What should I look for in bodhran SOUNDS while I'm shopping around? What is the sound of a great bodhran--deep tones, wide range of tones? I'm not talking about playing ability here.
One of the things I've noticed are sort of "signature tones" from different makers. A lot of this is accomplished by the unique preparation of the heads. For one, Eoin Leonard of Belgarth bodhrans is known for thick, and very soft drum heads, this can be very, very bass-ey which is a wonderful effect. I love to tune my 18" belgarth down and play it, it has a rumble like war drums. Another famous thick head maker is Brendan White, he would be about 10/1000's down from Eoin...
The point I am making in my experience is the thicker the head, the harder the thump and the lower the potential high notes will be. Also Linda, as you know, the diameter is a constraint. A thick 15" can be deeper than a thin 18" ... The more famous thin skin are Davey Drums in the USA, I think Metloef (the kangaroo skin maker) and Seamus O'Kane... These are bright, pingy drums capable of great melodic control. Any of them can be tuned through a wide range.
Right in the middle, to me, is Kevin O'Connor of England who is maikng a really nice drum...
In the drums I've seen, I have so far, always let the maker select the skin, rather than trying to impose any "preference" which probably would be misunderstood.
The exception, I am told is Albert Alphonse (I hope i have spelled that name correctly). He specializes in a wide variety of skin weights.
I got a whole load of info from Bodhranii, a yahoo discussion group. You can contact them at www.bodhranii.net.
Re the above avice about belgarth bodhrans, they never play well in the shop as they take a while to soften and play in. So the Belgarth drums that you hear or get to have a shot on at sessions never sound like the ones in the shop. I rekon that puts loads of people of them which is a shame cos they are lovely soft drums.
I think the other problem with shopping around for drums is that alot of shops just do not have enough demand for a top quality drum so don't stock them, so you never get to try them. I don't know if you are better of with shops where you are but that's certainly the case in Scotland.
That said you can get a top drum for only £150 - you couldn't get a top guitar or fiddle for that. So troll the arcives hear and at the yahoo group and then get the makers names and call them - they are usually happy to disuss what you would like.
I have an O'Kane that I love, very melodic but still has a deep soft bass. Have heard quite alot of dissapointed reviews of Brendan White drums, think that mass production has taken its toll.
I've just taken a workshop by Albert Alfonso, the bodhran maker and musician from Texas. He allowed us to use his drums. Half of the class bought one of his drums. I've been "beating" some cheap non-tuneables and even some nicer tuneables from Ireland for only a year now and Albert's are the best by far. The only drum I had in my hands comparable to his was one by Macee Grady in Rhode Island. What I like the best about their drums is that you can PLAY a musical scale on them by varying the pressure that your left hand applies to the skin and the location of it. Yes, it is almost impossible to get your hands on one to try them out. So do seek out the advice of some good bodhran players before purchasing.
Info from Bodhran Players, please
Info from Bodhran Players, please
What should I look for in bodhran SOUNDS while I'm shopping around? What is the sound of a great bodhran--deep tones, wide range of tones? I'm not talking about playing ability here.
# Posted on July 18th 2003 by linda
Re: Info from Bodhran Players, please
One of the things I've noticed are sort of "signature tones" from different makers. A lot of this is accomplished by the unique preparation of the heads. For one, Eoin Leonard of Belgarth bodhrans is known for thick, and very soft drum heads, this can be very, very bass-ey which is a wonderful effect. I love to tune my 18" belgarth down and play it, it has a rumble like war drums. Another famous thick head maker is Brendan White, he would be about 10/1000's down from Eoin...
The point I am making in my experience is the thicker the head, the harder the thump and the lower the potential high notes will be. Also Linda, as you know, the diameter is a constraint. A thick 15" can be deeper than a thin 18" ... The more famous thin skin are Davey Drums in the USA, I think Metloef (the kangaroo skin maker) and Seamus O'Kane... These are bright, pingy drums capable of great melodic control. Any of them can be tuned through a wide range.
Right in the middle, to me, is Kevin O'Connor of England who is maikng a really nice drum...
In the drums I've seen, I have so far, always let the maker select the skin, rather than trying to impose any "preference" which probably would be misunderstood.
The exception, I am told is Albert Alphonse (I hope i have spelled that name correctly). He specializes in a wide variety of skin weights.
# Posted on July 18th 2003 by irish ruff
Re: Info from Bodhran Players, please
Listen for sounds on the beat - you aren't necessarily going to hear them though!
If it isn't on the beat, listen for volume.
:-
# Posted on July 19th 2003 by geoffwright
Re: Info from Bodhran Players, please
Hello Linda
I got a whole load of info from Bodhranii, a yahoo discussion group. You can contact them at www.bodhranii.net.
Re the above avice about belgarth bodhrans, they never play well in the shop as they take a while to soften and play in. So the Belgarth drums that you hear or get to have a shot on at sessions never sound like the ones in the shop. I rekon that puts loads of people of them which is a shame cos they are lovely soft drums.
I think the other problem with shopping around for drums is that alot of shops just do not have enough demand for a top quality drum so don't stock them, so you never get to try them. I don't know if you are better of with shops where you are but that's certainly the case in Scotland.
That said you can get a top drum for only £150 - you couldn't get a top guitar or fiddle for that. So troll the arcives hear and at the yahoo group and then get the makers names and call them - they are usually happy to disuss what you would like.
I have an O'Kane that I love, very melodic but still has a deep soft bass. Have heard quite alot of dissapointed reviews of Brendan White drums, think that mass production has taken its toll.
Hope that helps
clunk
# Posted on July 19th 2003 by clunk999
Re: Info from Bodhran Players, please
Hello Linda
One problem is - do shops know how to display bodhrans? One that's been hanging on the wall for a few weeks will be terrible to play.
If you have the opportunity, I'd avoid music shops and go mail-order from a maker. Or visit, ideally.
I guess a sensible bit of advice would be to take a good player with you.
All the best,
# Posted on July 20th 2003 by greenman
Re: Info from Bodhran Players, please
I've just taken a workshop by Albert Alfonso, the bodhran maker and musician from Texas. He allowed us to use his drums. Half of the class bought one of his drums. I've been "beating" some cheap non-tuneables and even some nicer tuneables from Ireland for only a year now and Albert's are the best by far. The only drum I had in my hands comparable to his was one by Macee Grady in Rhode Island. What I like the best about their drums is that you can PLAY a musical scale on them by varying the pressure that your left hand applies to the skin and the location of it. Yes, it is almost impossible to get your hands on one to try them out. So do seek out the advice of some good bodhran players before purchasing.
# Posted on July 21st 2003 by Madharp