I play one of his standard ring-tensioned bodhráns and can appreciate the trickiness of tensioning the drum evenly. It's a fantastic instrument, but you need to work with it.
I'd have thought to play it well, you need a musical ear. And if you've got a musical ear, keeping the tone even when changing tension is pretty straightforward, following the instructions on Seamus's website.
But I'd be happy to be proved wrong. Does the new system work better?
I'm not sure how many have made their way to the hands of players yet. I know Seamus worked a long time on the design. You may wish to ask your question on the boards of bodojo.com or here: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bodhran/.
You might want to have a look at Brian McGarrigle's bodhrans. They are the best finished drums I have ever seen with inlays and brass fittings etc and of course they sound fantastic also. I think they cost around £150 and he will make it to order. You don't have a long waiting time to get one. His number is 028 71880298.
New Seamus O'Kane drums
New Seamus O'Kane drums
Hi folks!
I'd be interested to hear from anyone out there who's played one of Seamus's new drums.
http://www.tradcentre.com/seamus/tuning.shtml
I play one of his standard ring-tensioned bodhráns and can appreciate the trickiness of tensioning the drum evenly. It's a fantastic instrument, but you need to work with it.
I'd have thought to play it well, you need a musical ear. And if you've got a musical ear, keeping the tone even when changing tension is pretty straightforward, following the instructions on Seamus's website.
But I'd be happy to be proved wrong. Does the new system work better?
())/
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by greenman
Re: New Seamus O'Kane drums
So is what you are saying, that the fella has designed a drum that you don't need a musical ear to tune?
# Posted on May 25th 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: New Seamus O'Kane drums
Innovative indeed. But why do some people become obsessed with the hand on the back of the drum, in an attempt to create uneven tension?
I had some lovely drums before "tuners" were introduced, and you could get a different sound from different parts of the skin. This was much valued.
# Posted on May 26th 2008 by bodhran bliss
Re: New Seamus O'Kane drums
I'm not sure how many have made their way to the hands of players yet. I know Seamus worked a long time on the design. You may wish to ask your question on the boards of bodojo.com or here: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bodhran/.
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on May 26th 2008 by ejsant
Re: New Seamus O'Kane drums
You might want to have a look at Brian McGarrigle's bodhrans. They are the best finished drums I have ever seen with inlays and brass fittings etc and of course they sound fantastic also. I think they cost around £150 and he will make it to order. You don't have a long waiting time to get one. His number is 028 71880298.
# Posted on May 27th 2008 by An Boscadoír
Re: New Seamus O'Kane drums
Yeah, I like the sound of that ... I'll have a look at one.
# Posted on May 27th 2008 by llig leahcim