Thhis is a very very hard question to answer I would know having asked a similar question not that long ago I got multiple answers although the top brands were Seamus O'Cane, some Dutch guy I can't remeber, Metlof Drums, and Mace O'Grady.
P.S. I like your screen name I often make Bodhran moron jokes myself.
That would be it I would have asked for it but I couldn't remember if it was you that was "Queen of the Archives" or someone else but I guees it was you. You might find something good on here morononthebodhran.
Hiya, new guy (do i call you "moron"? or "bodhran"? or what?) Welcome to the session. Once you've been here a while you'll realize we are for the most part die-hard pure drop traditionalists. In answer to your question, my friend David Settles (http://members.shaw.ca/dsettles/drums/daveydrum04.html) *makes* bodhrans and is therefore in an excellent position to know the nuts and bolts of traditional bodhran making. According to Dave, a bodhran of exceptional traditionality can be acquired thusly:
1) Purchase a goat.
2) When your goat grows big enough to eat, bon appetit! Now you're on your way to becoming the proud owner of an authentic traditional Irish bodhran!
3) Skin your ex-goat carefully, scrape off *most* of the hair (not all of it!)
4) Place the goat hide in a secret mixture of extremely noxious chemicals for an unendurable length of time. (Email Dave for the recipe!)
5) Find a fairly strong object of a roughly circular nature (ie. a wagon wheel, barrel ring, or, in a pinch, a few steam-bent, thin planks of wood all glued together.)
6) Nail a circular hunk of cured goat skin to your wagon wheel. Make sure you leave a little hunk of goat hair on it somewhere. A *bald* bodhran is not a *traditional* bodhran! Now, if you have had too many pints and the bodhrans all start looking the same in the dim light of your local pub, you can identify yours by recognizing the unique coloration of the hair of your ex-goat!
7) Find an object with which to whap your new bodhran, and voila! You are now a *traditional* Irish bodhran player, and you will soon be warmly welcomed at top level sessions in Boston, New York, Ireland and beyond!
But it's probably easier to buy one. *grin* *Are* we die-hard pure drop traditionalists? I hadn't realized. Well. No bodhrans at all for us, then, I guess... ;)
Hi MOTB, I'm new here too-although I've been lurking for a few weeks, and if your post was a wind-up, I'm taking the bait. Not to answer your question, but to ask one myself. Your unique name asks the question: Could you be the graphic artist/cartoonist guy, playing Irish music and living in Boise? If so, I sat in with your band once, long ago, and would have you know there's a session most Sundays at the Ha'Penny at around 7. Consider yourself invited Mike, although I DO remember you playing a bit more than the drum. If you're not the same individual, consider yourself or anyone else reading this deflected thread invited as well, drum or not.
Remember, the goat *must* be from Gaeltacht, otherwise the sound will not be pure enough. : if you submerge the skin in Guinness for a period of time, it might develop nice Celtic patterns on the surface.
Greenman seems to imply that Seamus O'Kane's bodhráns are the best, as does clunk 999, powerhaus, Morganna, unseen122, while jocklet favors Brendan Whites, as does Grey Badger. Deff Goat likes Belgarth. Cristoir Dollard likes Mance Grady.
So in conclusion from the thread you have pointed me towards, the results are: Seamus O'Kane with 5 recommendations, Brendan White with 2 recommendations, and Belgarth and Mance Grady with 1 recommendation each...
So it would seem that Seamus O'Kane's are the most favored bodhráns? Does this make him the best bodhrán maker in the world in anyone's opinion? I hear something about a new tensioning system. Does anyone have one of these, or could they vouch for them?
Could I have anyone elses views please as I am simply going on the consensus of one thread. Maybe I should have called this thread the Best Bodhrán maker in the Uninverse? he he
In all seriousness though, I would be truely interested in finding out the views of you guys, (who I assume are in the know) as to who makes the best bodhráns??? More suggestions please as I would like to get the best. Thanks so much so far!
My mate, Paul Phillips from Downpatrick Co Down, swears by the O'Kane bodhran and he won the All Ireland last year [accompanied by my good self on the Flute of course!! ].
I have to say that as a musician [no slight intended to true bodhranists *hee hee*] I really like the sound of the O'Kane. It is mellow and bassy and really fills out the session when played well.
I would encourage you very strongly to get some tuition on the drum before bringing it into the session. It may appear that it is really easy to play IT IS NOT!! Like any instrument it takes time dedication and not a little thick skin to be accepted into a session and you will see from umpteen previous discussions here that while a good player is more than welcome a poor player is the bane of many a session.
The very best of luck!!
Oh, by the way, I think it a gas that Seamus lives in a townland in South Derry called Lower Drum!!
Take it from me, Séamus O'Kane's are arguably the best bodhráns in the universe. I have never heard a bad O'Kane drum, whereas some of the other makers mentioned are nothing if not inconsistent. His drums are very popular - the reason why is simply because they're so good. Believe the hype! :¬)
He's also a nice player, for a welcome change, and a really sound guy.
Welcome, Moron.
i have a beautiful bodhràn custom made by Brian Howard in England. Try shop@howardmusic.co.uk
I say "try" 'cos although Brian is a fantastic bodhràn and uilleann pipe maker, he doesn't always answer his e-mails in my experience unless you repeatedly send your message.
(avoid Malachy Kearns of Roundstone unl;ess you want an unplayable drum)
Hi there,
my friend has just taken delivery of a new Seamus O'Kane bodhran with the new tuning system. He had one of his older models. He is delighted with the new bodhran. It has a lovely soft tone and will not drown anyone out which is the idea. Seamus himself is a wonderful bodhran player and a great addition to any session. Check out his website.
just do a google for Seamus O'Kane
best of luck
d
The best Bodhran Maker I have found is Albert Alfonso. Believe it or not, he is a Cuban living in Dallas, Texas; but I his are the best I've ever played. Alfonso's are distinctive because he leaves some of the goathair around the rim, so don'tt get it wet. Paddy League, the drummer, got one wet while on a farm in Ireland a few years ago and the goats followed the smell for a week.
His web site is:
He's sometimes tough to run down and his drums cost a bit more, but they are the best I've ever played. They have a nice "variation" in tone along the skin so you can change sound easily as you play.
Also, if you go to a lot of concerts you'll see about half the professionals play his drums!
I've sampled Brendan Whites which are good, but a little heavy. Buck's are pretty reputable but I think a little pricey.
Now hold on a minute I never recommended Seamus O'Kane's I have not bought my new one yet but I was planing on getting an O'Kane that was top on my list.
Ok, from what the good people of this forum have been saying, it would seem by an overwhelming majority that Seamus O'Kane's bodhráns are rated as the best?
breandan: "Paul Phillips from Downpatrick Co Down, swears by the O'Kane bodhran and he won the All Ireland last year... I have to say that as a musician I really like the sound of the O'Kane. It is mellow and bassy and really fills out the session when played well ... by the way, I think it a gas that Seamus lives in a townland in South Derry called Lower Drum!!"
conan mcdonnell: "Take it from me, Séamus O'Kane's are arguably the best bodhráns in the universe. I have never heard a bad O'Kane drum, whereas some of the other makers mentioned are nothing if not inconsistent. His drums are very popular - the reason why is simply because they're so good. Believe the hype! He's also a nice player, for a welcome change, and a really sound guy."
Leitrim Lady: "Hi there, my friend has just taken delivery of a new Seamus O'Kane bodhran with the new tuning system. He had one of his older models. He is delighted with the new bodhran. It has a lovely soft tone and will not drown anyone out which is the idea. Seamus himself is a wonderful bodhran player and a great addition to any session. Check out his website."
Does anyone know what professional musicians, or bodhrán players of great prestige, would play Seamus O'Kane's bodhráns, because I noticed on the Brendan White website, Brendan White lists the bodhrán players that play his drums, and I was wondering why Seamus O'Kane doesn't do this on his website? So I would be very grateful if anyone could inform me of prestigious bodhrán players that play Seamus O'Kane bodhráns?
Albert Alfonso makes by the best Bodhrans I have ever played. You get massive amounts of variation in the skin. A bit pricey, but well worth it. Tell him the sound you want for your drum, and he'll make it for you.
Brendan White's are nice too if you can find a good one, they are a bit clunky though, and I'm not fond of his tuning mechanism.
if you want a drum that is professionally built and has a low mellow sound in addition to being able to attain very high notes ...and you dont want to have it reskinned / restretched every year or so ! ...and it can be heard 'WITHOUT A MICROPHONE' ...and a lot of professional players are using nowadays because of the build quality ..and a maker recommended by John Joe Kelly of FLook ..check out http//www.belgarth.com you will be pleasently surprised
Junior Davey, arguably best bodhran player in Ireland after Seamus O'Kane himself, subtle, not loud and lovely rhythm plays an O'Kane. Have seen a lot of O'Kane's around at sessions and Fleadh's here in Ireland and Seamus himself plays with most of the best players in the country so that in itself is a good recommendation. As I personally play with someone who plays an o'Kane I couldn't recommend it more highly.
good luck with your search
deirdre
Hey, by the way, remember to consider that the climate of wherever you live will have a huge impact on the tone of your drum. If you get something from an Irish drum maker but you live in, say, Arizona, you may find the difference in humidity will cause your drum skin to become too taut, which can warp the frame or tear the skin. Make sure your drum is tuneable, and discuss climatic issues with the builder before you place an order. Also, when you get a new drum, you may need to treat the face with lanolin from time to time to keep it supple.
Leitrim Lady, thats very interesting, the last time i played with junior davey in the Roisin Dubh in Gurteen he was playing a malachi kearns drum, i've never ever seen him with one of Seamus's
Ha ha, just came across this post. Don't want to say to much in it, as it might be looked upon as "father indulgent", but very flattered for him for some of the kind words that people have said. As far as I know DeffGoat, Junior Davey plays my Da's drums, but I'm pretty sure he has a Malachy Kearns drum too. Moron, the reason why i haven't put any listings of "professional players" as you called it on my Da's site, is number one, I never though of it (ha ha), and number two, my Da would probably batter me if I did (ha ha). There's honestly too many to mention, and I'm sure lots of players have a couple of different drums knocking around, experimenting with new ones etc. I think it would be kind of boastful to put them on (just my opinion), plus I'd be there all day adding names to it. I really don't have a clue how many professional players play my Da's drums and I'm not gonna go torturing him, asking who. Mad post if you ask me, but nice one on all the nice comments. Feeling very humbled for my Da.
My opinion (of course everyone has one) Albert Alfonzo for quick response and Brendan White for low dark work. .
As an answer to all of the bodhran jokes.
What is the difference between a bodhran player and a proctologist? A proctologist only has to put up with one a** hole at a time!
Wonder if it was a medic drummer who came up with that? We have a surprising number of doctors in our local session (is that a collective word - "a Surprise of Doctors"? - probably a nasty surprise!).
The whole argument can be settled if you decide what sort of skin you want. O'Kane certainly does make incredible drums- that is something that is difficult to deny- but I've found that lots of American players (NOT including myself) prefer thicker skins with more attack, hence the other big trend towards Alfonso. See, Seamus uses really thin "Lambeg skins" on his drums, which are great for people who want a very responsive instrument that can play easily through 3 octaves. However, Seam us only offers a 15" diameter drum, which, for some, isn't optimal. My preference, for instance, is a smaller (12" diameter) drum, just for efficiency's sake. Albert goes down that direction (smaller OR larger diameters), but again, most of his skins are 2-3 times thicker than those that Seamus uses, so the resulting drums are very very different in terms of playability, tone, and response.
I was talking to Paul Marshall about this recently and we were thinknig that those two fellows (Albert and Seamus) really have had a major impact on defining bodhran styles on both sides of the pond. For instance, if you are around the US, most (but not all) of the serious bodhran players you'll run into play a comparatively triplet-heavy style that relies more on the "thud" than the "pop". I think that's ebcause Albert's drums are simply conducive to that kind of play, and since they are more easily available here, people with his drums tend to play more in that direction. The opposite is true for a lot of what's coming out of Ireland these days. The styles I am hearing are less reliant on rhythmic ornamentation and more reliant on tonal oranmentation. Its easier to do that kind of thing on a thinner-skinned drum. However, it might be that the fact that Seamus' drums are so popular has had the affect of influencing the style in general (its becoming very chicken-and-egg, I know) towards tonality!
So the point is, you can't go wrong with either of these makers, but it depends on what you want. Other people I would consider are Steve Forman in California (Alfonso-ish), Dave Settles in Calgary (his egg-shaped drum is too cool), and, if you're really out for a ride try Metloef in Austin (I don't know what I'd call these drums except experimental- using kangaroo/lambeg skins and weighting systems, very small but deep drums, etc...) . The idea that one of these drums is really better than the other is purely subjective and has more to do with individual playing style and preference than it does with the instrument itself, in my humble opinion.
I won a shop called World Folk Music Company in Chicago and sell Brendan White's and bodhrans made by a chicagoan named Mike Quinlan. Both are excellent instruments at a very reasonable price. Mike Quinlan will be in these discussions in years to come. I'm sure of it. As long as we are on the subject, if anyone is in the Chicago area we now have Jackie Moran, a great bodhran player, teaching at our store. Jackie plays a Mike Quinlan drum.
All the best.
John Devens
Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Hi, I'm new here and was just wondering who the BEST bodhrán maker in the world is?
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by morononthebodhran
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Er...is this a windup? *grin* Welcome to The Session, and you'll find as many answers as there are bodhran makers, I suspect.
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Love the moniker!
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by ketida
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
i hear Smith and Wesson make a pretty good bodhran, or is that a bodhran silencer?
Johnathan
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Harper_Lad
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Thhis is a very very hard question to answer I would know having asked a similar question not that long ago I got multiple answers although the top brands were Seamus O'Cane, some Dutch guy I can't remeber, Metlof Drums, and Mace O'Grady.
P.S. I like your screen name I often make Bodhran moron jokes myself.
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
There were a few more but I can't remember them.
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
that would have been at http://thesession.org/discussions/display.php/3288
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
That would be it I would have asked for it but I couldn't remember if it was you that was "Queen of the Archives" or someone else but I guees it was you. You might find something good on here morononthebodhran.
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Hiya, new guy (do i call you "moron"? or "bodhran"? or what?) Welcome to the session. Once you've been here a while you'll realize we are for the most part die-hard pure drop traditionalists. In answer to your question, my friend David Settles (http://members.shaw.ca/dsettles/drums/daveydrum04.html) *makes* bodhrans and is therefore in an excellent position to know the nuts and bolts of traditional bodhran making. According to Dave, a bodhran of exceptional traditionality can be acquired thusly:
1) Purchase a goat.
2) When your goat grows big enough to eat, bon appetit! Now you're on your way to becoming the proud owner of an authentic traditional Irish bodhran!
3) Skin your ex-goat carefully, scrape off *most* of the hair (not all of it!)
4) Place the goat hide in a secret mixture of extremely noxious chemicals for an unendurable length of time. (Email Dave for the recipe!)
5) Find a fairly strong object of a roughly circular nature (ie. a wagon wheel, barrel ring, or, in a pinch, a few steam-bent, thin planks of wood all glued together.)
6) Nail a circular hunk of cured goat skin to your wagon wheel. Make sure you leave a little hunk of goat hair on it somewhere. A *bald* bodhran is not a *traditional* bodhran! Now, if you have had too many pints and the bodhrans all start looking the same in the dim light of your local pub, you can identify yours by recognizing the unique coloration of the hair of your ex-goat!
7) Find an object with which to whap your new bodhran, and voila! You are now a *traditional* Irish bodhran player, and you will soon be warmly welcomed at top level sessions in Boston, New York, Ireland and beyond!
Best of luck!
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Kerri Brown
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
But it's probably easier to buy one. *grin* *Are* we die-hard pure drop traditionalists? I hadn't realized. Well. No bodhrans at all for us, then, I guess... ;)
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Zina Lee
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Hi MOTB, I'm new here too-although I've been lurking for a few weeks, and if your post was a wind-up, I'm taking the bait. Not to answer your question, but to ask one myself. Your unique name asks the question: Could you be the graphic artist/cartoonist guy, playing Irish music and living in Boise? If so, I sat in with your band once, long ago, and would have you know there's a session most Sundays at the Ha'Penny at around 7. Consider yourself invited Mike, although I DO remember you playing a bit more than the drum. If you're not the same individual, consider yourself or anyone else reading this deflected thread invited as well, drum or not.
-Jerry Larsen
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by yonder
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Remember, the goat *must* be from Gaeltacht, otherwise the sound will not be pure enough. : if you submerge the skin in Guinness for a period of time, it might develop nice Celtic patterns on the surface.
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Janek
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Thanks a lot for all your replies guys.
So from the thread that zina lee pointed me to: http://thesession.org/discussions/display.php/3288, it would seem to be between Seamus O'Kane, Metloef, Belgarth, Mance Grady and Brendan White...
Greenman seems to imply that Seamus O'Kane's bodhráns are the best, as does clunk 999, powerhaus, Morganna, unseen122, while jocklet favors Brendan Whites, as does Grey Badger. Deff Goat likes Belgarth. Cristoir Dollard likes Mance Grady.
So in conclusion from the thread you have pointed me towards, the results are: Seamus O'Kane with 5 recommendations, Brendan White with 2 recommendations, and Belgarth and Mance Grady with 1 recommendation each...
So it would seem that Seamus O'Kane's are the most favored bodhráns? Does this make him the best bodhrán maker in the world in anyone's opinion? I hear something about a new tensioning system. Does anyone have one of these, or could they vouch for them?
Could I have anyone elses views please as I am simply going on the consensus of one thread. Maybe I should have called this thread the Best Bodhrán maker in the Uninverse? he he
In all seriousness though, I would be truely interested in finding out the views of you guys, (who I assume are in the know) as to who makes the best bodhráns??? More suggestions please as I would like to get the best. Thanks so much so far!
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by morononthebodhran
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
My mate, Paul Phillips from Downpatrick Co Down, swears by the O'Kane bodhran and he won the All Ireland last year [accompanied by my good self on the Flute of course!!
].
I have to say that as a musician [no slight intended to true bodhranists *hee hee*] I really like the sound of the O'Kane. It is mellow and bassy and really fills out the session when played well.
I would encourage you very strongly to get some tuition on the drum before bringing it into the session. It may appear that it is really easy to play IT IS NOT!! Like any instrument it takes time dedication and not a little thick skin to be accepted into a session and you will see from umpteen previous discussions here that while a good player is more than welcome a poor player is the bane of many a session.
The very best of luck!!
Oh, by the way, I think it a gas that Seamus lives in a townland in South Derry called Lower Drum!!
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by breandan
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
http://www.tradcentre.com/seamus/contact.shtml
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by breandan
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Take it from me, Séamus O'Kane's are arguably the best bodhráns in the universe. I have never heard a bad O'Kane drum, whereas some of the other makers mentioned are nothing if not inconsistent. His drums are very popular - the reason why is simply because they're so good. Believe the hype! :¬)
He's also a nice player, for a welcome change, and a really sound guy.
Gush!
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Seamus O'Kane
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by tbag
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Welcome, Moron.
i have a beautiful bodhràn custom made by Brian Howard in England. Try shop@howardmusic.co.uk
I say "try" 'cos although Brian is a fantastic bodhràn and uilleann pipe maker, he doesn't always answer his e-mails in my experience unless you repeatedly send your message.
(avoid Malachy Kearns of Roundstone unl;ess you want an unplayable drum)
Now who is the best bodhràn player in the world?
Good luck,
Joe
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by Joe Quinn
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Hi there,
my friend has just taken delivery of a new Seamus O'Kane bodhran with the new tuning system. He had one of his older models. He is delighted with the new bodhran. It has a lovely soft tone and will not drown anyone out which is the idea. Seamus himself is a wonderful bodhran player and a great addition to any session. Check out his website.
just do a google for Seamus O'Kane
best of luck
d
# Posted on April 28th 2004 by MollyB
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
The best Bodhran Maker I have found is Albert Alfonso. Believe it or not, he is a Cuban living in Dallas, Texas; but I his are the best I've ever played. Alfonso's are distinctive because he leaves some of the goathair around the rim, so don'tt get it wet. Paddy League, the drummer, got one wet while on a farm in Ireland a few years ago and the goats followed the smell for a week.
His web site is:
http://www.celticmusic.com/alfonso_bodhrans/
He's sometimes tough to run down and his drums cost a bit more, but they are the best I've ever played. They have a nice "variation" in tone along the skin so you can change sound easily as you play.
Also, if you go to a lot of concerts you'll see about half the professionals play his drums!
I've sampled Brendan Whites which are good, but a little heavy. Buck's are pretty reputable but I think a little pricey.
Hope it helps.
Onairagh An Gabhar ("Honour The Goat")
Thomas
# Posted on April 29th 2004 by Rhythm Lackey
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Now hold on a minute I never recommended Seamus O'Kane's I have not bought my new one yet but I was planing on getting an O'Kane that was top on my list.
# Posted on April 29th 2004 by Why Bother?
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
http://www.belgarth.com
# Posted on April 29th 2004 by DeffGoat
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Ok, from what the good people of this forum have been saying, it would seem by an overwhelming majority that Seamus O'Kane's bodhráns are rated as the best?
Very Fitting!!!
breandan: "Paul Phillips from Downpatrick Co Down, swears by the O'Kane bodhran and he won the All Ireland last year... I have to say that as a musician I really like the sound of the O'Kane. It is mellow and bassy and really fills out the session when played well ... by the way, I think it a gas that Seamus lives in a townland in South Derry called Lower Drum!!"
conan mcdonnell: "Take it from me, Séamus O'Kane's are arguably the best bodhráns in the universe. I have never heard a bad O'Kane drum, whereas some of the other makers mentioned are nothing if not inconsistent. His drums are very popular - the reason why is simply because they're so good. Believe the hype! He's also a nice player, for a welcome change, and a really sound guy."
Leitrim Lady: "Hi there, my friend has just taken delivery of a new Seamus O'Kane bodhran with the new tuning system. He had one of his older models. He is delighted with the new bodhran. It has a lovely soft tone and will not drown anyone out which is the idea. Seamus himself is a wonderful bodhran player and a great addition to any session. Check out his website."
I just checked out his website, and as breandan said, he really does live in a place called "Lower Drum" see: http://www.tradcentre.com/seamus/contact.shtml
Does anyone know what professional musicians, or bodhrán players of great prestige, would play Seamus O'Kane's bodhráns, because I noticed on the Brendan White website, Brendan White lists the bodhrán players that play his drums, and I was wondering why Seamus O'Kane doesn't do this on his website? So I would be very grateful if anyone could inform me of prestigious bodhrán players that play Seamus O'Kane bodhráns?
# Posted on April 29th 2004 by morononthebodhran
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Albert Alfonso makes by the best Bodhrans I have ever played. You get massive amounts of variation in the skin. A bit pricey, but well worth it. Tell him the sound you want for your drum, and he'll make it for you.
Brendan White's are nice too if you can find a good one, they are a bit clunky though, and I'm not fond of his tuning mechanism.
# Posted on April 29th 2004 by Urger
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
if you want a drum that is professionally built and has a low mellow sound in addition to being able to attain very high notes ...and you dont want to have it reskinned / restretched every year or so ! ...and it can be heard 'WITHOUT A MICROPHONE' ...and a lot of professional players are using nowadays because of the build quality ..and a maker recommended by John Joe Kelly of FLook ..check out http//www.belgarth.com you will be pleasently surprised
# Posted on April 29th 2004 by DeffGoat
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
sorry bout smelling pistakes ..too early still
# Posted on April 29th 2004 by DeffGoat
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Junior Davey, arguably best bodhran player in Ireland after Seamus O'Kane himself, subtle, not loud and lovely rhythm plays an O'Kane. Have seen a lot of O'Kane's around at sessions and Fleadh's here in Ireland and Seamus himself plays with most of the best players in the country so that in itself is a good recommendation. As I personally play with someone who plays an o'Kane I couldn't recommend it more highly.
good luck with your search
deirdre
# Posted on April 30th 2004 by MollyB
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
I reckon that Seamas O Kane from Derry has the edge on all others.
On the other hand, You could always find a good dog and make a bowwowrán....
# Posted on April 30th 2004 by feadog
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Hey, by the way, remember to consider that the climate of wherever you live will have a huge impact on the tone of your drum. If you get something from an Irish drum maker but you live in, say, Arizona, you may find the difference in humidity will cause your drum skin to become too taut, which can warp the frame or tear the skin. Make sure your drum is tuneable, and discuss climatic issues with the builder before you place an order. Also, when you get a new drum, you may need to treat the face with lanolin from time to time to keep it supple.
# Posted on April 30th 2004 by Kerri Brown
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Leitrim Lady, thats very interesting, the last time i played with junior davey in the Roisin Dubh in Gurteen he was playing a malachi kearns drum, i've never ever seen him with one of Seamus's
# Posted on April 30th 2004 by DeffGoat
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Ha ha, just came across this post. Don't want to say to much in it, as it might be looked upon as "father indulgent", but very flattered for him for some of the kind words that people have said. As far as I know DeffGoat, Junior Davey plays my Da's drums, but I'm pretty sure he has a Malachy Kearns drum too. Moron, the reason why i haven't put any listings of "professional players" as you called it on my Da's site, is number one, I never though of it (ha ha), and number two, my Da would probably batter me if I did (ha ha). There's honestly too many to mention, and I'm sure lots of players have a couple of different drums knocking around, experimenting with new ones etc. I think it would be kind of boastful to put them on (just my opinion), plus I'd be there all day adding names to it. I really don't have a clue how many professional players play my Da's drums and I'm not gonna go torturing him, asking who. Mad post if you ask me, but nice one on all the nice comments. Feeling very humbled for my Da.
Murrough O'Kane
# Posted on April 30th 2004 by Murrough
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Nice post, Murrough. Any chance of details about your Da's new tuning system going on the website? I might order one if I knew a bit more about it.
\())
# Posted on May 1st 2004 by greenman
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
My opinion (of course everyone has one) Albert Alfonzo for quick response and Brendan White for low dark work. .
As an answer to all of the bodhran jokes.
What is the difference between a bodhran player and a proctologist? A proctologist only has to put up with one a** hole at a time!
# Posted on May 1st 2004 by McBodhran
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
Nice one McB.
Wonder if it was a medic drummer who came up with that? We have a surprising number of doctors in our local session (is that a collective word - "a Surprise of Doctors"? - probably a nasty surprise!).
\())
# Posted on May 2nd 2004 by greenman
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrán Maker in the World???
The whole argument can be settled if you decide what sort of skin you want. O'Kane certainly does make incredible drums- that is something that is difficult to deny- but I've found that lots of American players (NOT including myself) prefer thicker skins with more attack, hence the other big trend towards Alfonso. See, Seamus uses really thin "Lambeg skins" on his drums, which are great for people who want a very responsive instrument that can play easily through 3 octaves. However, Seam us only offers a 15" diameter drum, which, for some, isn't optimal. My preference, for instance, is a smaller (12" diameter) drum, just for efficiency's sake. Albert goes down that direction (smaller OR larger diameters), but again, most of his skins are 2-3 times thicker than those that Seamus uses, so the resulting drums are very very different in terms of playability, tone, and response.
I was talking to Paul Marshall about this recently and we were thinknig that those two fellows (Albert and Seamus) really have had a major impact on defining bodhran styles on both sides of the pond. For instance, if you are around the US, most (but not all) of the serious bodhran players you'll run into play a comparatively triplet-heavy style that relies more on the "thud" than the "pop". I think that's ebcause Albert's drums are simply conducive to that kind of play, and since they are more easily available here, people with his drums tend to play more in that direction. The opposite is true for a lot of what's coming out of Ireland these days. The styles I am hearing are less reliant on rhythmic ornamentation and more reliant on tonal oranmentation. Its easier to do that kind of thing on a thinner-skinned drum. However, it might be that the fact that Seamus' drums are so popular has had the affect of influencing the style in general (its becoming very chicken-and-egg, I know) towards tonality!
So the point is, you can't go wrong with either of these makers, but it depends on what you want. Other people I would consider are Steve Forman in California (Alfonso-ish), Dave Settles in Calgary (his egg-shaped drum is too cool), and, if you're really out for a ride try Metloef in Austin (I don't know what I'd call these drums except experimental- using kangaroo/lambeg skins and weighting systems, very small but deep drums, etc...) . The idea that one of these drums is really better than the other is purely subjective and has more to do with individual playing style and preference than it does with the instrument itself, in my humble opinion.
Hope some of that made sense...!
Cheers!
Rob
www.metloef.com
# Posted on May 6th 2004 by RobBBQ
Re: Who is the Best Bodhrá® Maker in the World???
I won a shop called World Folk Music Company in Chicago and sell Brendan White's and bodhrans made by a chicagoan named Mike Quinlan. Both are excellent instruments at a very reasonable price. Mike Quinlan will be in these discussions in years to come. I'm sure of it. As long as we are on the subject, if anyone is in the Chicago area we now have Jackie Moran, a great bodhran player, teaching at our store. Jackie plays a Mike Quinlan drum.
All the best.
John Devens
# Posted on May 20th 2004 by John Devens