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Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

"This is my new drum model and is now available. I call it the Band Tensioner System because the old bicycle makers used a similar system for brakes on their tricycles in the 1880’s. They called them band brakes.

The big advantage of the system is that the drum cannot be knocked out of tune by uneven tension that can be caused by loosening / tightening one screw more than another, in the first tone ring system. The single screw on the outside is easy to operate with a T-Bar Allen Key."

- Seamus O'Kane

More information and pics on: http://www.tradcentre.com/seamus

"Michael Gill" need not contribute to this thread - SERIOUSLY!

My father has put too much effort and work into this, despite unimaginable ill-health he's been through, during this past 9 years, without any "snide" remarks. So take a back-seat on this thread if anyone has anything derogatory to "contribute".

Murrough O'Kane

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by Murrough

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Murrough, please pass on my CONGRATULATIONS to Seamus.

I'm delighted to hear that he has finally completed the whole process.

I remember bumping into him in Belfast one day, it may have been about 2 years ago. Anyway he was on his way to register the patent for this System, at least I think it was this one, but it just shows what a long winded process it must be, to go through all the trials & tribulations of constructing something like this, only to have to then face a load bureaucracy.

However, I'm sure all his hard work will now pay off & that this new device will prove to be "the best thing since sliced bread", for all Bodhran players.

I have no doubt either, that this new "O'Kane System" will ensure that O'Kane Bodhrans maintain their place in the pecking order, as the very finest Bodhrans that money can buy.

Cheers
Dick

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by Ptarmigan

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

You really think honestly think I'll let this one go?

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by llig leahcim

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Murrough, glad to hear your Dad is healthy again. The band tensioner looks like a great idea.

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by Will CPT

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

This all looks too sophisticated for the 'goat-thumpers' I know.
But, joking aside, just think how much more development could have been engendered if it ws a really old instrument !

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by Guernsey Pete

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

the drum cannot be knocked out of tune by uneven tension that can be caused by loosening / tightening one screw more than another, in the first tone ring system.

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by Murrough

This sounds a bit esoteric to me. You cannot "tune" a drum, merely tighten the skin to your own satisfaction. You would need to be a right idiot to tighten just a few screws.

I realise the last sentence invites attack from petty minded persons, but I can live with that.

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by bodhran bliss

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Also glad to hear that Seamus is improved in his health, a great player and innovator.

# Posted on April 21st 2008 by bodhran bliss

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Murrough,

You must be right proud of your dad with all he has faced over these last years. Congratulations to him indeed. Best wishes for a resounding success for the new tensioning design and as well for his continued good health.

You know Dick for my money Mr. O'Kane will always be at the top of the heap as a Bodhrán maker and player.

Peace,
Ed

# Posted on April 22nd 2008 by ejsant

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

It looks in the pics alright...
Any chance of seeing a pic of the inside of the bodhran?
All the best.
Sean.

# Posted on April 22nd 2008 by seaniemcg

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

it was Paul Phillips R.I.P who recommended your dads bodhrans to me and it is one of my proudest possesions, so big Thank you to your Dad as i know he was ill at the time!

# Posted on April 23rd 2008 by lilyot

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Murrough-
Don't know much about bodhrans, but if Seamus thought of something, it must be good. He' s absolutely the best I've ever heard. I'm so very, very glad to hear his health is good. Hope to see him again one day. All our best from our family to yours.
Skip and family in Omaha, NE

# Posted on April 23rd 2008 by sfarrell

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

I take it this "drum" creates tension in the band if anyone plays it?

# Posted on April 23rd 2008 by geoffwright

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Congratulations on the new tuning system. Seamus' inovations have been milestones in the evolution of this wonderful instrument we call the bodhran.

Never mind what gill has to say. Anyone who ever sat at a table with him knows what an arse he is.

# Posted on April 23rd 2008 by claidheamh mòr

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

who the feck are you?

# Posted on April 23rd 2008 by llig leahcim

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

A totally unwarrented attack against Mr Llig. People should grow up.

# Posted on April 23rd 2008 by bodhran bliss

Re: Seamus O'Kane's "Band Tensioner System Bodhrán" announced today

Will pass on all the nice sentiments. Thanks.

# Posted on April 29th 2008 by Murrough

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