Hey, im a complete beginner at playing the bodhran and having just bought myself one from Waltons Music shop i would please like some advice. After getting it home and studying it, it seems to have hair coming out of the skin. I know its made from hide-but is this normal? And also i think the skin might be a bit tight(it's definately not to slack) but how would i no if its too tight or just right?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
You can sometimes see some small traces of hair, but it should not be "hair coming out of the skn".
About skin tension: Is your bodhran tunable or not? If it is, you probably got some kind of key or wrench to adjust the skin tension from behind.
But probably yours is not tunable. Winter season is the driest period of the year and natural skin shrinks when the humidity is low. Do you live in the same region/climate as the drum was made in? I live in Sweden which have much more variations in air humidity than Ireland (usually much drier). So a non-tuneable bodhran made in Ireland is completely useless here, except may be for the month of August!
Try to dampen the skin whith water from a spray bottle some minutes before you play it. If the opposite problem occurs in summertime you could dry the skin whith a hair dryer.
But best of all is to have a tuneable model.
You know that it's just right from the sound - it should have a low pitch.
Its not tuneable as u thought but i live in Scotland so i think the climate is mostly the same.
there is 4 or 5 bits of hair coming out of the skin but it seems to be centerd around one place.
The skin seems dry-almost like chapped skin on your hands. Can you reccomend a cream i could use or anything?
Thanks
Sometimes a tuft of hair is left on the drum, or the rough patch as you have is there also. Dont worry about it, my Dick Lett drum is the same, 14 years on and still going strong.
For advice on playing it, look out some Stefan Hannigan videos, or to be different try and find something on Tommy Hayes. The MAN at the moment is a guy called John Joe Kelly, so again anything you can get on him and his band...Flook will help you.
To improve timing listen to pipes and drums and all Irish Music you can get.more importantly remember the Bodhran is there to accompany the musicians not to try and drown them out...have fun learning
Meant to add get yourself a tunable one as soon as you can afford it.so much easier and ya dont need a hairdryer at a gig...lol. Neats foot oil from a good old ironmonger works wonders, coat it and leave to dry in over a weekend, two or three times a year.
The jokes will get to you no doubt, but thats the fun of this site, you keep playin....
If it is from Walton's it will be as tight as my playing. The only safe cure is to put some insulating tape around the edge, about two inches the whole way round. By that I mean two inches on the skin, not the riddle. This will give it a bas sound, and not as harsh.
John Joe kelly may well be a good bodhran player, but Flook should be avoided for beginners because he is playing "drums" to something akin to "rock" traditional. When you go to a traditional session that sound will not do or fit. John Joe kelly may be able to adjust, hundreds and thousands of beginners cannot.
I once blamed John Joe for creating loads of bad players. The above is what I meant at the time, and still do.
The easiestb thing to do is get a simple rhythm going with the knuckle of one finger, then get a stick which becomes a big finger, use one side only, and carry on playing along to loads of tunes at home. Then try a session, and take no lip from "purists".
There's actually some good advice here; "get a simple rhythm going with the knuckle of one finger, then get a stick which becomes a big finger, use one side only" is a good start.
"To improve timing, listen to pipes and drums", that's another good one. "Have fun learning." there's another.
And when you're done with all that, find something beter to do with the rest of the evening.
what? "Find something beter to do with the rest of the evening?" you could take up learning a musical instrument, but that's a bit of a tall order. There's plenty else you could do. listen to a record, read a book, watch telly? All more worth while that banging a stupid drum
Well, you are right, for a Bodhranist another isntrument might be out of their league. Actually, it looks like Mackenzie already plays Fiddle, which is a most defianatly a real instrument.
Lol I love this site.
I play flute, whistle and bodhran, and Im still learning it all Mack. I was taught the bodhran by a guy called Kieran Boyle, an All Ireland champion in the 80`s. So for 12 years I thought I could play it, and for the last 4 years I can play it. Pipes and drums for timing and ALL irish music to play along with, get along to any workshops that may be in the area and learn the flute or whistle as well. Happy ITM in
Michael, you're defeating your own cause; you want people to take the music seriously and not just bash on something, but you refuse to recognize the bodhran as a musical instrument. I would think you'd want people to recognize it as such so that if they choose to play it they give it the respect the music deserves on any instrument.
We, as ITM musicians who have been annoyed by people who take up the bodhran because they think it's easy and will provide a quick access to the session, should be glad that there are workshops being offered by competent players who do take the instrument seriously. We should applaud any attempt to present the instrument as something you need to study and develop your technique on before you entertain the idea of joining in on sessions. I'm also certain that these instructors emphasize session etiquette in their workshops that can be helpful to those of us in the field who are subjected to bodhranist wannabes.
I think Michael has been scarred by too many John Joe Kelly wnnabes, that think just because they can play along with some Flook, that they are inclined to join a session.
Sure we don't recognise the viola as an instrument, it's so ridiculous we don't even make jokes about it. Having said that, my research suggests that Michael is an accomplished fiddler, and perhaps has had unfortunate experiences with bad bodhran players, especially that old lady he attacked in the pub, allegedly.
You can audition for my outfit anytime Michael, old buddy.
And trhe rest of you stop picking on him, you big bullies.
Yes, I have had many unfortunate experiences with bad bodhran players, and will, no doubt, have many many more. As every one has. However, it's not really the bad bodhran players I take the most umbrage with.
The problem is, if I take a look at the world with cold logic, just because I've never had a tune I really enjoyed with any bodhran player ever, this does not preclude the possibility that at some time I may well get to have a tune with a bodhran player that I do find inspiring. So I suppose I might as well aim at the highest and look for a tune with Mr BBliss.
However, lest this be construed as a BBliss love-in, let me qualify ...
It's rather like those poor deluded creationists when they say: "Just because no human fossils have ever been found alongside those of dinosaurs, it doesn't mean that none will ever be found."
I suggest that Mr Gill refrains from making comment on a thread he is so obviously unqualified to spout on. He has offered no useful advice to someone who has sincerely asked for help. Noone starting on a new instrument needs to be confronted with arrogance and cinicism... it's difficult enough finding your way, but to be jumped on by those who really don't care enough to be supportive - is the pits.
There are some cracker bodhran players out there. The whole "bad bodhran player topic/get a real instrument " is so past its use by date..... find something interesting and worthwhile to criticise!!!
Hi again mac i hope you have managed to decipher enough relevent information to improve your bodhran playing.
I started listening to Chieftans and Dedennan, I then made tapes of all the decent bohdran stuff, then added other Irish bands eg Bothy band, I then started attending some festivals and went to a Stefan Hannigan workshop, he does a cool video as well. Get as much ITM music gathered together put it onto a tape/cd and play it till ya know every type of Irish rythym available, then add your own personal touches to it.
Listen to how the music is played and adopt the right ryhtym for it and blend the drum into the sound, not too loud but there.
Most musicians hate the bohdran banger, so dont be one. Learn it properly...best of luck
Doesn’t Christy Moore play without a tipper? I watched the Live 2004 DVD recently and it sure looked like tipperless goat whacking to me. Is that common? Or should I put on some glasses and watch again?
Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Hey, im a complete beginner at playing the bodhran and having just bought myself one from Waltons Music shop i would please like some advice. After getting it home and studying it, it seems to have hair coming out of the skin. I know its made from hide-but is this normal? And also i think the skin might be a bit tight(it's definately not to slack) but how would i no if its too tight or just right?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Mackenzie
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
You can sometimes see some small traces of hair, but it should not be "hair coming out of the skn".
About skin tension: Is your bodhran tunable or not? If it is, you probably got some kind of key or wrench to adjust the skin tension from behind.
But probably yours is not tunable. Winter season is the driest period of the year and natural skin shrinks when the humidity is low. Do you live in the same region/climate as the drum was made in? I live in Sweden which have much more variations in air humidity than Ireland (usually much drier). So a non-tuneable bodhran made in Ireland is completely useless here, except may be for the month of August!
Try to dampen the skin whith water from a spray bottle some minutes before you play it. If the opposite problem occurs in summertime you could dry the skin whith a hair dryer.
But best of all is to have a tuneable model.
You know that it's just right from the sound - it should have a low pitch.
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by lars
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Its not tuneable as u thought but i live in Scotland so i think the climate is mostly the same.
there is 4 or 5 bits of hair coming out of the skin but it seems to be centerd around one place.
The skin seems dry-almost like chapped skin on your hands. Can you reccomend a cream i could use or anything?
Thanks
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Mackenzie
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
I love the title of this thread. It really got me laughing. I think it's the juxtaposition on the lower and upper case that really makes it work.
And to top it off, we a treated to the request: "Can you recommend a cream I could use?" Priceless
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
"it seems to have hair coming out of the skin" - Are you sure it's dead?
Why not get yourself a "Bodhran Beater Hairy Kipper" to go with that Hairy Bodhran?:
http://www.sheehans.com/products_gen.asp?prod=bodhran-beaters&pg=2
Don't know if it's the best Mackenzie, but I used to use Saddle Soap/Oil on my Bodhran, way back in the early 70s - & it survived!
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Sometimes a tuft of hair is left on the drum, or the rough patch as you have is there also. Dont worry about it, my Dick Lett drum is the same, 14 years on and still going strong.
For advice on playing it, look out some Stefan Hannigan videos, or to be different try and find something on Tommy Hayes. The MAN at the moment is a guy called John Joe Kelly, so again anything you can get on him and his band...Flook will help you.
To improve timing listen to pipes and drums and all Irish Music you can get.more importantly remember the Bodhran is there to accompany the musicians not to try and drown them out...have fun learning
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Dave_
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
"we a treated" - that 'a' has me worried MG!
Have you any family ties with the Royal family?
If so, perhaps that 'we' was actually a 'Royal' we?
If so, we are not worthy ....................
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Meant to add get yourself a tunable one as soon as you can afford it.so much easier and ya dont need a hairdryer at a gig...lol. Neats foot oil from a good old ironmonger works wonders, coat it and leave to dry in over a weekend, two or three times a year.
The jokes will get to you no doubt, but thats the fun of this site, you keep playin....
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by Dave_
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
If it is from Walton's it will be as tight as my playing. The only safe cure is to put some insulating tape around the edge, about two inches the whole way round. By that I mean two inches on the skin, not the riddle. This will give it a bas sound, and not as harsh.
John Joe kelly may well be a good bodhran player, but Flook should be avoided for beginners because he is playing "drums" to something akin to "rock" traditional. When you go to a traditional session that sound will not do or fit. John Joe kelly may be able to adjust, hundreds and thousands of beginners cannot.
I once blamed John Joe for creating loads of bad players. The above is what I meant at the time, and still do.
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
The easiestb thing to do is get a simple rhythm going with the knuckle of one finger, then get a stick which becomes a big finger, use one side only, and carry on playing along to loads of tunes at home. Then try a session, and take no lip from "purists".
# Posted on March 4th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
There's actually some good advice here; "get a simple rhythm going with the knuckle of one finger, then get a stick which becomes a big finger, use one side only" is a good start.
"To improve timing, listen to pipes and drums", that's another good one. "Have fun learning." there's another.
And when you're done with all that, find something beter to do with the rest of the evening.
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Michael, in you last line I am sure you mean, like take up a a real instrument.
Seriously, the most important thing to do is listen, and that applies to any instrument.
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
what? "Find something beter to do with the rest of the evening?" you could take up learning a musical instrument, but that's a bit of a tall order. There's plenty else you could do. listen to a record, read a book, watch telly? All more worth while that banging a stupid drum
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Well, you are right, for a Bodhranist another isntrument might be out of their league. Actually, it looks like Mackenzie already plays Fiddle, which is a most defianatly a real instrument.
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Unseen122 - why, pray tell, should a Fiddle need to be defiant?
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Ptarmigan
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Lol I love this site.
I play flute, whistle and bodhran, and Im still learning it all Mack. I was taught the bodhran by a guy called Kieran Boyle, an All Ireland champion in the 80`s. So for 12 years I thought I could play it, and for the last 4 years I can play it. Pipes and drums for timing and ALL irish music to play along with, get along to any workshops that may be in the area and learn the flute or whistle as well. Happy ITM in
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Dave_
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Michael, you're defeating your own cause; you want people to take the music seriously and not just bash on something, but you refuse to recognize the bodhran as a musical instrument. I would think you'd want people to recognize it as such so that if they choose to play it they give it the respect the music deserves on any instrument.
We, as ITM musicians who have been annoyed by people who take up the bodhran because they think it's easy and will provide a quick access to the session, should be glad that there are workshops being offered by competent players who do take the instrument seriously. We should applaud any attempt to present the instrument as something you need to study and develop your technique on before you entertain the idea of joining in on sessions. I'm also certain that these instructors emphasize session etiquette in their workshops that can be helpful to those of us in the field who are subjected to bodhranist wannabes.
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Phantom Button
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Man I hate typos.
I think Michael has been scarred by too many John Joe Kelly wnnabes, that think just because they can play along with some Flook, that they are inclined to join a session.
# Posted on March 5th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Sure we don't recognise the viola as an instrument, it's so ridiculous we don't even make jokes about it. Having said that, my research suggests that Michael is an accomplished fiddler, and perhaps has had unfortunate experiences with bad bodhran players, especially that old lady he attacked in the pub, allegedly.
You can audition for my outfit anytime Michael, old buddy.
And trhe rest of you stop picking on him, you big bullies.
# Posted on March 6th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Yes, I have had many unfortunate experiences with bad bodhran players, and will, no doubt, have many many more. As every one has. However, it's not really the bad bodhran players I take the most umbrage with.
The problem is, if I take a look at the world with cold logic, just because I've never had a tune I really enjoyed with any bodhran player ever, this does not preclude the possibility that at some time I may well get to have a tune with a bodhran player that I do find inspiring. So I suppose I might as well aim at the highest and look for a tune with Mr BBliss.
However, lest this be construed as a BBliss love-in, let me qualify ...
It's rather like those poor deluded creationists when they say: "Just because no human fossils have ever been found alongside those of dinosaurs, it doesn't mean that none will ever be found."
As Richard Dawkins says, "You want a bet?"
# Posted on March 7th 2006 by llig leahcim
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Michael, just out of interest, what do you think of the bodhran playing in track 1 of that live Donal Lunny album with the white cover?
# Posted on March 7th 2006 by Dow
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
I suggest that Mr Gill refrains from making comment on a thread he is so obviously unqualified to spout on. He has offered no useful advice to someone who has sincerely asked for help. Noone starting on a new instrument needs to be confronted with arrogance and cinicism... it's difficult enough finding your way, but to be jumped on by those who really don't care enough to be supportive - is the pits.
There are some cracker bodhran players out there. The whole "bad bodhran player topic/get a real instrument " is so past its use by date..... find something interesting and worthwhile to criticise!!!
# Posted on March 7th 2006 by Brown Creeper
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Hi again mac i hope you have managed to decipher enough relevent information to improve your bodhran playing.
I started listening to Chieftans and Dedennan, I then made tapes of all the decent bohdran stuff, then added other Irish bands eg Bothy band, I then started attending some festivals and went to a Stefan Hannigan workshop, he does a cool video as well. Get as much ITM music gathered together put it onto a tape/cd and play it till ya know every type of Irish rythym available, then add your own personal touches to it.
Listen to how the music is played and adopt the right ryhtym for it and blend the drum into the sound, not too loud but there.
Most musicians hate the bohdran banger, so dont be one. Learn it properly...best of luck
# Posted on March 7th 2006 by Dave_
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Don't look at videos. Would you learn to swim by watching a video?
# Posted on March 7th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Point taken, but apparantly the video shows different methods of holding the tipper and where to strike properly, always useful for a learner.xx
# Posted on March 8th 2006 by Dave_
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
Hold it like a pen, to give yourself a longer finger, that's it.
# Posted on March 8th 2006 by bodhran bliss
Tipperless Goat Whacking?
Doesn’t Christy Moore play without a tipper? I watched the Live 2004 DVD recently and it sure looked like tipperless goat whacking to me. Is that common? Or should I put on some glasses and watch again?
# Posted on March 9th 2006 by Bob himself
Re: Bodhrans PLEASE HELP!
It is very common, as the post above says, the stick just gives you a longer finger.
Christy is good playing the drum and singing, not so hot on tunes.
# Posted on March 10th 2006 by bodhran bliss