Post by grayn on Nov 6, 2021 16:04:59 GMT
I dabbled in playing the bodhran 20 odd years ago and have decided to give it another go.
When checking out what is available these days, I noticed some changes.
There are plenty of more "traditional", bodhrans around but a lot of the better ones, though not all,
seem to be smaller in diameter, yet deeper. Also thick black tape around the edge of the rim and
front skin seeems to be the order of the day. And quite a few don't have the holding strut (bar), on
the inside of the drum.
So I went over to Hobgoblin in Leeds to try a few of these new fangled frame drums. I tried about 4
drums in all. 2 had the internal bar and 2 didn't. 2 were Waltons and 2 were Vignoles. All Irish made,
I believe. I'm no expert but I know music and instruments and just went for the one with the best
feel and sound. Which turned out to be a Waltons T Series 15inch Tuneable Bodhran in Blue, the
T5155.
This beauty has a 5-ply laminate frame, with a goatskin head, that's been dyed very dark blue and in
fact, looks black. The frame is 5 inches deep and has 6 holes, that contain turning devices that
allow one to tighten or loosen the goatskin. Thus making it tuneable.
I bought myself a blackwood tipper (or beater) and it cetainly has a nice balance and gets a great
sound from this bodhran. The edging tape helps cut out unwanted (by some) frequences, that when
played without damping would give too much ring. I found this drum sounded very good from the
outset. With my non-striking (left) hand resting lightly against the skin, I get a lovely, deep, but not
overly boomy sound. Some simple left hand movement gets some great and varied timbre.
It took me a couple of minutes to get used to not having the internal strut/bar and I find I now have
the drum tucked a little more into my body, which helps with my whole experience of this very
musical, percussive instrument.
I also bought a Viking, cheapie, lightly padded gigbag. It's well made but won't provide a huge amount
of protection.
When checking out what is available these days, I noticed some changes.
There are plenty of more "traditional", bodhrans around but a lot of the better ones, though not all,
seem to be smaller in diameter, yet deeper. Also thick black tape around the edge of the rim and
front skin seeems to be the order of the day. And quite a few don't have the holding strut (bar), on
the inside of the drum.
So I went over to Hobgoblin in Leeds to try a few of these new fangled frame drums. I tried about 4
drums in all. 2 had the internal bar and 2 didn't. 2 were Waltons and 2 were Vignoles. All Irish made,
I believe. I'm no expert but I know music and instruments and just went for the one with the best
feel and sound. Which turned out to be a Waltons T Series 15inch Tuneable Bodhran in Blue, the
T5155.
This beauty has a 5-ply laminate frame, with a goatskin head, that's been dyed very dark blue and in
fact, looks black. The frame is 5 inches deep and has 6 holes, that contain turning devices that
allow one to tighten or loosen the goatskin. Thus making it tuneable.
I bought myself a blackwood tipper (or beater) and it cetainly has a nice balance and gets a great
sound from this bodhran. The edging tape helps cut out unwanted (by some) frequences, that when
played without damping would give too much ring. I found this drum sounded very good from the
outset. With my non-striking (left) hand resting lightly against the skin, I get a lovely, deep, but not
overly boomy sound. Some simple left hand movement gets some great and varied timbre.
It took me a couple of minutes to get used to not having the internal strut/bar and I find I now have
the drum tucked a little more into my body, which helps with my whole experience of this very
musical, percussive instrument.
I also bought a Viking, cheapie, lightly padded gigbag. It's well made but won't provide a huge amount
of protection.