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The Bodhran

The Bodhran (or more accurately Bodhrán) is the traditional Irish Drum. Made from a round wooden frame, with an animal skin stretched over it. The bodhrán (pronounced bow-rahn) is the heartbeat of Irish traditional music, and is a hugely popular choice with our customers. Capable of surprisingly complicated rhythms, when played well it can really lift the music. You don’t need to be able to read music to play; get yourself a Bodhrán and you will soon be able to join in with the music.

All our Bodhráns are good value for money, and they come with a full guarantee - that’s why we’ve sold many thousands of them! However, all Bodhrán skins should be treated with dubbin or oiled regularly so as to avoid difficulties with changes in the weather. This process also gives a new drum the softer sound most players look for. All Bodhráns come complete with beater.

Bodhran Makers

Belgarth

Beautiful bodhrans hand made in the Orkney Isles by Jane and Eoin Leonard. These deep drums have an excellent and very attractive thick white skin, and a frame that comes in a variety of colours and designs. They have a single strut, and both a tuneable and non-tuneable model is available. We mainly stock 16" Belgarths, but 12", 14" and 18" models are available to order.

Gremlin

Gremlin bodhrans are made in Pakistan to our specifications. Made to a budget price they are an excellent instrument to learn on if you don't want to spend too much at the outset. The Gremlins are available in 16", and 18", and there is a tuneable model.

Waltons

Waltons bodhrans are made in Ireland and are one of the best known Irish brands. They are good, middle of the range drums, and of course are available with the ever popular Guinness design.

Malachy Kearns

Kearns bodhrans are handmade in Ireland to a high standard. Kearns personalises his brand with a wooden band around the rim, and the Claddagh symbol on the sides of his drums. Christy Moore plays a Kearns bodhran, and this brand was also used in Riverdance.

Michael Vignoles

Nice sturdy, heavy bodhrans traditionally hand made in Ireland. Vignoles bodhrans aren't over finished cosmetically, but they sound great.

Gerhard Kress (Gurt Mint)

Gurt Mint bodhrans are handmade by Gerhard Kress in Bristol. Kress specialises in Deep rims and only makes tunable bodhrans. We don't stock these as a regular item, but there is usually one in our Bristol branch.

Barral (Celthair)

Celthair bodhrans are made in Spain by Victor Barral. These are a recent addition to our range and are nicely finished and attractive tuneable bodhrans.
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