1. What is a bodhran?
2. What is the history of the bodhran?
3. How is a bodhran played?
4. What are the different types of bodhrans?
5. What are the dimensions of a bodhran?
6. How do you tune a bodhran?
7. What type of skin is used for a bodhran?
8. How do you care for a bodhran?
9. Where can I buy a bodhran?
10. Can I make my own bodhran?
Table of Contents
What are the different types of bodhrans
A bodhran is a traditional Irish drum that is often used in folk music. There are many different types of bodhrans, each with its own unique sound.
The most common type of bodhran is the flat-headed bodhran. This type of bodhran has a flat top and a rounded bottom. The flat head allows for a more consistent sound, while the rounded bottom gives the drum a deeper, richer tone.
Another common type of bodhran is the goatskin bodhran. This type of bodhran is made with a goatskin head and a wooden frame. The goatskin head gives the drum a softer, more mellow sound, while the wooden frame provides a sharper, more powerful sound.
Finally, there is the Celtic Cross bodhran. This type of bodhran is made with an intricate Celtic cross design on the front of the drum. The Celtic cross gives the drum a unique look, and the sound it produces is similar to that of the flat-headed bodhran.
What are the different sizes of bodhrans
The bodhrán is a traditional Irish drum with a rounded back and a skin stretched over the top. There are many different sizes of bodhráns, from small hand drums to large floor drums. The size of the bodhrán affects the sound it produces. Smaller bodhráns have a higher pitch, while larger bodhráns have a lower pitch.
The size of the bodhrán also affects how it is played. Smaller bodhráns are often played with one hand, while larger bodhráns are played with two hands. Some people prefer the sound of a smaller bodhrán, while others prefer the sound of a larger bodhrán.
If you are interested in playing the bodhrán, it is important to choose the right size for you. The best way to do this is to try out different sizes and see which one you like the best.
What are the different materials used to make bodhrans
There are a few different materials that can be used to make a bodhran. The most common material is wood, but others include hide, metal, and plastic.
Wooden bodhrans are the most popular type. They are usually made from hardwoods like maple or oak. These types of bodhrans are durable and have a nice natural sound.
Hide bodhrans are also quite popular. They are typically made from goat skin or cowhide. These bodhrans tend to have a deeper, richer sound than wooden ones. They are also very lightweight, making them easy to carry around.
Metal bodhrans are not as common as the other two types, but they do exist. They are usually made from aluminum or steel. These bodhrans tend to have a very bright, ringing sound. They are also very sturdy and can take a lot of abuse.
Plastic bodhrans are the least common type. They are usually made from polyethylene or polypropylene. These bodhrans tend to have a very light, airy sound. They are also very inexpensive and easy to find.
How are bodhrans made
Bodhrans are drums that originated in Ireland. They are traditionally made from goatskin, but can also be made from other materials such as synthetic materials or even wood. The skin is stretched over a wooden frame and held in place with nails or rivets. The drum is then tuned by tightening or loosening the skin.
How are frame drums played
Most frame drums are played with the bare hands, using different strokes to produce different sounds. The basic strokes are the open hand, closed fist, and side of the hand.
To produce a sound with the open hand, the player strikes the drumhead with the flat palm. For a louder sound, the player can cup their hand slightly. To create a softer sound, the player can strike the drumhead with the fingers spread out.
To produce a sound with the closed fist, the player strikes the drumhead with the knuckles. For a louder sound, the player can use the bottom of the fist. To create a softer sound, the player can use the top of the fist.
To produce a sound with the side of the hand, the player strikes the drumhead with the edge of the hand. For a louder sound, the player can use the meaty part of the hand. To create a softer sound, the player can use the pinky side of the hand.
What are the different techniques used to play frame drums
There are a few different ways to play frame drums, and each has its own advantages. Here are some of the most popular techniques:
1. The Traditional Grip: This is the most common grip for playing frame drums, and it’s the one you’re probably most familiar with. To hold the drum in this grip, simply place your non-dominant hand in the center of the drumhead and grip the rim with your fingers. Then, use your dominant hand to strike the drumhead in the desired location.
2. The Reverse Grip: This grip is often used by drummers who want to achieve a more “percussive” sound. To hold the drum in this grip, simply place your dominant hand in the center of the drumhead and grip the rim with your fingers. Then, use your non-dominant hand to strike the drumhead in the desired location.
3. The Side Grip: This grip is often used by drummers who want to achieve a more “rolling” sound. To hold the drum in this grip, simply place your dominant hand on one side of the drumhead and your non-dominant hand on the other side. Then, use both hands to strike the drumhead simultaneously.
4. The Claw Grip: This grip is often used by drummers who want to achieve a more “punctuating” sound. To hold the drum in this grip, simply place your dominant hand in the center of the drumhead and curl your fingers into a fist. Then, use your fist to strike the drumhead in the desired location.
What are the different sizes of frame drums
There are many different sizes of frame drums. The most common size is the hand drum, which is about the size of a human hand. Other sizes include the large bass drum, which is about the size of a human head, and the small tambourine, which is about the size of a human foot. There are also many other sizes in between these three.
Frame drums are used for many different purposes. They can be used for ceremonial purposes, such as in religious rituals or weddings. They can also be used for healing purposes, such as in shamanic healing ceremonies. Additionally, they can be used for entertainment purposes, such as in performances or at parties.
The different sizes of frame drums offer different sounds and capabilities. For example, the hand drum is typically used for smaller, more intimate gatherings while the large bass drum is better suited for larger events. Smaller drums are also often used for solo performances while larger drums are better suited for ensemble playing.
No matter what the purpose, frame drums provides an enjoyable experience for all who use them.
What are the different materials used to make frame drums
There are many different materials that can be used to make frame drums, including wood, metal, plastic, and even hide. Each material has its own unique set of properties that make it well-suited for use in drum construction.
Wood is perhaps the most popular material used in frame drum construction. Wood is strong and durable, yet lightweight and easy to work with. It also has a natural resonance that helps create a rich, full sound when the drum is played.
Metal is another popular material for frame drums. Metal drums are often very sturdy and durable, making them ideal for heavy-use situations. They can also produce a very clear, ringing sound when played correctly.
Plastic is another common material used in frame drum construction. Plastic drums are usually very lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for travel or for use in educational settings. They typically produce a lower-quality sound than wood or metal drums, but they are much less expensive.
Hide is sometimes used to construct frame drums, particularly those that are intended for ceremonial or spiritual purposes. Hide drums are often decorated with intricate designs, and they can produce a very deep, resonant sound when played.
How are frame drums made
Frame drums are usually made with a wooden frame and covered with animal skin. The skin is stretched over the frame and then held in place with nails or staples. The tension of the skin affects the sound of the drum, so it is important to get the right amount of tension.
What are the differences between bodhrans and frame drums
The bodhrán is a Celtic frame drum with a single skin head which is usually played with the bare hands. The frame drums are a type of drum that have a shell with a drumhead stretched over it. The most common type of frame drums are the djembe and the darbuka.