Hi folks - I'm both a newbie here and a fairly new player (mostly whistle, a little hammered dulcimer). I've had a bodhran for a while and mess around with it now and again, and find myself picking it up more frequently these days. Trouble is it is too 'tight' (it's your standard non-tunable model). My brother uses water on his but that scares me to death (fear of mildew). In humid weather it softens up fairly well, but still sounds too tight to me.
Do folks use light oil on their drums? If so, what kind do you recommend. I don't want to get too loose so that it sounds floppy in summer humidity.
I'm in Cumberland, Maryland. Any sessions nearby?
Thanks - now off to the pub to annoy the locals with my whistle. Works great - I've got one guy who buys me a drink when I play and another who buys me 2 to stop!
A light coating of neatsfoot oil once in a while will help keep the skin stretchy and prevent cracking. A nice thick coat of dubbin will slow down moisture changes, and keep your hands from cracking. A little bit of water from a damp cloth or a sprayer will allow you to adjust the tension when the humidity is low. You don't need to soak it with water, just rub a little bit in until you get the sound you like. No need to fear mildew unless you're soaking it and leaving it in an airtight container until next tuesday.
Or, you could try my patented Bodhran Softener: it's about two feet long, made out of hexagonal steel bar, and has a nice curve on one end, and a sharp flat edge on the other. Liberally applied, its guaranteed!!! to soften even the most recalcitrant drum. Not to be used to annoy the locals without prior permission of the publican.
Mark, you'll be learning fairly quickly on this site that bodhrans are fair game - the trad music equivalent of the symphony orchestra viola! Don't worry, there's affection too, ... somewhere
Dubbin is a product mainly used to waterproof shoes - it has a consistency not unlike vaseline or petroleum jelly. I guess the skin needs to be pretty much at the tension you want before applying the dubbin as it will slow down the skin's ability to take in water. If you're playing a lot it may be worth thinking about a tunable as they save a lot of trouble - now where's that penknife
Hi bent whistler.
I wish I had your problem, I've been beating the b'jesus out of my bodhran for 20 years, and I've had to re-attach the skin 3 times over that period due to slackness. I suppose I should invest in a new one but the tone of my old one is great, and has a lot of good memories attached.
I think dampening the skin is your best short-term solution, and if you play it regularly it will soon slacken off.
I wouldn't worry about mildew; it won't do any harm and might prove an interesting topic of conversation at sessions.
All the best PP
I know several bodhran makers who will modify a bodhran,... or actually convert it into a "tuneable" model. That would be highly recommended, especially for a drum with sentimental value such as yours....
for every suggestion recommending a skin treatment product I see another which states that it would be a very bad idea... I've never used anything on a drum. I like the suggestion to just play it alot!
Didn't I hear somewhere else on this site that someone used lanolin or skin cream or something, to soften the skin? Was it 'greenman' who launched a witty, self-deprecating Bowrrawn thread, maybe a couple of months ago?
Skin cream I suppose would make sense, as any skin contains lots of collagen fibres.......
Sheet! A laterally-thought thought just struck me there. It might be fun to do some laser confocal microscopy on some bodhr
Danny, you wild flautist....... beware, those who deem to mock and make light of the honourable bodhran. There are forces out there that you don't comprehend..... Your flute may turn into a snake, or a BP tipper... You have been forewarned!.
To the author of this thread, again, proceed with caution when applying over the counter hand creams and lotions, many a drum head has been ruined, and the damage is irrepairble. At least, take this advice. NEVER apply a conditioner to the "flesh" side (the inside skin) of the drum. only to the outer, playing surface. I have a container of "mink oil" for my leather Sorrell's that I've never used, send me your address and I'll send it to you, or buy some at your local sporting goods dealer.
Thanks, I_Ruff. In fact that's what I ended up using, a mink oil based shoe leather conditioner. Feels and sounds better already. Neatsfoot oil would have been better (less waxy) but I didn't have any.
Now if only I could get a session started locally....
hummmmm, George Bush likes that too. He calls it fried pork rinds... another Texas favourite is pickeled pigs feet.... Me, I like smoked goat bleat....
By the way, has anyone out there in Ether-Land ever seen or played a Charlie Byrne bodhran. are they any good? .... Byrne was one of the first true "instrument" makers. His claim to fame was in the preparation of the skin. Supposedly, he helped Seamus O'Kane in that area... skin prep. I am asking... (I know it's a loooooong shot), but I would like to find a Byrne bodhran for my small drum assortment/collection....
Mark, Not to beat my own drum, but hey, I AM a bodhran player. I make tippers and one model has hard felt ends attached that soften the sound by at least half. They are great in sessions. Email me for more info and pictures. All of the suggestions for softening the head in earlier posts are sound and should help. BTW I will be at the Ft.Frederick Market Faire at the end of April. Just as around for "Dulcimer Dave".
Conan (the librarian)
I also play C/G anglo concertina and B/C button box so am allowed into ITM sessions. (Piano accordion is allowed under duress, as long as on its best behaviour, quietest stop, no musette and no basses)
No worries mate.! I didn't understand most of your post but the gist I got was that you were comparing it to a "foreskin"... You have actually been playing the drum much longer than I have. Good for you!.. I did not know about the book of bodhran notation that you spoke of... I'd like to see it if only to learn how bodhran rhythms are being written... By far, the best way to learn the drum are the video tapes that are available,,,..... that, and finding a GOOD tipper... they matter more than I can express.... That IS the whole trick to technique..... to me anyway,,..... finding a good stick. More than a good drum, more than a good band, more than a good woman,,,... find a good stick...!
I would recommend that players seriously check out Dulcimer Dave, the "McBodhran" poster above. Ask him for a copy of his unique tipper photo's... His crooked shaft tipper style may be what your looking for....
Anyway, back to the point...
Danny, can you make me a photo copy of the book you have or tell me where to purchase a copy?......
the two tapes I like are Stephen Hannigan and Tommy Haynes...... a picture is worth a thousand words, (or notes) when it comes to playing this crazy instrument... The Bodhran...
Bryan, you can't be serious about caustic soda, can you? I would have thought it would it hydrolyze the proteins (collagen) in the skin and cause it to disintegrate almost immediately.
hmmmm - caustic soda - now there's an idea. Perhaps it could be sold in sachets along with the 'pizza' bodhrans sold by the thousand to drunken eejits at fleadhs?
MANY thanks Danny, those links are awesome. I shall pursue an original copy... however, it is nice to have you as a back up.... thanks so much for your assistance.
Two points:
Re: (the use of caustic soda on a skin drum head), caustic soda? would a fiddle player send her instrument to a cryogenics firm.... Be real,...! In a word.... - "NO", .......... if the drum is that bad, sell it, or donate it to student...
second point - my gosh, I forgot just as fast as i wrote this!
Best wishes to all,............ and ...............
PLEASE, KEEP POSTING ANYTHING YOU CAN ON THE PRECIOUS FEW BODHRAN THREADS WE HAVE.... this information is very rare!
That senario with the caustic Trevor does it include the rim? I fear if not it may unleash the use of
rim shots as percussion. Mind you some of the prety decorations on the rim could lend themselves to a
to a fashion accessory neckless, headband etc
Sure, I recognized that the caustic soda suggestion was a joke, and would have been recognized as such by many people. But it is important to realize that caustic soda (aka sodium hydroxide) is a dangerous chemical to handle - it will attack most bio-organic substances, including living skin and leather, causing them to disintegrate quickly, and will even attack some metals and glass in high enough concentration. In a website such as this where the membership runs into several thousand and the actual world-wide readership is probably many times greater, there may be persons who, through lack of knowledge, would take the suggestion seriously, with potentially disastrous consequences. Hence my comment.
At a session i was merrily strumming along to a reel and was informed i was one rung up from a
bodhran player. I now mix and match apperegios, rasquados, and strumios am i two rungs up.
Caustic wit can be very effective.
Softening a bodhran
Softening a bodhran
Hi folks - I'm both a newbie here and a fairly new player (mostly whistle, a little hammered dulcimer). I've had a bodhran for a while and mess around with it now and again, and find myself picking it up more frequently these days. Trouble is it is too 'tight' (it's your standard non-tunable model). My brother uses water on his but that scares me to death (fear of mildew). In humid weather it softens up fairly well, but still sounds too tight to me.
Do folks use light oil on their drums? If so, what kind do you recommend. I don't want to get too loose so that it sounds floppy in summer humidity.
I'm in Cumberland, Maryland. Any sessions nearby?
Thanks - now off to the pub to annoy the locals with my whistle. Works great - I've got one guy who buys me a drink when I play and another who buys me 2 to stop!
Mark
# Posted on April 10th 2003 by Bent Whistler
Re: Softening a bodhran
"Now off to the pub to annoy the locals with my whistle."
You'll find that the bodhran works even better.
# Posted on April 10th 2003 by glauber
Re: Softening a bodhran
A light coating of neatsfoot oil once in a while will help keep the skin stretchy and prevent cracking. A nice thick coat of dubbin will slow down moisture changes, and keep your hands from cracking. A little bit of water from a damp cloth or a sprayer will allow you to adjust the tension when the humidity is low. You don't need to soak it with water, just rub a little bit in until you get the sound you like. No need to fear mildew unless you're soaking it and leaving it in an airtight container until next tuesday.
Or, you could try my patented Bodhran Softener: it's about two feet long, made out of hexagonal steel bar, and has a nice curve on one end, and a sharp flat edge on the other. Liberally applied, its guaranteed!!! to soften even the most recalcitrant drum. Not to be used to annoy the locals without prior permission of the publican.
# Posted on April 10th 2003 by Gzeg
Re: Softening a bodhran
Mark, you'll be learning fairly quickly on this site that bodhrans are fair game - the trad music equivalent of the symphony orchestra viola! Don't worry, there's affection too, ... somewhere
Trevor
# Posted on April 10th 2003 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Softening a bodhran
Fair game, is it? I'll remember that.
Gzeg - what is dubbin?
Also, I'm new and have not found a local session. Please direct me to the session etiquette FAQ so I'll have a clue if I find one.
Thanks
# Posted on April 10th 2003 by Bent Whistler
Re: Softening a bodhran
Dubbin is a product mainly used to waterproof shoes - it has a consistency not unlike vaseline or petroleum jelly. I guess the skin needs to be pretty much at the tension you want before applying the dubbin as it will slow down the skin's ability to take in water. If you're playing a lot it may be worth thinking about a tunable as they save a lot of trouble - now where's that penknife
# Posted on April 10th 2003 by izzymac
Re: Softening a bodhran player
"I mess about on it now and again" - now we know what bodhranistra do.
# Posted on April 10th 2003 by geoffwright
Re: Softening a bodhran
Tush tush Geoff! Don't you play the piano-accordion? I would keep me head down, mate!
Con
# Posted on April 11th 2003 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Softening a bodhran
Hi bent whistler.
I wish I had your problem, I've been beating the b'jesus out of my bodhran for 20 years, and I've had to re-attach the skin 3 times over that period due to slackness. I suppose I should invest in a new one but the tone of my old one is great, and has a lot of good memories attached.
I think dampening the skin is your best short-term solution, and if you play it regularly it will soon slacken off.
I wouldn't worry about mildew; it won't do any harm and might prove an interesting topic of conversation at sessions.
All the best PP
# Posted on April 11th 2003 by Pied Piper
Re: Softening a bodhran
I know several bodhran makers who will modify a bodhran,... or actually convert it into a "tuneable" model. That would be highly recommended, especially for a drum with sentimental value such as yours....
for every suggestion recommending a skin treatment product I see another which states that it would be a very bad idea... I've never used anything on a drum. I like the suggestion to just play it alot!
# Posted on April 11th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: Softening a bodhran
Thanks, folks.
And that was "mess around WITH it now and again" not "mess about ON it" which must have been a scatological, Freudian sort of slip on Geoff's part ;]
# Posted on April 11th 2003 by Bent Whistler
Re: Softening a bodhran
Didn't I hear somewhere else on this site that someone used lanolin or skin cream or something, to soften the skin? Was it 'greenman' who launched a witty, self-deprecating Bowrrawn thread, maybe a couple of months ago?
Skin cream I suppose would make sense, as any skin contains lots of collagen fibres.......
Sheet! A laterally-thought thought just struck me there. It might be fun to do some laser confocal microscopy on some bodhr
# Posted on April 11th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: Softening a bodhran
Danny, you wild flautist....... beware, those who deem to mock and make light of the honourable bodhran. There are forces out there that you don't comprehend..... Your flute may turn into a snake, or a BP tipper... You have been forewarned!.
To the author of this thread, again, proceed with caution when applying over the counter hand creams and lotions, many a drum head has been ruined, and the damage is irrepairble. At least, take this advice. NEVER apply a conditioner to the "flesh" side (the inside skin) of the drum. only to the outer, playing surface. I have a container of "mink oil" for my leather Sorrell's that I've never used, send me your address and I'll send it to you, or buy some at your local sporting goods dealer.
# Posted on April 12th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: Softening a bodhran
Thanks, I_Ruff. In fact that's what I ended up using, a mink oil based shoe leather conditioner. Feels and sounds better already. Neatsfoot oil would have been better (less waxy) but I didn't have any.
Now if only I could get a session started locally....
# Posted on April 12th 2003 by Bent Whistler
Re: Softening a bodhran
Hmm - I like the idea of putting oil on it - and then sitting very close to the fire!!
# Posted on April 12th 2003 by breandan
Re: Softening a bodhran
hummmmm, George Bush likes that too. He calls it fried pork rinds... another Texas favourite is pickeled pigs feet.... Me, I like smoked goat bleat....
By the way, has anyone out there in Ether-Land ever seen or played a Charlie Byrne bodhran. are they any good? .... Byrne was one of the first true "instrument" makers. His claim to fame was in the preparation of the skin. Supposedly, he helped Seamus O'Kane in that area... skin prep. I am asking... (I know it's a loooooong shot), but I would like to find a Byrne bodhran for my small drum assortment/collection....
Any help?....
# Posted on April 12th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: Softening a bodhran
Mark, Not to beat my own drum, but hey, I AM a bodhran player. I make tippers and one model has hard felt ends attached that soften the sound by at least half. They are great in sessions. Email me for more info and pictures. All of the suggestions for softening the head in earlier posts are sound and should help. BTW I will be at the Ft.Frederick Market Faire at the end of April. Just as around for "Dulcimer Dave".
# Posted on April 12th 2003 by McBodhran
Re: Softening a bodhran
Conan (the librarian)
I also play C/G anglo concertina and B/C button box so am allowed into ITM sessions. (Piano accordion is allowed under duress, as long as on its best behaviour, quietest stop, no musette and no basses)
# Posted on April 13th 2003 by geoffwright
Re: Softening a bodhran
What did I say, Irish Ruff?
As well as flute, whistle and box, I've been shkelping at the shkin for some 17 years.
I worked my way through M
# Posted on April 13th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: Softening a bodhran
Danny,
No worries mate.! I didn't understand most of your post but the gist I got was that you were comparing it to a "foreskin"... You have actually been playing the drum much longer than I have. Good for you!.. I did not know about the book of bodhran notation that you spoke of... I'd like to see it if only to learn how bodhran rhythms are being written... By far, the best way to learn the drum are the video tapes that are available,,,..... that, and finding a GOOD tipper... they matter more than I can express.... That IS the whole trick to technique..... to me anyway,,..... finding a good stick. More than a good drum, more than a good band, more than a good woman,,,... find a good stick...!
I would recommend that players seriously check out Dulcimer Dave, the "McBodhran" poster above. Ask him for a copy of his unique tipper photo's... His crooked shaft tipper style may be what your looking for....
Anyway, back to the point...
Danny, can you make me a photo copy of the book you have or tell me where to purchase a copy?......
the two tapes I like are Stephen Hannigan and Tommy Haynes...... a picture is worth a thousand words, (or notes) when it comes to playing this crazy instrument... The Bodhran...
# Posted on April 13th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: Softening a bodhran
Caustic Soda
# Posted on April 13th 2003 by Bryan
Re: Softening a bodhran
Bryan, you can't be serious about caustic soda, can you? I would have thought it would it hydrolyze the proteins (collagen) in the skin and cause it to disintegrate almost immediately.
Trevor
# Posted on April 13th 2003 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Softening a bodhran
Irish Ruff,
I could only get this URL with that book on it:
http://www.nscottrobinson.com/publications/biblio.htm
Failing that, the little book is called:
"The Bodhran
An easy to learn method for the complete beginner showing different regional styles and techniques"
by
M
# Posted on April 14th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: Softening a bodhran
hmmmm - caustic soda - now there's an idea. Perhaps it could be sold in sachets along with the 'pizza' bodhrans sold by the thousand to drunken eejits at fleadhs?
# Posted on April 14th 2003 by breandan
Re: Softening a bodhran
MANY thanks Danny, those links are awesome. I shall pursue an original copy... however, it is nice to have you as a back up.... thanks so much for your assistance.
Two points:
Re: (the use of caustic soda on a skin drum head), caustic soda? would a fiddle player send her instrument to a cryogenics firm.... Be real,...! In a word.... - "NO", .......... if the drum is that bad, sell it, or donate it to student...
second point - my gosh, I forgot just as fast as i wrote this!
Best wishes to all,............ and ...............
PLEASE, KEEP POSTING ANYTHING YOU CAN ON THE PRECIOUS FEW BODHRAN THREADS WE HAVE.... this information is very rare!
# Posted on April 14th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: Softening a bodhran
That senario with the caustic Trevor does it include the rim? I fear if not it may unleash the use of
rim shots as percussion. Mind you some of the prety decorations on the rim could lend themselves to a
to a fashion accessory neckless, headband etc
# Posted on April 14th 2003 by Bryan
Re: Softening a bodhran - caustic soda
Sure, I recognized that the caustic soda suggestion was a joke, and would have been recognized as such by many people. But it is important to realize that caustic soda (aka sodium hydroxide) is a dangerous chemical to handle - it will attack most bio-organic substances, including living skin and leather, causing them to disintegrate quickly, and will even attack some metals and glass in high enough concentration. In a website such as this where the membership runs into several thousand and the actual world-wide readership is probably many times greater, there may be persons who, through lack of knowledge, would take the suggestion seriously, with potentially disastrous consequences. Hence my comment.
Trevor
# Posted on April 14th 2003 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Softening a bodhran
Yeah, but for bodhran-bashers who can't keep the beat, caustic soda works better than caustic remarks as those are lost on them.
Danny
# Posted on April 15th 2003 by Rudall the time
Re: Softening a bodhran
what about caustic wit?
available from all good...etc
# Posted on April 15th 2003 by biggus dave
Re: Softening a bodhran
Caustic Wit:
At a session i was merrily strumming along to a reel and was informed i was one rung up from a
bodhran player. I now mix and match apperegios, rasquados, and strumios am i two rungs up.
Caustic wit can be very effective.
# Posted on April 15th 2003 by Bryan