Bodhran

ScumLord

I've been pretty set on getting a bodhran, I can't find much info on them and don't actually know any one that plays one. I know where I'm going to buy one but don't what to go in completely clueless and be at the mercy of the salesman.

What size should a beginner get? I can learn from a book right? I've seen two types of stick should I get both? Are some bodhrans for display more than playing?

hamsterboy

Hey, couple of answers for ye

ScumLord wrote: »

I've been pretty set on getting a bodhran, I can't find much info on them and don't actually know any one that plays one. I know where I'm going to buy one but don't what to go in completely clueless and be at the mercy of the salesman.

A good idea!!! Of course steer clear of the Irish souvenir shops and basically anything with a picture on the skin (unless its something like a Malachy Kearns...)

What size should a beginner get?

The standards are usually 16" and 18".

I can learn from a book right?

You can of course learn from a book but you'd be better off going to sessions and keeping an eye on a bodhran player that knows what they are doing as well..

I've seen two types of stick should I get both?

I've seen about 100 different types of stick!!! They range from knitting needle size to bloody tree stumps and some people just play it with their hand

Are some bodhrans for display more than playing?

Yep, the souvenir shops mentioned above stock an extensive range of bodhrans that will sound like a dead rats head being whacked off a concrete slab

Any other q's give me a shout

HB

ScumLord

I knew I'd forgotten some post on here.


Cheers Hamster! There's a music shop/instruments shop on shop street in Galway (can't think of the name right now) I'm iffy about it, it's hard to tell if their serious or just a tourist shop. They have bdhrans there for €45 no pictures on the front.

hamsterboy

Its probably Powells you're thinking of.
They do stock some nice bodhrans, and some that would be great for a beginner.
They're pretty sound in there, go in and have a nose about and see what tickles your fancy I'd say.
If you explain to them that you're interested in it as an instrument and not a decoration they'll see you right

HB

ScumLord

Sounds like a plan, cheers for the help shaft.

Deedsie

Im Moving into Limerick soon, and was wondering if there is anywhere i could do lessons inside? I too would be very interested in getting into playing the Bodhrán and any other Irish instruments.

Deedsie

Bump

cacamilis

Try ceoltais groups in your area! my group in dublin have class lessons for 8euro/half hour. you'll only need 5 lessons to know the basics

Sarky

ScumLord wrote: »

What size should a beginner get?

Whichever size you're most comfortable with. Be sure to handle one before you buy, it's by no means a rule but if you can hold it steady, palm against the skin on the inside with the nearest edge sitting comfortably in the bend of your elbow, it should be fine.

While you're buying, be sure to check the skin. Hold it up to the light and make sure there are no pinholes or other obvious signs of damage. And of course check the sound and make sure you're happy with that! Give it a tap with and without a hand against the skin, because once you get used to playing you'll be doing that a lot.

I can learn from a book right?

Worked for me, more or less. It's damned handy to watch others doing it too. A video might not be such a bad idea. There are plenty of playing styles out there, it's a good idea to try several to see which suits you best.

I've seen two types of stick should I get both?

There are way more than two types of stick, and I've found they make quite a difference to playing, in both sound and style. Best to try different ones when you can, different combinations of weights, length, and shape can make a huge difference.

Are some bodhrans for display more than playing?

Yup. Avoid souvenir shops at all costs. As said before, Malachy Kearns is a good solid brand for the most part (again, you're best avoiding any that look like they were made for tourists. Pretty designs fade quickly when you constantly beat them and spill water on them and all the other lovely things that can happen in a session).

Best of luck with it, anyway. They get a lot of slack sometimes because of people misusing them, but bodhrans are amazing additions to a trad session when used properly.