Since I am not a bodhran player,I don't know this:A non-tuneable bodhran is?Is a tuneable bodhran actually tuneable(for example tune the skin to g),or does it mean You can tighten and loose the skin?
BTW:I'm thinking about buying one for my girlfriend.Any suggestions?
Correct with the second sugestion. Tuneable and non-tuneable are misnomas. All the suposedly tuneable version does is tighten or slacken the ring. It doesn't play notes. It's just a drum
Michael is correct in that tuning to a specific note is not the objective of having an adjustable tone ring in a bodhrán although some would argue that they can indeed achieve a specific note. The objective is however a little bit more than simply tightening and loosening the skin. The objective is two fold really. The first is to have the ability to adjust the skin to a playable tension in varying humidity conditions. The second is to be able to achieve a skin tension that allows for a tonal range that is complimentary to the other instruments one is playing with. This second objective can also be achieved on a bodhrán that does not have an adjustable tone ring by the use of the back hand pressure, water, and/or heat.
My suggestion is to get a bodhrán with an adjustable tone ring. They are more convenient to use. I personally wouldn't consider one that is does not have an adjustable tone ring.
Is your girlfreind a musician? If so, I agree with cluaintarbh, but if she isn't, or has no intention of being, then probably a bodhran is better. She'll then still be able to join in
Read careful, Showdaddy--Michael is saying that, if she has no intention of being a musician, then bodhran is the best instrument for her. Certainly a consistent statement with his previous statements on bodhran issues.
There are some decent bodhrans that are not tunable, but most that are not tunable tend to be cheaper in construction and materials, and will not hold up well over time.
If you are not sure the recipient will stick with the instrument, get one with a nice design painted on it, so if they stop playing it, they can hang it on their wall and have a colorful decoration.....
Oh come off it. Get her one if you think she'll like it. The more thumpers there are out there the better.
You all know that if there is any kind of a problem, it quite often gets swept under the carpet until it snowballs into an all-encompasing asphyxiating deadly menace. And only then is something done about it
Of course, you all know what I think of the asphyxiating bodhran. But maybe, just maybe, I might as well suffer one or two more, just until the rest of you lazy bodhran opologists catch on
She already plays a bodhran for 2 years,but the thing is very old.She bought it from another player.I'm thinking about buying her a new one,because this one is just about done!
Well then ... all jokes aside, it's about time she learned some tunes. Definatley definatley get her the whistle. Do not, not, please please not get her another bloody drum
Get her both a better drum and a whistle. Being a maker of the "bloody drums" and a player for many years the one thing I can tell you that separates good bodhran players from others is an understanding of the tune, and more often than not that means that you must play the melody on another instrument and/or understand accompanyment from a musical perspective (eg piano or guitar). Personally I play pipes for instance. While I understand Michael Gill's point of view some of the time, I do agree with him here to the degree that as long as your significant other is progressing on the drum, you might as well drop in a whistle as well! Learning simple things like baseline tonal changes between A & B parts, what a cran or a long roll is (and where to put them) can in turn make her bodhran playing much more sensitive to the music.
As drums go, a tensionable drum is a must, and there are many very good makers out there today. A list of a few that I would suggest you look into are Albert Alfonso, Seamus O'Kane, Mike Quinlan, Christian Hedwitschak, and Rob Forkner (me...!), among others. With the whistles, a generation or a susato (my preference is for the latter) will do fine to start.
Mance Grady makes darn good drums that he sells over the internet. I think he is at www.mancegrady.com, and if that doesn't work a Google search should find him quick.
I bought my bodhran back in 1983 and I think it's an early Cooperman, but I'm not sure -- there are no markings. Over the years I've noticed that under normal conditions it tends to resonate in D. The skin isn't too thick and I've treated it with mink oil and the tone is relatively pure. When I move my back hand near the center the tone is a 5th higher, more or less, but it's clearly a drum tone and not like a tone from a melody instrument. People have remarked many times on how amazing it sounds because it happens to be on the same pitch as pipe drones. Playing with pipers brings this quality forward. I have a very sparse style of playing and make good use of these characteristics. I wish it had a tuning ring though for those rainy or foggy days when it becomes a washcloth stretched over a wooden frame and is impossible to play.
A friend of mine loaned me his tunable Cooperman bodhran for such occasions, but the skin is much thicker and even though it can be played during inclement weather conditions -- the tone is flat. So what I need to do is shop for a tunable drum that has a thin skin and matches the tone of my old friend.
I hope my experience with it helps you understand what the value of a "tunable drum" can be and aides in your decision.
I have never seen mentioned the possibility of encouraging new bodhran players to play quietly without a tipper.
Using the thumb and pinky or ring finger alternately can be satisfying and productive for the novice, and build up technique without distracting others unduly.
Another method, brushing up and down with the knuckles is simpler, and has the added disadvantage of allowing the player to use a shakey egg simultaneously..........
"If you're a rocker, and your non-musician girlfriend wants to join the band, what do you do?"
If you're the likes of John Lennon, you make them world famous and nobody notices what they actually do.
Mike, on a practical note, it's almost impossible to buy a musician of any sort an instrument that they're going to be truly happy with. My suggestion is to give her some kind of gift that *represents* the gift, and then let her have the fun of shopping for her next instrument together with you. Good luck, and what a lovely gift!
And bodhrans are perfect because you can get a tipper for $15. She says: "What the hell is this?" and you say "The tipper for your next bodhran. Get what you want!"
a "tuneable" bodhran would be the better investment for someone serious about learning. however some prefer the traditional style of fixed head bodhrans and learn to compensate for changes to humidity levels with a wet rag and a hair dryer. when selecting a bodhran look for a few key points. check the type of wood used in the frame. layered wood of differing types proves to be a good frame but mountain ash makes for a more durable frame with better sound qualities. the thickness of the skin is a matter of personal preference but i prefer those made with a thicker (billy goat) skin. make sure that the cross braces are not loose, when pressuring the skin they can pop out and make for an embarrassing moment. when choosing a tipper, consider the players preference for weight and grip style. i use a custom made tipper of bc fir wood with a ball about 1/3 of the way down the shaft to accomodate my grip style. like any other instrument there are many things to consider so choose well and don't fall into the "i don't want to spend too much on the first one" category as a poorly made bodrhan will turn off even the most avid of students.
waiting for the inevitable cavalcade of bodhran bashing that will ensue ;)
Yea, the hair dryer and wet rag bit is something I'm trying to do without. I actually never need the wet rag anymore, but on humid days the hair dryer's my only option. The problem is that they're inappropriate for sessions, and I shorted out the sound system at a gig one time using one. They require a lot of juice it seems.
I noticed that Eamon Murray of 'Beoga' plays a Hedwitschak bodhrán. When they were in town last, I was running the sound desk and I thought it had one of the best sounds I've heard. A good few people around the pub thought the same thing. Of course a lot has to do with Eamon's expertise, but it was easy to mic and had the sound I'm looking for. Anyone else play one of those?
I've played a couple of Christian's bodhráns and they are brilliant drums to be sure. Rob Forkner’s bodhráns also have the same clear enunciation of tone. The next bodhrán I buy will be one of Rob’s. I know Rob I’ve been saying this for a year now but rest assured before you have grandchildren I will own one of your drums.
Eamon’s playing is beyond words isn’t it? He was in NYC a couple of years ago with Damian and I attended a workshop he conducted. He was playing a bodhrán made by Darius Bartlett at the time. It was indeed a treat to hear the two of them play together in such an intimate setting. Great stuff.
Good luck in your search.
Peace,
Ed
p.s. Lest anyone think differently I have no financial interest what-so-ever in either maker's bodhráns. Actually I have no financial interest period. That’s why I haven’t been able to buy one of Rob’s drums.
NEWFIE PERCUSSIONIST:
Anyone who has read your bio would be foolish to contradict you. Please don't glare at me with your wildly mis-aligned blue eyes. You can have all the B.C. fir you want.
If you buy her a bodhran she'll remind you of it for years to come "...and do you remember that time you said you were gonna buy me something special? And what did you buy me...?"
Buy your girlfriend some flowers that's all they ever really want. If you get her a bodhran you'll end up telling her "Not tonight dear, I've got a headache!"
Michael Gill: and what would a bodhran hater know about tuning a bodhran? Tune it with a pen knife? I tune my Brenden White double skin Bodhran with the same tuner that I use with my Bouzouki and mandolins.
Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Since I am not a bodhran player,I don't know this:A non-tuneable bodhran is?Is a tuneable bodhran actually tuneable(for example tune the skin to g),or does it mean You can tighten and loose the skin?
BTW:I'm thinking about buying one for my girlfriend.Any suggestions?
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Harvey S
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Correct with the second sugestion. Tuneable and non-tuneable are misnomas. All the suposedly tuneable version does is tighten or slacken the ring. It doesn't play notes. It's just a drum
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Greetings MikeS,
Michael is correct in that tuning to a specific note is not the objective of having an adjustable tone ring in a bodhrán although some would argue that they can indeed achieve a specific note. The objective is however a little bit more than simply tightening and loosening the skin. The objective is two fold really. The first is to have the ability to adjust the skin to a playable tension in varying humidity conditions. The second is to be able to achieve a skin tension that allows for a tonal range that is complimentary to the other instruments one is playing with. This second objective can also be achieved on a bodhrán that does not have an adjustable tone ring by the use of the back hand pressure, water, and/or heat.
My suggestion is to get a bodhrán with an adjustable tone ring. They are more convenient to use. I personally wouldn't consider one that is does not have an adjustable tone ring.
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by ejsant
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
On the other hand, if you really care about her, you could forget the bodhran and buy her a real instrument - a Generation D whistle for instance!
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by cluaintarbh
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Is your girlfreind a musician? If so, I agree with cluaintarbh, but if she isn't, or has no intention of being, then probably a bodhran is better. She'll then still be able to join in
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Go on, what have you done with the real michael gill?
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by showaddydadito
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
He's actually being quite consistant there Showdaddy.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by BegF
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Read careful, Showdaddy--Michael is saying that, if she has no intention of being a musician, then bodhran is the best instrument for her. Certainly a consistent statement with his previous statements on bodhran issues.
There are some decent bodhrans that are not tunable, but most that are not tunable tend to be cheaper in construction and materials, and will not hold up well over time.
If you are not sure the recipient will stick with the instrument, get one with a nice design painted on it, so if they stop playing it, they can hang it on their wall and have a colorful decoration.....
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
And they are quite good for rolling spliffs on. And if a burning rock happens to fall on the the goatsking and melt a wee hole, so be it
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Opps...maybe a some sulphuric acid will put the fire out !
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by BegF
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
I feel mean now.
Actually I don't mind the bodhran, well neutral with it
depending on the thump.
But I do enjoy Micheal's digs.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by BegF
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Unless she is going to spend time actually learning how to play the thing propertly then dont get her one - there are enough thumpers around as it is.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by breandan
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Oh come off it. Get her one if you think she'll like it. The more thumpers there are out there the better.
You all know that if there is any kind of a problem, it quite often gets swept under the carpet until it snowballs into an all-encompasing asphyxiating deadly menace. And only then is something done about it
Of course, you all know what I think of the asphyxiating bodhran. But maybe, just maybe, I might as well suffer one or two more, just until the rest of you lazy bodhran opologists catch on
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Michael - I doooooont belieeeeve it LOL
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by breandan
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
If you're a rocker and your nonmusician girlfriend wants to join the band, what do you do?
You hand her a tambourine.
The Irish have managed the remarkable feat of making the tambourine even more offensive, but the principle remains the same.
KFG
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by KFG
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
I thought you made her the lead singer?
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
She already plays a bodhran for 2 years,but the thing is very old.She bought it from another player.I'm thinking about buying her a new one,because this one is just about done!
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Harvey S
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Well then ... all jokes aside, it's about time she learned some tunes. Definatley definatley get her the whistle. Do not, not, please please not get her another bloody drum
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Mike, you might want to do a search here for "Michael bodhran" before you follow his advice too closely.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Miss Lonelyhearts
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Get her both a better drum and a whistle. Being a maker of the "bloody drums" and a player for many years the one thing I can tell you that separates good bodhran players from others is an understanding of the tune, and more often than not that means that you must play the melody on another instrument and/or understand accompanyment from a musical perspective (eg piano or guitar). Personally I play pipes for instance. While I understand Michael Gill's point of view some of the time, I do agree with him here to the degree that as long as your significant other is progressing on the drum, you might as well drop in a whistle as well! Learning simple things like baseline tonal changes between A & B parts, what a cran or a long roll is (and where to put them) can in turn make her bodhran playing much more sensitive to the music.
As drums go, a tensionable drum is a must, and there are many very good makers out there today. A list of a few that I would suggest you look into are Albert Alfonso, Seamus O'Kane, Mike Quinlan, Christian Hedwitschak, and Rob Forkner (me...!), among others. With the whistles, a generation or a susato (my preference is for the latter) will do fine to start.
Good luck and have fun!
Rob
www.metloef.com
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by RobBBQ
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Mance Grady makes darn good drums that he sells over the internet. I think he is at www.mancegrady.com, and if that doesn't work a Google search should find him quick.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by AlBrown
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
I bought my bodhran back in 1983 and I think it's an early Cooperman, but I'm not sure -- there are no markings. Over the years I've noticed that under normal conditions it tends to resonate in D. The skin isn't too thick and I've treated it with mink oil and the tone is relatively pure. When I move my back hand near the center the tone is a 5th higher, more or less, but it's clearly a drum tone and not like a tone from a melody instrument. People have remarked many times on how amazing it sounds because it happens to be on the same pitch as pipe drones. Playing with pipers brings this quality forward. I have a very sparse style of playing and make good use of these characteristics. I wish it had a tuning ring though for those rainy or foggy days when it becomes a washcloth stretched over a wooden frame and is impossible to play.
A friend of mine loaned me his tunable Cooperman bodhran for such occasions, but the skin is much thicker and even though it can be played during inclement weather conditions -- the tone is flat. So what I need to do is shop for a tunable drum that has a thin skin and matches the tone of my old friend.
I hope my experience with it helps you understand what the value of a "tunable drum" can be and aides in your decision.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
I have never seen mentioned the possibility of encouraging new bodhran players to play quietly without a tipper.
Using the thumb and pinky or ring finger alternately can be satisfying and productive for the novice, and build up technique without distracting others unduly.
Another method, brushing up and down with the knuckles is simpler, and has the added disadvantage of allowing the player to use a shakey egg simultaneously..........
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by oldstrings
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
"If you're a rocker, and your non-musician girlfriend wants to join the band, what do you do?"
If you're the likes of John Lennon, you make them world famous and nobody notices what they actually do.
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by oldstrings
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Bloody good thing they don't, too.
KFG
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by KFG
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
That being said... what do you call a musician without a girlfriend?
Homeless
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
PB,
You may want to contact RobBBQ. I'll bet he can build you the bodhrán you are looking for.
Peace,
Ed
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by ejsant
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Mike, on a practical note, it's almost impossible to buy a musician of any sort an instrument that they're going to be truly happy with. My suggestion is to give her some kind of gift that *represents* the gift, and then let her have the fun of shopping for her next instrument together with you. Good luck, and what a lovely gift!
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Zina Lee
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Yup - what the Queen Zee said.
And bodhrans are perfect because you can get a tipper for $15. She says: "What the hell is this?" and you say "The tipper for your next bodhran. Get what you want!"
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by wormdiet
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
The question then is; how big of a tipper would she like?
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
You could go wrong even buying her tipper - some people like light ones, personally I like a heavy one, etc..
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
a "tuneable" bodhran would be the better investment for someone serious about learning. however some prefer the traditional style of fixed head bodhrans and learn to compensate for changes to humidity levels with a wet rag and a hair dryer. when selecting a bodhran look for a few key points. check the type of wood used in the frame. layered wood of differing types proves to be a good frame but mountain ash makes for a more durable frame with better sound qualities. the thickness of the skin is a matter of personal preference but i prefer those made with a thicker (billy goat) skin. make sure that the cross braces are not loose, when pressuring the skin they can pop out and make for an embarrassing moment. when choosing a tipper, consider the players preference for weight and grip style. i use a custom made tipper of bc fir wood with a ball about 1/3 of the way down the shaft to accomodate my grip style. like any other instrument there are many things to consider so choose well and don't fall into the "i don't want to spend too much on the first one" category as a poorly made bodrhan will turn off even the most avid of students.
waiting for the inevitable cavalcade of bodhran bashing that will ensue ;)
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by newfie percussionist
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Yea, the hair dryer and wet rag bit is something I'm trying to do without. I actually never need the wet rag anymore, but on humid days the hair dryer's my only option. The problem is that they're inappropriate for sessions, and I shorted out the sound system at a gig one time using one. They require a lot of juice it seems.
I noticed that Eamon Murray of 'Beoga' plays a Hedwitschak bodhrán. When they were in town last, I was running the sound desk and I thought it had one of the best sounds I've heard. A good few people around the pub thought the same thing. Of course a lot has to do with Eamon's expertise, but it was easy to mic and had the sound I'm looking for. Anyone else play one of those?
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
I've played a couple of Christian's bodhráns and they are brilliant drums to be sure. Rob Forkner’s bodhráns also have the same clear enunciation of tone. The next bodhrán I buy will be one of Rob’s. I know Rob I’ve been saying this for a year now but rest assured before you have grandchildren I will own one of your drums.
Eamon’s playing is beyond words isn’t it? He was in NYC a couple of years ago with Damian and I attended a workshop he conducted. He was playing a bodhrán made by Darius Bartlett at the time. It was indeed a treat to hear the two of them play together in such an intimate setting. Great stuff.
Good luck in your search.
Peace,
Ed
p.s. Lest anyone think differently I have no financial interest what-so-ever in either maker's bodhráns. Actually I have no financial interest period. That’s why I haven’t been able to buy one of Rob’s drums.
# Posted on January 28th 2006 by ejsant
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
NEWFIE PERCUSSIONIST:
Anyone who has read your bio would be foolish to contradict you. Please don't glare at me with your wildly mis-aligned blue eyes. You can have all the B.C. fir you want.
# Posted on January 29th 2006 by oldstrings
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
If you buy her a bodhran she'll remind you of it for years to come "...and do you remember that time you said you were gonna buy me something special? And what did you buy me...?"
Buy your girlfriend some flowers that's all they ever really want. If you get her a bodhran you'll end up telling her "Not tonight dear, I've got a headache!"
# Posted on January 29th 2006 by sushi
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
That covers them all doesn't it?
# Posted on January 31st 2006 by geoffwright
Re: Non-tuneable Bodhran...
Michael Gill: and what would a bodhran hater know about tuning a bodhran? Tune it with a pen knife? I tune my Brenden White double skin Bodhran with the same tuner that I use with my Bouzouki and mandolins.
# Posted on February 6th 2006 by CeolCairdeas