Irish Bodhran Drums

Ireland's oldest product the Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn) (a one sided drum) is made from Goatskin and treated by a traditional process. This ancient frame drum is traditionally made with a wooden body and a goat skin head. Genuine Goatskin is a natural 'live' material, expands and contracts slightly with changing temperatures, it has an infinite variety of subtle 'veining' and it's rich lustre becomes more beautiful with age. Goatskin has unique stretch properties.

The Irish word 'Bodhar' means deaf or haunting. It stirs the spirit when played with either a "tipper" or beater or sometimes it is played with the bare hand, hitting the skin in a racing tone. There are dozens of varieties of beater, differing in length, weight, shape, and balance. Experiment with them until you find one that's comfortable. The bodhrán is held with one hand and played with the other. Many of today's Bodhran's are made with no crosspiece or with a crosspiece that is removable.

Paul at IrishBodhrans.com with a love of traditional Irish music and a fondness for local pub culture has spent years designing and creating unique Bodhrans.