
A few questions and answers about bodhrans
1. I've long been a fan of the bodhran and have finally decided to purchase one. I am a beginner, so I'd like to ask a few questions before making a final purchase. I have read 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?
A: What you are likely thinking of here are bodhrans that have a fixed head. Fixed head bodhrans cannot be easily adjusted for changes, up or down, in humidity. The huge majority of the bodhrans we carry are tunable, rather than fixed heads and they are always goatskin heads, not synthetic. A synthetic head on a bodhran is close to a guarantee of a "tinny" sound. Goatskin varies in depth and in appearance, within each drum and adds to the playing and esthetic qualities of the drum.
There are small screws that can be tightened or loosened which allows to tighten or loosen the goatskin head. This can be done in response to changes in atmospheric conditions or to change the sound you are seeking from your bodhran. On the Vignoles ANGLER model, the screws do not need a tool, and only require your fingers for adjusting. The balance of the models use an Allen wrench for tuning. Do not purchase a fixed head bodhran, unless it has a design on it that you like and you only need it for display.
2. As a beginner, is the CRM-VIG-BASIC-16 inch model an adequate drum to start with? Is the quality of the sound good?
A. The quality of the sound on all the Michael Vignoles Bodhrans we carry is absolutely first rate. This model has a goatskin head, is inside tunable and is really an excellent instrument, made in Galway City, Ireland. Michael and his son are beyond compare.
3. How is the sound different on a bodhran with a double goatskin head?
A. The Double Goatskin will produce a deeper sound every time. Deeper, yet more mellow as well. Professionals often use these and I use them myself.
4. Finally, I have a question regarding payment. I have a Visa gift card and would like to use it.
A. Gift cards should work