I am a session player, Small Pipes, Whistle, Concertina and now I'm adding the Bodhran. I have a cheap Walton's 18" And I want yo upgrade but not spend a ton of money. I'm really liking the deep drum sound. Anybody have any comments on these cheap paki drums on ebay?
Assuming this thread is not a wind up something should be made clear. Paki is not a term used in Scotland to describe Highland pipes made in Pakistan, it is a generally a derogatory term. But - pipes made in Pakistan and sold on ebay are utter junk and there is a very high chance the bodhrans will be too. These type of instruments ruin lives, please don't but one.
I have a Pakistani one, and take it on gigs, as opposed to sessions, where we take the 1970's Dublin-made one a friend bequethed us.
It's ok. It's a drum, non tuneable, you have to be prepared to warm or, more often, damp it down a bit.
Sounds like a drum.
I think we paid £35 at a festival, tested all the set to find the best, and got a tipper and a soft case thrown in
PS 'paki' is definitely offensive, as are all other nicknames for racial, ethnic, or religious groups.
How do you feel if someone refers to you as a honky ?
Diameter certainly is a factor, but also pay attention to the depth of the frame. A fairly small drum with a deep frame can give a really deep sound.
I live in California, and don't feel the need for a tuneable drum (although I have one). Your climate may dictate otherwise, but be clear on why you want a tuneable one, rather than simply assume that it takes you to the next level.
Good for you on wanting to play the bodhran. This instrument probably more than any other needs to be in the hands of a good musician. I would say not to get a cheap instrument such as the one you are proposing. Buy a good quality instrument - the best you can afford.
Go to
Opinions as to which make vary with each individual but I would look at Hedwitschak' Light Line models for good value drums in the lower price bracket at;
I have to speak up for some pakistani pipes. I have 3 sets. It is perfectly possible to get a beautiful set of pipes made in pakistan. Its that simple. My first set, from hobgoblin, 'cocus' with good reeds and a gortex bag are still going strong. 15yrs later.
I recently bought a set of lowland pipes. The bag obviously needed replacing with a gortex one. The chanter, normally the week link just needed the F sharpening and its lovley. pretty well made. I have a set of blackwood Paki' sticks . which I use with an old Hardie chanter.. and my Kintail set with a Cron chanter.
If you accept that the bag will need replacing. Avoid rose wood. get a good chanter and reeds you can save 5 to 7 hundred pounds.
No, not at all. Thats simply factual . My experiance.. I couldnt pay 2grand for a set of name pipes. but 2hundred[50 ebay] for a good chanter, 150/200 for the sticks, 100 for a bag, some easydrone or sheppard reeds and Im up and playing. oh and a little mac valve, and a water trap.
Plus a wide bore blowpipe.
Those border pipes. 15 min with a dremmel, a gortex bag tied in. and Im laughing.119pound for the set. even the reed is great.
If you can set up your own pipes why not? it works for me.If you cant well it doesnt matter how much you pay, or where you get them from, if they are not carefuly balanced and set up your f!"£$d.
I bought 'name maker' smallpipes that are poorly set up. If I were a beginer I would have been disheartened and permanently out of tune.
No jig. That is very bad advice. There are NO top players who play Pakistani pipes. That is none.
You're talking about 200 for a chanter, 200 ish for the pakistani drones, at least 100 for a bag, 50 for reeds probably about 50 for bits and postage. That is 600 for pish pipes. Another 50 would get you a set of MacCallums virtually ready to play.
"Those border pipes. 15 min with a dremmel, a gortex bag tied in. and Im laughing.119pound for the set. even the reed is great.'
Sorry but if I heard them I would be the one laughing.
Which 'name maker" smallpipes did you buy? It is relatively unheard of to get poorly set up smallpipes from the top makers .
Sorry Bob, but you were asking about a cheap instrument. The Bodhran in particular has a bad name and that is largely to do with thousands of bodhrans sold for pocket money prices to tourists or budding tone deaf session wreckers. One of the few things possibly worse for session murdering are badly made, set-up or played pipes - of any variety.
I'm just pointing out that buying the cheapest instruments is very bad advice
"I'm just pointing out that buying the cheapest instruments is very bad advice"
Agreed as we play all high quality pipes, small pipes, whistles, concertina. Since I'm just learning the Bodhran I thought a step up from the Walton would be a good idea. Honestly, using my hand (left) I can get some pretty good tone out of the bugger. I don't have much issue with my tipper hand cause me timing is good. Ive got jig, reel and hornpipe and triplets down pretty good now too. So I guess I'm just cheap,, well actually broke ;)
Opinions of cheap bodhrans are not much different over here then they are in the Yahoo Group to which you've posed the same question. Do yourself a big favor, deal with the Waltons until you've gathered sufficient monies to purchase a drum by one of the makers recommended in the Yahoo forum. Anything short of that, getting real lucky either with the cheap bodhran or finding a good drum used and with-in your budget I think to be a waste of time and effort. Just my experience.
"Hey Bob,
Opinions of cheap bodhrans are not much different over here then they are in the Yahoo Group to which you've posed the same question. Do yourself a big favor, deal with the Waltons until you've gathered sufficient monies to purchase a drum by one of the makers recommended in the Yahoo forum. Anything short of that, getting real lucky either with the cheap bodhran or finding a good drum used and with-in your budget I think to be a waste of time and effort. Just my experience
"
Thanks Ed,, Just thought I might catch more fish over here after someones suggestion ;)
I tend to ask allot of questions before I do anything and sometimes they are rhetorical but my thought process is such that I have to make sure every neuron is filled will information before I jump off the bridge.
Seamus O Kane's son Diarmaid is now making Bodhráns, as far as I know they're cheaper than his Da's but as well made with a good sound and tunable. You can contact him via his youtube address http://www.youtube.com/diarmaido
Ah excuse me, I was'nt giving anyone any advice. Just relaying my experiance with pakistani pipes.
I personally enjoy playing on cheap instruments as much as I do expensive ones. Its a kind of inverse snobbery i guess I cant abide the oh look at my 'status symbol' banjo or whatever, it was a snap at 50grand. It aint the instrument folks, its how you play it. Sure its nice to have good instruments,But you dont have to send a fortune to play beautiful music.
I wouldnt like to name names bogman, though I could do in private if you really want to know.
They sound fine you know, maybe not in comparison with a set of fred morrisons pipes, but at a20th of the price thats fine by me.
as far as drums go, they are all cheap really, even 200 is cheap enough for an instrument.
"It aint the instrument folks, its how you play it."
That is not entirely true, obviously. Of course it's how you play it but anyone who thinks that the quality of the instrument is unimportant is kidding themselves.
Fair enough but we are not talking only about quality, but nationality of maker and price. There are Chinese luthiers who make fine fiddles, at a fraction of the price if made in europe. Pakistani instrument makers can and do make good quality instruments. not all of them of course, and it is pot luck, unless you but through a reputable dealer like hobgoblin etc.
I am only relaying my experience.I am delighted with my new set of border pipes.
I have a lovely chinese viola, ok its basically plywood, not very loud, but with good strings and well et up its a pleasure to play. 1$ plus postage90 bucks all in.
look at the old picture of Padraig O Keefe, . bow held together with string and a cork!
African 1string fiddles made from an oil tin and a few sticks. They manage to make beautiful music with these instruments. Its the spirit, the skill, the dedication that count far more than the price of the instrument, or the maker or nationality of the maker.
I just recently purchased a Mike Quinlin bodhran for $250. It's a very fine drum, many people that play O'Kane's or Alfonso's seem very impressed by it.
Bodhran
Bodhran
Hi,
I am a session player, Small Pipes, Whistle, Concertina and now I'm adding the Bodhran. I have a cheap Walton's 18" And I want yo upgrade but not spend a ton of money. I'm really liking the deep drum sound. Anybody have any comments on these cheap paki drums on ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bodhran-Drum-17-Deep-Plywood-Pro-Black_W0QQitemZ360058424628QQihZ023QQcategoryZ47088QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Bob Norris
Re: Bodhran
I got a fairly good-sounding Pakistani bodhran on amazon for $30. I find it a bit of a waste of money to spend a lot of money on one of those.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by JosephofCK
Re: Bodhran
I don't understand? Why play the bodhran? (and by the way, it's not polite to say "paki". Where I'm from it's concidered racist)
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: Bodhran
Hi,
Sorry, I'm certainly not a Racist. Its a term used to describe Highland Pipes made in Pakistan.
Why play the Bodhran? Because its there ;) I am actually having a great time filling in with it.
"I got a fairly good-sounding Pakistani bodhran on amazon for $30. I find it a bit of a waste of money to spend a lot of money on one of those."
One of those meaning the one I showed you? I can handle $100 or so but I cant pay the $4 or $500 on a really good one right now.
Thanks!
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Bob Norris
Re: Bodhran
Assuming this thread is not a wind up something should be made clear. Paki is not a term used in Scotland to describe Highland pipes made in Pakistan, it is a generally a derogatory term. But - pipes made in Pakistan and sold on ebay are utter junk and there is a very high chance the bodhrans will be too. These type of instruments ruin lives, please don't but one.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by bogman
Re: Bodhran
please don't *buy* one
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by bogman
Re: Bodhran
Actually, their bodhrans (some of them) are surprisingly good for a Pakistani-made instrument.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by JosephofCK
Re: Bodhran
I would take a fair bit of convincing.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by bogman
Re: Bodhran
I have a Pakistani one, and take it on gigs, as opposed to sessions, where we take the 1970's Dublin-made one a friend bequethed us.
It's ok. It's a drum, non tuneable, you have to be prepared to warm or, more often, damp it down a bit.
Sounds like a drum.
I think we paid £35 at a festival, tested all the set to find the best, and got a tipper and a soft case thrown in
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Bodhran
PS 'paki' is definitely offensive, as are all other nicknames for racial, ethnic, or religious groups.
How do you feel if someone refers to you as a honky ?
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Bodhran
Ok, I get it about the "P"reference. It wont happen again. Apologizes to all,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Would you if you were looking for a cheap deep Bodhran choose an 17" 16" or smaller Bodhran?
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Bob Norris
Re: Bodhran
Diameter certainly is a factor, but also pay attention to the depth of the frame. A fairly small drum with a deep frame can give a really deep sound.
I live in California, and don't feel the need for a tuneable drum (although I have one). Your climate may dictate otherwise, but be clear on why you want a tuneable one, rather than simply assume that it takes you to the next level.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Ailin
Re: Bodhran
Hello Bob,
Good for you on wanting to play the bodhran. This instrument probably more than any other needs to be in the hands of a good musician. I would say not to get a cheap instrument such as the one you are proposing. Buy a good quality instrument - the best you can afford.
Go to
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/bodhran/
for lots of useful info.
Opinions as to which make vary with each individual but I would look at Hedwitschak' Light Line models for good value drums in the lower price bracket at;
http://www.bodhranmaker.de/
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Gran Cassa
Re: Bodhran
Hi,
The Hedwitschak lines are $300 and up USD. Just cant do tat right now. Any suggestions on a low end deep bodhran? Any used ones for sale?
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Bob Norris
Re: Bodhran
I have to speak up for some pakistani pipes. I have 3 sets. It is perfectly possible to get a beautiful set of pipes made in pakistan. Its that simple. My first set, from hobgoblin, 'cocus' with good reeds and a gortex bag are still going strong. 15yrs later.
I recently bought a set of lowland pipes. The bag obviously needed replacing with a gortex one. The chanter, normally the week link just needed the F sharpening and its lovley. pretty well made. I have a set of blackwood Paki' sticks . which I use with an old Hardie chanter.. and my Kintail set with a Cron chanter.
If you accept that the bag will need replacing. Avoid rose wood. get a good chanter and reeds you can save 5 to 7 hundred pounds.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by jig
Re: Bodhran
You have got to be joking Jig.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by bogman
Re: Bodhran
No, not at all. Thats simply factual . My experiance.. I couldnt pay 2grand for a set of name pipes. but 2hundred[50 ebay] for a good chanter, 150/200 for the sticks, 100 for a bag, some easydrone or sheppard reeds and Im up and playing. oh and a little mac valve, and a water trap.
Plus a wide bore blowpipe.
Those border pipes. 15 min with a dremmel, a gortex bag tied in. and Im laughing.119pound for the set. even the reed is great.
If you can set up your own pipes why not? it works for me.If you cant well it doesnt matter how much you pay, or where you get them from, if they are not carefuly balanced and set up your f!"£$d.
I bought 'name maker' smallpipes that are poorly set up. If I were a beginer I would have been disheartened and permanently out of tune.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by jig
Re: Bodhran
correction
I bought 'name maker' smallpipes that #were# poorly set up. If I were a beginer I would have been disheartened and permanently out of tune.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by jig
Re: Bodhran
No jig. That is very bad advice. There are NO top players who play Pakistani pipes. That is none.
You're talking about 200 for a chanter, 200 ish for the pakistani drones, at least 100 for a bag, 50 for reeds probably about 50 for bits and postage. That is 600 for pish pipes. Another 50 would get you a set of MacCallums virtually ready to play.
"Those border pipes. 15 min with a dremmel, a gortex bag tied in. and Im laughing.119pound for the set. even the reed is great.'
Sorry but if I heard them I would be the one laughing.
Which 'name maker" smallpipes did you buy? It is relatively unheard of to get poorly set up smallpipes from the top makers .
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by bogman
Re: Bodhran
Did I open up a can of worms? Whats say we stay on topic and get me some help finding a Bodhran ;)
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Bob Norris
Re: Bodhran
HA! You tell 'em Bob. But in all honesty, that's pretty par for the course around here.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Bodhran
Sorry Bob, but you were asking about a cheap instrument. The Bodhran in particular has a bad name and that is largely to do with thousands of bodhrans sold for pocket money prices to tourists or budding tone deaf session wreckers. One of the few things possibly worse for session murdering are badly made, set-up or played pipes - of any variety.
I'm just pointing out that buying the cheapest instruments is very bad advice
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by bogman
Re: Bodhran
"I'm just pointing out that buying the cheapest instruments is very bad advice"
Agreed as we play all high quality pipes, small pipes, whistles, concertina. Since I'm just learning the Bodhran I thought a step up from the Walton would be a good idea. Honestly, using my hand (left) I can get some pretty good tone out of the bugger. I don't have much issue with my tipper hand cause me timing is good. Ive got jig, reel and hornpipe and triplets down pretty good now too. So I guess I'm just cheap,, well actually broke ;)
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Bob Norris
Re: Bodhran
Hey Bob,
Opinions of cheap bodhrans are not much different over here then they are in the Yahoo Group to which you've posed the same question. Do yourself a big favor, deal with the Waltons until you've gathered sufficient monies to purchase a drum by one of the makers recommended in the Yahoo forum. Anything short of that, getting real lucky either with the cheap bodhran or finding a good drum used and with-in your budget I think to be a waste of time and effort. Just my experience.
All the best!
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by ejsant
Re: Bodhran
"Hey Bob,
Opinions of cheap bodhrans are not much different over here then they are in the Yahoo Group to which you've posed the same question. Do yourself a big favor, deal with the Waltons until you've gathered sufficient monies to purchase a drum by one of the makers recommended in the Yahoo forum. Anything short of that, getting real lucky either with the cheap bodhran or finding a good drum used and with-in your budget I think to be a waste of time and effort. Just my experience
"
Thanks Ed,, Just thought I might catch more fish over here after someones suggestion ;)
I tend to ask allot of questions before I do anything and sometimes they are rhetorical but my thought process is such that I have to make sure every neuron is filled will information before I jump off the bridge.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by Bob Norris
Re: Bodhran
Bob,
Seamus O Kane's son Diarmaid is now making Bodhráns, as far as I know they're cheaper than his Da's but as well made with a good sound and tunable. You can contact him via his youtube address
http://www.youtube.com/diarmaido
And there's a review with photos here
http://www.bodojo.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,26/func,view/id,1206/catid,39/limit,6/limitstart,0/
Good luck
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by newdeafman
Re: Bodhran
Ah excuse me, I was'nt giving anyone any advice. Just relaying my experiance with pakistani pipes.
I cant abide the oh look at my 'status symbol' banjo or whatever, it was a snap at 50grand. It aint the instrument folks, its how you play it. Sure its nice to have good instruments,But you dont have to send a fortune to play beautiful music.
I personally enjoy playing on cheap instruments as much as I do expensive ones. Its a kind of inverse snobbery i guess
I wouldnt like to name names bogman, though I could do in private if you really want to know.
They sound fine you know, maybe not in comparison with a set of fred morrisons pipes, but at a20th of the price thats fine by me.
as far as drums go, they are all cheap really, even 200 is cheap enough for an instrument.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by jig
Re: Bodhran
Bob,
link for Diarmiad was incorrect, this is it
http://www.youtube.com/user/diarmaidok
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by newdeafman
Re: Bodhran
"It aint the instrument folks, its how you play it."
That is not entirely true, obviously. Of course it's how you play it but anyone who thinks that the quality of the instrument is unimportant is kidding themselves.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by bogman
Re: Bodhran
Fair enough but we are not talking only about quality, but nationality of maker and price. There are Chinese luthiers who make fine fiddles, at a fraction of the price if made in europe. Pakistani instrument makers can and do make good quality instruments. not all of them of course, and it is pot luck, unless you but through a reputable dealer like hobgoblin etc.
I am only relaying my experience.I am delighted with my new set of border pipes.
I have a lovely chinese viola, ok its basically plywood, not very loud, but with good strings and well et up its a pleasure to play. 1$ plus postage90 bucks all in.
look at the old picture of Padraig O Keefe, . bow held together with string and a cork!
African 1string fiddles made from an oil tin and a few sticks. They manage to make beautiful music with these instruments. Its the spirit, the skill, the dedication that count far more than the price of the instrument, or the maker or nationality of the maker.
# Posted on June 13th 2008 by jig
Re: Bodhran
I just recently purchased a Mike Quinlin bodhran for $250. It's a very fine drum, many people that play O'Kane's or Alfonso's seem very impressed by it.
Just a suggestion.
# Posted on June 14th 2008 by acaretta