info about bodhran

[Whistling Pops]

I don't know what forum this should be in ,so moderators feel free to move it if necessary. I am wanting information about bodhrans. How much would someone expect to pay for one of good enough quality to play in a group or session. Also, are there brands which are preferred? I assume there are learning sites online but I am mainly concerned with how cheap or expensive they are (real instruments, not toys) Thanks for any help you can give.

[kkrell]

Roughly 450 Euro for a quality, tunable drum.

[BigDavy]

If you are looking for a proper instrument, you will be buying a craftsman made drum.

Kevin is about right as to the cost. It would also help to know in what country you live, then we can point you towards appropriate makers.

David

[Whistling Pops]

I think I need to correct my request. I have been playing whistles(poorly) for a few years and thought a bodhran might be fun to have. I think I overstated what I was looking for as far as quality goes. I'm not going to be in a band, I just wanted something better than a child's toy. It'll probably just wind up being one more thing to drive my wife nuts with. Are there commercially made and fairly inexpensive bodhrans on the market?

[plunk111]

I recently sold my Metloef bodhran to get some cash for other purposes and replaced it with one of these. I got it on eBay for $100... So far I like it - a LOT! It's tunable and genuine goatskin, but I don't think it's wood (but I don't care). Only caution is to NOT buy the Meinl carrying bag. I returned both of the ones I ordered online due to faulty zippers - I suspect a design flaw. I got a 14" snare drum bag for it (for half the price and twice the quality).

[maki]

I'll preface this by saying I don't 'nuttn about them drummy thingys....

Whistle and Drum has some Bodhrans for sale.
http://www.whistleanddrum.com/bodhrans-bones-spoons
The owner of the shop also has an online Bodhran tutorial in the I-teach section.
http://www.blaynechastain.com/i-teach#bodhran_tab
I believe that his online students get a discount for his e-store too, but you'll have to check.

I have been using Blaynes tutorial for whistles for over a year and enjoy it.

[Elle]

Not a child's toy, but not high end either. Pretty decent sound, tunable. Know someone who played one & was happy with it.

http://www.mygearmonster.com/341-remo-w ... inish.html

[Dagda]

I wish there was a kit available for constructing your own. I see them online but they are sold in quantities of 8 minimum.

I am debating if I should buy one or not. It's a big investment for a good one if you don't know if you will like it or not. Might be alot of fun though.

[Whistling Pops]

I just purchased a used Walton's Pro5 Deluxe (18 inch). So far I am having fun with it!

[Dagda]

If I get the bodhran and I could grow two more arms I could play the whistle and the bodhran at the same time!

I sent an email off to Seamus to get a price and hopefully I'll get an answer sooner or later. Looks like a good drum will run somewhere around 250 to 300 US dollars. Seems alot for what it is.

[p51baby]

Being a fellow tubthumper as well, the one I currently play is a Belgarth. I believe its sheepskin (though the site says goatskin) and also tunable, comes in sizes of 12-18 inches diameter. Be prepared to throw down about $400 for these ones but it's definitely better than the cheap Pakistani ones.

http://www.belgarth.com/

Plus you can get ogham and runic inscribed on the sides!

[Dagda]

The prices at belgrath are listed in British pounds , is that correct?

http://www.belgarth.com/pricelist.htm

I always get mixed up between the euro and pounds and ...

[kip]

a decent drum would be between $300-$500 USD

Makers in the USA I recommend are
Albert Alfonso
Mike Quinlan
Brent Cuyler

there are a few makers in Canada as well

across the pond there is
Seamus Okane
Diarmaid Okane
Belgarth
Brendan White
Christian Hedwitschak
Eckermann
Rob Forkner Metloef

Larger drum companies like REMO.COM and Meinl make some drums.
i think the Meinl drums are horrid

The REMO bodhran w syntehtic Bahia skin are passable

Cooperman Drums makes some drums as well.

[LeeMarsh]

I've been playing Brendan White for 7 years. I got it because it was the lease expensive ($250-300) professional level drum. and I liked the mellow bass sound of the large double skin.

http://www.bodhran.nl/

[ggiles]

I purchased a used Bodhran from Steafan Hannigan here in Ontario, Can.
It is a locally made bodhran by Dr. T (Raye Thomas) for $250. Deep drum, goat skin, tunable.
He is currently selling Christian Hedwitschak drums. Beautiful instruments but expect to pay $500+ for one.
See if there are any local instructors ... they may have a good quality used instrument to sell you like I got.

... correction .. I see you got a Walton's, but maybe my info may help someone else.