I live in Western Massachusetts and I am on the hunt for a nice bodhran that isn't ridiculously expensive. I've been playing my cheap one in sessions and it's starting to annoy me (it is not tunable and it is very unhappy with MA humidity and hasn't much of range in the best of circumstances), so it is time for an upgrade. I've found a ton of websites from which you can order bodhrans online, but I have a specific idea of the sort of sound I am looking for and clearly you cannot hear the drum or play it online. Does anyone know where they can be found in New England, if at all? Any help would be appreciated.
you are in luck, Mance Grady is in Rhode Island, you can see his drums at www.acebodhrans.com. There are a couple of clips of the drums being played also to give you an idea of the sound. His drums are professional quality, so they are not cheap, but he also has some not so fancy ones that I imagine would still be better than your typical 'Guinnes Emblazoned' variety.
I bought one of his drums, and am very pleased with the variety of tones, and the high quality of craftsmanship. He was also very professional to deal with.
If you don't know him already, you should get acquainted with Steve Brown, who lives in the Winchendon area. Steve is known more for playing and making bones, but he's a damn good bodhran player as well. Might be a good resource in any number of things.
Steve Brown is a -wonderful- guy! We met him in Abbeyfeale, a year ago, when he was to compete in the All-Ireland bones-playing competition.
My wife had Mance Grady build two drums for her in the mid-'90's and just recently sold them. One was a 16" and the other an 18", both non-tunable and with a single brace in the back. Very nice stuff, and we have enjoyed a good relationship with the Gradys for a while.
Still, saying Mance's name in many circles will bring on a spate of tales, some of which are less than complimentary. Many instrument makers inspire controversy, tho...
Hi Liath,
I spent a long time checking all the bodhran websites just like you!. I had one made for me by brendan white who now lives in amsterdam.He has made drums for top musicians. His drums are reasonably priced, but what makes them different is that he will make a double or triple skinned drum if you wish. the idea of this i think was so that the drum would have a nice creamy thud- check him out -diznmike
New England bodhrans
New England bodhrans
Hey all,
Does anyone know where they can be found in New England, if at all? Any help would be appreciated.
I live in Western Massachusetts and I am on the hunt for a nice bodhran that isn't ridiculously expensive. I've been playing my cheap one in sessions and it's starting to annoy me (it is not tunable and it is very unhappy with MA humidity and hasn't much of range in the best of circumstances), so it is time for an upgrade. I've found a ton of websites from which you can order bodhrans online, but I have a specific idea of the sort of sound I am looking for and clearly you cannot hear the drum or play it online.
# Posted on August 18th 2004 by DrSilverSpear
Re: New England bodhrans
Hey Liath Macha:
you are in luck, Mance Grady is in Rhode Island, you can see his drums at www.acebodhrans.com. There are a couple of clips of the drums being played also to give you an idea of the sound. His drums are professional quality, so they are not cheap, but he also has some not so fancy ones that I imagine would still be better than your typical 'Guinnes Emblazoned' variety.
I bought one of his drums, and am very pleased with the variety of tones, and the high quality of craftsmanship. He was also very professional to deal with.
Hope that helps.
# Posted on August 18th 2004 by gladys
Re: New England bodhrans
If you don't know him already, you should get acquainted with Steve Brown, who lives in the Winchendon area. Steve is known more for playing and making bones, but he's a damn good bodhran player as well. Might be a good resource in any number of things.
# Posted on August 18th 2004 by sts
Re: New England bodhrans
Steve Brown is a -wonderful- guy! We met him in Abbeyfeale, a year ago, when he was to compete in the All-Ireland bones-playing competition.
My wife had Mance Grady build two drums for her in the mid-'90's and just recently sold them. One was a 16" and the other an 18", both non-tunable and with a single brace in the back. Very nice stuff, and we have enjoyed a good relationship with the Gradys for a while.
Still, saying Mance's name in many circles will bring on a spate of tales, some of which are less than complimentary. Many instrument makers inspire controversy, tho...
stv
# Posted on August 19th 2004 by stv culchie
Re: New England bodhrans
really? is there some Grady thing should know about before I mention his name in certain circles?
# Posted on August 19th 2004 by gladys
Re: New England bodhrans
AFAIK, it's all gossip, and gossip has various degrees of value as entertainment, slander... Never mind.
If you try his drums and like them, forget about the rest.
There are quite a few good bodhran makers around these days, many more than a decade ago.
stv
# Posted on August 19th 2004 by stv culchie
Re: New England bodhrans
Hi Liath,
I spent a long time checking all the bodhran websites just like you!. I had one made for me by brendan white who now lives in amsterdam.He has made drums for top musicians. His drums are reasonably priced, but what makes them different is that he will make a double or triple skinned drum if you wish. the idea of this i think was so that the drum would have a nice creamy thud- check him out -diznmike
# Posted on September 5th 2004 by diznmike