Several bodhran players have said they put dubbin, olive oil, or Lexol on the outside of the skin--tuneables too. Curious how it changes the sound. If you do use something like this, what do you recommend and why? And what is your purpose for using it?
Quinlin
It would be ideal for you to actually see and play a drum that has been treated. I believe Malachy Kearns of Roundstone sells a product. Other bodhran makers can probably give you specific recommendations (Kevin O'Connell, Brenden White, etc...). I use Neatsfoot and Mink Oils (available in the U.S.) that contain Lanolin and make the head more water and humidity resistent. It initially deepens the tone. I have a tuneable bodhran and compensate. Greater care is needed for non tuneable bodhrans due to more difficulty in tuning by a heat source. It makes the drum head less vulnerable to humidity. It does to make the skin more supple and resonant. I'm talking about quality sound, not volume.
I would recommend this treatment, but I would recommend talking to a local bodhran player directly and hearing a treated bodhran for yourself.
You should ask your bodhran maker what kind of "bodhran treatment" does he prefer for his drums.
When I had Kearn's bodhran I've just a lot of baby oil. After while skin become much softer, and it had much better sound - meaning it didn't sound as a wooden board.
I have O'Connell bodhran for over a year now - heavy, but soft skin - I've have used lanolin, but only once. Skin didn't needed more. It made my drum sound a little deeper.
Cheers
Thanks. One of my bodhrans is an Alfonso. Albert has said that if you do decide to use something, he would recommend Lexol. Other makers have recommended the rest. I've had a very hard time breaking in the Alfonso 16 inch--not really usual for Albert's drums. I'm determined to turn this into a good drum. I have been able to make some improvements, but it isn't quite there yet. What you're describing about using the oils or leather treatments sounds as if it's maybe what I'm after. I want a deeper sound. My skin is a more raw skin, rather than the whitish, heavily treated skin. It just wasn't flexible enough to hit all of the sounds. I'm starting to get some better sounds, now, but when the tipper hits the skin, I'm still getting that "hitting cardboard or hitting a wooden board" sound on the initial impact, if that makes sense--just as it hits the skin. You may cringe, but I sanded it to thin it a bit (was no good the way it was) and I beat it wet. The sanding made the most progress--started bending sounds after that. So, I'm guessing my next step may be Lexol. Your comments welcome.
Quinlin
Maybe Im interrupting your post here Quinlin, but i cant be bothered starting a new one!
I was just wandering what bodhran players like what sound?
Personally - I don't play (well) but I know I like the sound of yer man from flook and the Danu guy is good, although, I think the dampening gets to sound all the same after a while...what styles do you lads prefer....who could you recommend?
Oh I like the De Dannan guys too.
I use the merest drop of olive oil every couple of months. Luckily my bodhran already has a deep tone and is pretty responsive. The oil just stops it from drying up too much, which is never much of a problem in these islands. The only way to permanently ensure a quality tone is to play it in, I'm afraid. However, once you've done that with a new drum you've more or less earned your spurs as it does take a fair amount of doing. I would suggest doing this at home as much as possible for the benefit of other session goers as it will sound duff in the interim.
You might be surprised with the sulphuric acid...but we'll leave that talk for another time.
I only use lexol and then only when the skin really really needs it, which is rare. The best thing is to play the hell out of the drum.
One thing I've done to soften a skin was to turn the drum upside down on a slab of smooth concrete (like the garage floor or so) dampem the skin a bit, then beat the hell out of it with a rubber mallet.
The thing is that the thicker, raw, hard skins are very difficult to destroy, unless you are using caustic chemicals, the proper application of which can actually yield a great skin!
Just of curiosity, but: Does anyone know bodhran players who never put _anything_ on the skin? No oil, no Lexol, nuttin'.
I've had my bodhran for a good six years now and have never tried smearing it with anything. I have to admit that part of the reason is, it's a cheap drum I got at a festival ($50), and the person who sold it was not the maker -- nor could he tell me anything about it. So I've been hesitant to use any kind of oil or cream 'cause I simply don't know anything about the skin.
I did show the drum to an acquaintance of mine who is a bodhran-maker and explained my quandry. He asked me: "Do you play it constantly, like every other day or every few days? Does it seem about the same as when you bought it?" I answered "No" to the first and "Yes" to the second, and he replied, "Then I wouldn't do anything."
He added, sotto voce, that he personally found the whole business of "treating" drumskins somewhat overrated: "Hell, back in the olden days they rubbed 'em with dung!"
When I think it's necessary I use neatsfoot oil on my drums, but not too often.
Quinlin, it can sometimes take years to play in a thick skin, you don't need to be in a hurry.
However, I can just picture you Rob, on your hands and knees beating the sh*t out of your drum with a mallet, tee hee. Wonder what a passer by might make of it all ha ha.
Well I'm just off to my workshop to look for FBH (fairly big hammer)......................doug
Stephanpaz: That's John Joe Kelly playing bodhran for Flook with a very wide range of rhythm. That's Donnchadh Gogh for Danu that manages a unique "slap tone" in his playing. Da Dannan's bodhran player has recently been Colm Murphy. The original player is my favorite, Johnny McDonagh. He did two albums with Arcady most recently. He also did Feodoga Stain I and II with Mary Bergin. Tommy Hayes just did a new album with Gerry O'Connor on banjo. He also teamed up with Gerry on the "Time to Time" album. I also enjoy listening to Kevin Conneff of the Chieftains. Best Wishes.
I have an Eamon Maguire drum for 12 years and put nothing on it because the skin was perfect. A couple of hours in the hot press before you go and play, and it's great.
I bought a drum from Malachy Kearns for about £20 recently, not a great drum overall but a good skin. I put the stuff he gives you on it, just once, because it needs to soften a bit. I then played it for a few months, because that is the best way of softening it up. The stuff was like saddle soap, or something.
I know what you're all thinking, Malachy should be paying me advertising fees for using his drum, but what can you do?
For two years after I bought this Alfonso, I totally beat it to pieces and finally gave up, buying another drum. I do like Albert's drums, though, normally. But, we'll see how all of this reworking it goes--taking it in stages.
I've never used anything on either the tunables or the non tunables. When not in use I keep them in a decent bodhràn carrier and stored in a dry cool place.
Interesting discussion! When I first started playing on my first bodhrán, I was advised by the person I was learning from to put regular treatments of dubbin on the outside, and talcum powder on the inside.
The dubbin seemed to make the tipper sound less scratchy/scrapey on contact with the head. The talc made the noise from the left hand quiter as I changed its position. So generally a smoother sound and feel.
But when I moved up to more expensive and better crafted drums, I worried about spoiling the skin when such a lot of work seems to go into getting the skins right. Perhaps just regular playing is what they need.
Having said that, I've had no qualms about tweaking my high-quality electric guitar! But I know more about guitars than skins.
Well, I decided to tweak, since I've already been there and done that with playing it heavily. I'm a bodhran gambler. I used the Lexol and immediatelly liked the tone a lot better. I'm now letting it sit with the tuning tightened for a couple of days. So, we'll see what happens from there.
Just thought I'd drop a note on the end to say re-hi, I've been off the site for nigh on two years (!), and enjoying catching up on the Bodhran threads.
Just for the record ... I use natural Lanolin on my custom "rock" Bodhran's head about every six months. Just a light application on the front of the drum and allow it to soak in for a few days before I take it out on the circuit again.
I have a spare 'equivalent' drum to play in the meantime, a bit deeper and not so comfortable to play, but good enough to fill-in whilst her little sis' is in respite.
Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Several bodhran players have said they put dubbin, olive oil, or Lexol on the outside of the skin--tuneables too. Curious how it changes the sound. If you do use something like this, what do you recommend and why? And what is your purpose for using it?
Quinlin
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Quinlin
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
It would be ideal for you to actually see and play a drum that has been treated. I believe Malachy Kearns of Roundstone sells a product. Other bodhran makers can probably give you specific recommendations (Kevin O'Connell, Brenden White, etc...). I use Neatsfoot and Mink Oils (available in the U.S.) that contain Lanolin and make the head more water and humidity resistent. It initially deepens the tone. I have a tuneable bodhran and compensate. Greater care is needed for non tuneable bodhrans due to more difficulty in tuning by a heat source. It makes the drum head less vulnerable to humidity. It does to make the skin more supple and resonant. I'm talking about quality sound, not volume.
I would recommend this treatment, but I would recommend talking to a local bodhran player directly and hearing a treated bodhran for yourself.
Best Wishes
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
You should ask your bodhran maker what kind of "bodhran treatment" does he prefer for his drums.
When I had Kearn's bodhran I've just a lot of baby oil. After while skin become much softer, and it had much better sound - meaning it didn't sound as a wooden board.
I have O'Connell bodhran for over a year now - heavy, but soft skin - I've have used lanolin, but only once. Skin didn't needed more. It made my drum sound a little deeper.
Cheers
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by padre
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Thanks. One of my bodhrans is an Alfonso. Albert has said that if you do decide to use something, he would recommend Lexol. Other makers have recommended the rest. I've had a very hard time breaking in the Alfonso 16 inch--not really usual for Albert's drums. I'm determined to turn this into a good drum. I have been able to make some improvements, but it isn't quite there yet. What you're describing about using the oils or leather treatments sounds as if it's maybe what I'm after. I want a deeper sound. My skin is a more raw skin, rather than the whitish, heavily treated skin. It just wasn't flexible enough to hit all of the sounds. I'm starting to get some better sounds, now, but when the tipper hits the skin, I'm still getting that "hitting cardboard or hitting a wooden board" sound on the initial impact, if that makes sense--just as it hits the skin. You may cringe, but I sanded it to thin it a bit (was no good the way it was) and I beat it wet. The sanding made the most progress--started bending sounds after that. So, I'm guessing my next step may be Lexol. Your comments welcome.
Quinlin
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Quinlin
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Sulphuric acid would be good for the instrument but be careful not to get any on your hands!
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Johnny Jay
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Ahh the old bodhran jokes....theres always one...
Maybe Im interrupting your post here Quinlin, but i cant be bothered starting a new one!
I was just wandering what bodhran players like what sound?
Personally - I don't play (well) but I know I like the sound of yer man from flook and the Danu guy is good, although, I think the dampening gets to sound all the same after a while...what styles do you lads prefer....who could you recommend?
Oh I like the De Dannan guys too.
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
I use the merest drop of olive oil every couple of months. Luckily my bodhran already has a deep tone and is pretty responsive. The oil just stops it from drying up too much, which is never much of a problem in these islands. The only way to permanently ensure a quality tone is to play it in, I'm afraid. However, once you've done that with a new drum you've more or less earned your spurs as it does take a fair amount of doing. I would suggest doing this at home as much as possible for the benefit of other session goers as it will sound duff in the interim.
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
You might be surprised with the sulphuric acid...but we'll leave that talk for another time.
I only use lexol and then only when the skin really really needs it, which is rare. The best thing is to play the hell out of the drum.
One thing I've done to soften a skin was to turn the drum upside down on a slab of smooth concrete (like the garage floor or so) dampem the skin a bit, then beat the hell out of it with a rubber mallet.
The thing is that the thicker, raw, hard skins are very difficult to destroy, unless you are using caustic chemicals, the proper application of which can actually yield a great skin!
Good luck!
Rob
www.metloef.com
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by RobBBQ
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Just of curiosity, but: Does anyone know bodhran players who never put _anything_ on the skin? No oil, no Lexol, nuttin'.
I've had my bodhran for a good six years now and have never tried smearing it with anything. I have to admit that part of the reason is, it's a cheap drum I got at a festival ($50), and the person who sold it was not the maker -- nor could he tell me anything about it. So I've been hesitant to use any kind of oil or cream 'cause I simply don't know anything about the skin.
I did show the drum to an acquaintance of mine who is a bodhran-maker and explained my quandry. He asked me: "Do you play it constantly, like every other day or every few days? Does it seem about the same as when you bought it?" I answered "No" to the first and "Yes" to the second, and he replied, "Then I wouldn't do anything."
He added, sotto voce, that he personally found the whole business of "treating" drumskins somewhat overrated: "Hell, back in the olden days they rubbed 'em with dung!"
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by sts
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
When I think it's necessary I use neatsfoot oil on my drums, but not too often.
Quinlin, it can sometimes take years to play in a thick skin, you don't need to be in a hurry.
However, I can just picture you Rob, on your hands and knees beating the sh*t out of your drum with a mallet, tee hee. Wonder what a passer by might make of it all ha ha.
Well I'm just off to my workshop to look for FBH (fairly big hammer)......................doug
# Posted on March 1st 2005 by curlew
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Stephanpaz: That's John Joe Kelly playing bodhran for Flook with a very wide range of rhythm. That's Donnchadh Gogh for Danu that manages a unique "slap tone" in his playing. Da Dannan's bodhran player has recently been Colm Murphy. The original player is my favorite, Johnny McDonagh. He did two albums with Arcady most recently. He also did Feodoga Stain I and II with Mary Bergin. Tommy Hayes just did a new album with Gerry O'Connor on banjo. He also teamed up with Gerry on the "Time to Time" album. I also enjoy listening to Kevin Conneff of the Chieftains. Best Wishes.
# Posted on March 2nd 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
I have an Eamon Maguire drum for 12 years and put nothing on it because the skin was perfect. A couple of hours in the hot press before you go and play, and it's great.
I bought a drum from Malachy Kearns for about £20 recently, not a great drum overall but a good skin. I put the stuff he gives you on it, just once, because it needs to soften a bit. I then played it for a few months, because that is the best way of softening it up. The stuff was like saddle soap, or something.
I know what you're all thinking, Malachy should be paying me advertising fees for using his drum, but what can you do?
# Posted on March 2nd 2005 by bodhran bliss
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
For two years after I bought this Alfonso, I totally beat it to pieces and finally gave up, buying another drum. I do like Albert's drums, though, normally. But, we'll see how all of this reworking it goes--taking it in stages.
The Bodhran Doctor--alias Quinlin
# Posted on March 2nd 2005 by Quinlin
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
I've never used anything on either the tunables or the non tunables. When not in use I keep them in a decent bodhràn carrier and stored in a dry cool place.
Joe
# Posted on March 2nd 2005 by Joe Quinn
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Interesting discussion! When I first started playing on my first bodhrán, I was advised by the person I was learning from to put regular treatments of dubbin on the outside, and talcum powder on the inside.
The dubbin seemed to make the tipper sound less scratchy/scrapey on contact with the head. The talc made the noise from the left hand quiter as I changed its position. So generally a smoother sound and feel.
But when I moved up to more expensive and better crafted drums, I worried about spoiling the skin when such a lot of work seems to go into getting the skins right. Perhaps just regular playing is what they need.
Having said that, I've had no qualms about tweaking my high-quality electric guitar! But I know more about guitars than skins.
To tweak or not to tweak?
\())
# Posted on March 3rd 2005 by greenman
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Well, I decided to tweak, since I've already been there and done that with playing it heavily. I'm a bodhran gambler. I used the Lexol and immediatelly liked the tone a lot better. I'm now letting it sit with the tuning tightened for a couple of days. So, we'll see what happens from there.
Thanks for the replies.
Quinlin
# Posted on March 4th 2005 by Quinlin
Re: Bodhran--dubbin, olive oil, Lexol
Just thought I'd drop a note on the end to say re-hi, I've been off the site for nigh on two years (!), and enjoying catching up on the Bodhran threads.
Just for the record ... I use natural Lanolin on my custom "rock" Bodhran's head about every six months. Just a light application on the front of the drum and allow it to soak in for a few days before I take it out on the circuit again.
I have a spare 'equivalent' drum to play in the meantime, a bit deeper and not so comfortable to play, but good enough to fill-in whilst her little sis' is in respite.
Luv
Cat
xxx
# Posted on March 8th 2005 by CindersWorld