I’m not sure I’ve chosen a right forum to post, but I hope I did
A friend of mine wants to buy her first bodhran. She’s not one of those who supposes bodhran to be a free ticket to ITM world, and knows what it’s all about, so she wants some decent tunable instrument.
I’m a tinwhistler myself, she plays guitar, so we don’t know much about buying bodhrans. I hope there are some bodhran players among fellow chiffers who can help
The price limit is $150-200 for a whole thing, w/stick, case and shipping to Russia. Is that enough?
Should she consider buying a used one? If yes, are there any well-known problems or pitfalls about that?
Any general advice, or particular makers, or whatever, as well as offers, are welcome and very much appreciated.
It is item GR1631: Barral Bodhran, 14inch std goat in the online catalogue and they report as having one in stock at £69 - about $140 equivelant. As you are ordering from Russia you should get VAT exemption, so that reduces the price by 16% or so, this should go to getting a bag.
Really excellent for the money - beautifully made, lovely skin, easily tunable, remarkably good sound - just a pleasure to play. I’ve a 12" which I like very much, and play almost as often as my Eckermann and Alfonso 12"s, and a student of mine got the 14" which is also rather nice.
Brendan White also does a drum not far from that price, or he used to.
My first thought as well bepoq, but Christian Hedwitschak is not taking orders at the moment. The Barral drum is available now, which is why I suggested it.
