I hope it is the right place to ask this question. My husband would like to learn to play bodhrán, and I want to give it to him as a birthday present. What would be a good instrument for a beginner? I have absolutely no idea what too look for in my internet search. There are probably very expensive (top of the line) instruments. I need something he can enjoy and grow with.

Your input is much appreciated.

You might want to look into Blayne Chastain's Bodhran course;
http://www.blaynechastain.com/i-teach/

I don't play the Bodhran myself but I do subscribe to his on line whistle and flute lessons
and really enjoy his teaching. Just a thought.

Good luck with your search.

Thank you!

After reading the thread in the first reply above, I bought one of the Remo 14" drums.

I'm really impressed. It doesn't sound as good as a $500 hand made drum, but it's still good. It has a good deep note, and enough flexibility in the head to allow you to do some right hand stuff.

My only complaint is that the tuning ring is prone to buzz against the frame, especially if you slack off the skin.

On the positive side, the fact that it's a synthetic head means that it's always in tune.

Even if you did have a $500 drum, you might want one of these for times when you don't want to endanger a $500 drum. Like camping trips.

Whistle and drum have got the probably last two Light Line 1.0 Bodhrans by Christian Hedwitschak available worldwide. http://www.whistleanddrum.com/hedwitschak-light-line-bodhrans-1This is a very good bodhran for beginners and will also fill the needs of intermediate players so you will have a couple of years of fun with it. The Light Line combines a great finish (Christian Hedwitschak is a trained master cabinet-maker turned bodhranmaker), a good sound, an easy to use tuning system and a flexible, German-cured goatskin head with a highly competitive price (that's why the series has been discontinued). Some of the best Bodhran-players play Christian's instruments, including Eamon Murray (Beoga), Rolf Wagels (Cara) and Martin O'Neill, who have their own signature series made by Christian.
So do your husband and neighbours a favour and buy something decent!