So my friend is a pretty solid rythmist whose getting really good at celtic beats on djembe and hes looking to purchase his first bodhran.. hes really not trying to spend more then 200$ but hes willing to put in more for a non faulty beginner instrument… any advice? preferably from an experienced bodhranist who would know what hes talkin about (I know nothing about bodhran)
If money was not so tight I would say - Metloef
http://www.metloef.com/website_eng/index_eng.html
But these might suit the pocket better
http://www.oworlds.com/product/BTD6B/Bodhran_16_x_7_Tunable_Black.html
These drums, while made in Pakistan have better skins than the usual stuff.
(I am assuming that since you are quoting $ that you are in the US).
If you are in Europe then I would suggest Belgarth in Orkney.
David
thanks man! he just ordered the pakistani one… hopefully ill have a house beginner session goin on now
If it is not to late to cancel, Art Bodhrans does his “lightline” version. Really lovely drums with very nice skins and a fantastically handy tuning system by a very fine maker. check out whistleanddrum.com, he’s got some in stock.
Hi bepoq
This vid has Martin O’Neil playing a Hedwitschak bodhran.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILpAWJEL4L8
DAVID
hedwischak but Rolf Wagels Edition
those bodhrans are made like Seamus O’Kane drums, but with a tuning system like Rob Forkners drums.
I’ve played and recorded on bodhran like that and must say that skin even thought it’s supposed to be a lambeg it’s not flexible enough.
Sound is a little bit flat on them.
Also Eamon Murray, Beoga, uses one of those drums.
Hi Padre
Welcome to C&F, always good to have another bodhranista on board.
What drum(s) are you playing now, as you don’t like the Hedwitschak?
(Metloef, Belgarth and John Jackson in my case).
David
Hiya folks
I’ve just one bodhran
made by Rob Forkner - 15", lambeg head
And I must say that Metloef rulez
Price though, Padre, the point about those Hedwitshak litelines is the price. I’ll play my Alfonso 12" or Eckerman deep 12" or 14" first off definitely and a bunch of other drums that I don’t own first too, but the lightline drum was half the price of those others. For the money, that is if you’ve got to go cheap, I’ve yet to see better. I agree, they are by no means the perfect drum, but we are comparing them to a Pakistani model here, not to Rob, Norbert, Albert, Seamus or Charlie’s best.
Hi bepoq
Price was my thought too so I pointed twistedlettuce to what I saw as the best bang for the buck (if you pardon the pun).
The drums may not be Metloef or Alphonso, but they play in reasonably well and are pretty responsive.
David
I need to save my budget for the kids’ whistles and flutes, so I bought one of the realllly cheap Pakistani drums, but NOT the one mentioned.
It was horrible. Just absolutely terrible.
But this pakistani drum looks a lot different.
“twistedlettuce” did your buddy receive his drum yet? How does it sound?
Big Davy,
My taste runs to a very “dry” percussive sound without a lot of “boinng” (ring) to it. (In other words, NOT like a timpani.) How would you describe the drum that you recommended?
If I wasn’t so over-budget with going to concerts and buying instruments and lessons for the kids, I can think of several makers that I could order from in a hot minute… but alas.
Hi Anita’s Dad
To answer your question, the pakistani drum will have a bit of ring to it, the skin is relatively thin, and so the drum will ring when struck.
To get the sound you want, you are looking at a heavier skin or a weighted skin (or both) and possibly taped edges as well. You are not going to get this at the cheaper end of the market, so you are looking at bepoq’s Hedwitschak end of the market at the least, more likely custom build.
I am only familiar with 2 US maker’s work - Metloef and Alphonso - both of them would certainly be able to give you what you want in a drum. If you were in Europe I would be pointing you straight to Eoin Leonard at Belgarth and one of his drums with a thick and soft skin.
David
Big Davy,
Sigh-- once again my tastes far exceeds my budget.
But, I know you’re right. That’s a good description of the type of drum that I tend to enjoy.
I know that pretty soon I’m gonna be looking at buying something better than my son’s “student” flute and it’s gonna involve wayyyy too many zeros if you know what I mean.
But thanks for your input. 
Has anyone tried out a Fred Halpin? I have a 19". Great drum, big soft skin, decent tuning system, though not particularly cheap.
BTW, I heard a rumor that Fred died a while back. Does anyone know if this is true? Very sad, if true. He’s a good guy.
Tom
Thanks, Denny.
Sorry to hijack the thread, guys. On with the playing.
Tom