People think of percussion instruments as being sturdy and robust, but for the Irish frame drum, the opposite is true. The bodhrán requires special care and maintenance to keep it looking and sounding its best.
The most temperamental part of all is the bodhrán drum head. It’s the most difficult part of the instrument to care for, but treat it well and it will help you make brilliant music for years to come. What is it that makes the drum head so special? Let’s find out…
What is a Bodhrán Made Of?
The drum head consists of a specially treated goatskin, stretched across a circular wooden frame, and fastened or secured at the rim. This combination of material – wood and animal skins – means that bodhráns are vulnerable to changes in both temperature and humidity.
How Does The Weather Affect My Drum?
Dry weather conditions can cause the goatskin to tighten up, causing a weak, tinny sound. It’s dangerous to play the drum in this condition as the tipper or beater may cause a crack or tear if the skin is overly tight.
Damp weather conditions however have the opposite effect, causing skins to soften. This can cause the head to loosen and become floppy which also has a negative effect on the sound. The tone can become too deep and muddy, losing its clear bass resonance.
Ideally, the bodhrán requires moderate weather conditions. As this is beyond our control however, here are a few things you can do instead to keep your Irish bodhrán in top condition.
Bodhrán Drum Head Maintenance Tips
A well cared for musical instrument will produce superior sounds, and the same can be said of the bodhrán’s goatskin head. To ensure quality music making, follow these tips below from an experienced bodhrán maker.
How to Care for Your Bodhrán Skin
If you’re looking for the best way to care for your bodhrán Drum Diddly Bodhrán Cream is the answer to all your prayers.
To use, simply massage a small drop into the skin with your fingers, using large circular motions. Leave it to soak in overnight and then, the next day, use a soft cloth to wipe the skin. This will remove any excess product and help your drum to dry.
Remember, if you live in a dry climate you should treat your bodhrán at least once a month. If you live in a humid climate however, it will need less moisture so treatments can be spaced out for longer.
Learn more about proper bodhrán care and maintenance here.
Should you get a Tunable Bodhrán Drum?
The short answer is yes. Tunable bodhráns contain an in-built tuning system that is incredibly useful for controlling the tension of the head. This gives you more control over the sound, playability and responsiveness of the instrument.
For those musicians who are serious about accompanying Irish folk music, this modern bodhrán is a must. Tuneable bodhráns are particularly useful for those wishing to join in at a traditional Irish music session, as they will ensure you always sound your best.
Unleash Your Inner Rhythm
If you’ve fallen in love with Celtic music and would like to try your hand at this iconic Irish drum, make sure to check out the McNeela Bodhrán Store. It stocks only the best musical instruments at affordable prices, suitable for beginners and experienced musicians alike.
To learn more about famous bodhrán players of traditional music and their unique playing styles plus other handy bodhrán tips and tricks, pop over to the McNeela Bodhrán Blog and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the Irish bodhrán.
Share your thoughts
The rim has cracked near the elbow cut out. Is there a warranty? What to do?
I have a Walton’s 18” bodhran drum. Will the print wash/rub off of my bodhran during cleaning or conditioning? I am at a loss as to which side to condition, is it the back or playing side? Does having a print affect which side that I condition or wash?