1. I've heard that Bodhrans that are made in Ireland can sound tinny here in the states, due to the differences in humidity. Is that true, and if that is the case, is there anything that can be done without having a custom made drum? (I live in Maryland, if that's any help)
What you are thinking of here are bodhrans that have a fixed head. We primarily sell tunable bodhrans, no matter the source. There are little screws underneath the head that tighten or loosen the goatskin. When your room or locale becomes humid, goatskin absorbs the humidity and sags...so you tighten the screws...the reverse is true for here in Arizona where it is very dry and the skins shrink. We sell Bodhrans to customers all over the world, from Australia to Brazil to Europe...and always make certain they are tunable models.
2. As a beginner, is the CRM-VIG-BASIC-16" an adequate drum to start with? Is the quality of the sound good?
The quality of the sound is first rate. It is goatskin, tunable and really an excellent instrument. Michael and his son are beyond compare.
3. How is the sound different on a drum with a double goatskin head?
The Double goatskin produces a deeper sound. Some think it is deeper, yet more mellow. Professionals often use these. I have used them in studio with Ivory.
4. Finally, regarding payment, I have an American Express gift card with a small amount on the balance. Would it be possible to use that and pay the remainder on my VISA, or do I have to use the VISA only?
Thanks for your help in these matters. I look forward to your reply. I've really enjoyed browsing through your website!
Our credit card processor is not set up to accept gift cards. They tell us it is a security issue since they cannot verify the name, address, phone, etc of the card holder. Very sorry about that.
Here is another set of questions and answers:
1. Is there a difference between the laminate and solid frames? Yes. We basically use the laminate in our deep bodhrans for light weight and strength and for the reason solids often crack when under that pressure for something 7 inches deep.
2. Is the BTN8R a double rim for the tuning? All of our bodhrans are that way, as presently we are not selling any fixed head or outside tuned models.
3. The description mentions "The CD is shipped separately. " - is there a CD included? We were sending an Ivory CD with lots of Bodhran music, but ran out and will not have them presses again until after January.
4. I see you're about to launch your own bodhran line in October?? Do you know how they will compare to the BTN8R? I've waited this long, I can wait a bit longer if your line will be comparable in price and quality/sound. Would a newbie even notice a difference? Thanks for noticing! It might be early November. The new line will have brass tuning mechanisms, not steel. They will feature a real leather band around the outside, where the goatskin ends. They will have white-washed goatskin heads for appearances. We will likely adapt a removeable cross-bar like Michael Vignoles utilizes. It is my personal project, and I am awaiting a final sample at this time. We are also adding 18 styles of tippers.
5. I'm also considering the BRN8M with a Tipper-VersaPack for about $70 (since I don't intend to travel with my bodhran I don't know that the case is worth the extra $40. Any advice along these lines? Is this bodhran solid versus a laminate? I could not find that SKU, but that is a Mulberry wood model, hence the "M" at the end. It is solid.
6. Where are these bodhrans made/from? I've read mixed reviews about Pakastani bodhrans. We have a 98 year old company in Sialkot make these. I use them on stage when playing with Ivory.
Thanks for helping a real noobie!
