten hold of the goat (skin). Google is your friend.

Feadoggie

[Whistling Archer]

Thanks Feadoggie, Ive considered making one, Ive got 2 oak rims Ive bent in the garage, but they are 11&12, I know I need bigger,, rim bending isn't too bad if you have a steamer{I do } and a form, Id need to make a larger form, for a bodhran .

what size width & depth do you suggest?

thanks
Steve

anybody ever need decent skins at decent price blackbearhaversack ,, is the place

[BigDavy]

Hi Whistling Archer.

I would disagree with Feadoggie in as much as the drum is tuneable, the skin is from the back of the goat, so it is not junk. As a starter it should be ok, as long as the price doesn't go up much.

If you do get it, use the tippers provided as paperweights and get a decent one. (Canvas your fiddler friends and see if they have a broken bow, and make one from that).

If you go the making route, a drum 14-15 inches wide with a deep rim - 5 inches minimum would be my suggestion.

David

[Feadoggie]

Ive got 2 oak rims Ive bent in the garage, but they are 11&12, I know I need bigger,

Ha! I thought you might be a candidate for making one. BE sure to make it tunable.

There is more variation in drums these days then ever. I started beating the goat about twenty years ago. Fashions and designs have changed a bit over that period. The head size, the body depth and the skin thickness/elasticity all contribute to the results. My first drum was an 18 inch drum about four inches deep. That was fairly normal back then. I have played a 16 inch drum about six inches or so deep for the last 12 years. Fairly normal for 200-2001. It has a fairly thick head and it produces a lot of thump. My next drum will probably be a fourteen inch drum with a deeper rim, and a thinner but well dampened (not wet) skin. More current drums might be as small as 12 inches and 8-10 inches deep. Look at what well regarded makers are offering then see what you think. Consider whether you want to play with a double-end or single-end stick technique. The smaller heads are not as friendly to a double-end stick style as the larger heads, IMO. Lots of ways to do it.

Albert Alfonso http://www.albertalfonso.com/Drums.html

Seamus O'Kane http://www.tradcentre.com/seamus/

And a decent survey of many makers: http://www.sixwatergrog.com/2011/11/cus ... hrans.html

Feadoggie

[Whistling Archer]

thanks both of you, Me & wife are having fun with our little whistle duos, I thought Id try to learn the bodhran and sneak it in,,, then maybe she can "beat the goat" as you say for me. Im 52 & shes 43 , no kids at house, time to enjoy our semi golden years.
thanks
Steve

[BigDavy]

Hi Feadoggie

If you are going thin skin, consider using kangaroo hide.


David

[Feadoggie]

If you are going thin skin, consider using kangaroo hide.

Yep, that's what I was thinking. Thanks for the suggestion BigDavy.

Feadoggie

[BigDavy]

No problems Feadoggie.

I got a second hand Metloef drum on ebay about 6 years or so back (It appears that it was Rob's own drum originally). It had a kangaroo head and played in lovely, so I am a convert to kangaroo. So much so that I ordered another custom drum from Rob Forkner (a 14x12 oval drum with a Tasmanian roo head) which is now my main drum.

Ivory Session - this is the original Metloef being played.

David

[Cayden]

If you are going thin skin, consider using kangaroo hide.

Yep, that's what I was thinking. Thanks for the suggestion BigDavy.

Feadoggie

Feadoggie,
The "roo" will put more jump in your thump!

Happy Thanksgiving Mate,
Cayden

[ggiles]

If you got the equipment and know how make it yourself. If not find a maker such as those listed all ready.

The bodhran book author, Steafan is currently selling Hedwitschak Drums and plays them.

http://www.bodhranmaker.de/

Very expensive but a good source of inspiration for someone wanting to make one.