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14 Apr 05 - 02:27 PM (#1461299) Subject: a strap for my bodhran? From: Susan-Marie I saw some Irish music thing on PBS a few weeks ago and notice that the two guys playing bodhran had straps that helped them hold the drums - presumably because they were playing standing up. I know I can play standing up by pressing the drum against my body, but it limits the movement of my back hand. I've googled and supersearched on "bodhran strap" and come up empty - can anyone help me? I may never master singing and playing bodhran at the same time, but if I ever do, I'd like to do it standing up. |
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14 Apr 05 - 02:41 PM (#1461309) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Clinton Hammond I've never seen a strap on a bodhran... I don't think I'd ever need one, but what a neat idea... Do you recall who the band was on the PBS thing? |
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14 Apr 05 - 03:07 PM (#1461334) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: breezy someone had nicked the bar that normally goes behind the skin or they thought that was the beater. were they strumming it too? I know a chap who flogs em |
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14 Apr 05 - 03:20 PM (#1461348) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: open mike mine has two crosssed "sticks" (or dowels, or bars) across the back which give it an anchor place, but still sitting is the best. A player i accompanied recently suggested the wooden supports be removed to allow more flexible movement of the hand behind the drum for more tonal diversity. good luck..i can;t picture how or where a strap would attach. Let us know what you find. And maybe the show is available on web archive?? which one was it? |
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14 Apr 05 - 03:24 PM (#1461351) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca I've seen someone do that, put a strap on the bodhran. I think it was a guitar strap mounted so that the strap is at the top and bottom of the drum while being held in normal position. I believe the left hand would work like it normally would, and take the weight on the strap while standing up. The strap just looped over the left shoulder. Wish I could remember who had it done that way. |
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14 Apr 05 - 03:37 PM (#1461367) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Ernest You might cut a very good strap from the bodhran`s skin.... |
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14 Apr 05 - 04:16 PM (#1461396) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Malc R A strap for your bodhran - seem like a fair swap!!! |
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14 Apr 05 - 05:02 PM (#1461443) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,Susan-Marie (from another computer) The bodhran players were accompanying that celtic women tour - four or five women in glamorous hair and dress, a full orchestra, chorus - you get the idea. One of the songs they do is Orinoco Flow, but it's not Enya. I guess I'll be improvising with my old guitar strap and something to screw into the bodhran frame. Fortunately it's not a terribly valuable one. I'll report back if I come up with something that seems to work. |
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14 Apr 05 - 05:06 PM (#1461447) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Clinton Hammond Please do... cause this could be a very good thread, if it wasn't for the preponderance of people who THINK they're funny... |
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14 Apr 05 - 05:10 PM (#1461452) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Open Mike, I don't see the need to remove the bracing members. Most of the bodhran players I know USE them to brace their left hand on when pressing against the skin. There should be enough room below for your forearm to fit under the skin of the bodhran. |
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14 Apr 05 - 05:41 PM (#1461487) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: breezy Chill Clinton good buddy, bodrans are like rabbits over here, I have 2 , and very beautiful they are made in Stromness by Eoin Leonard Belgarth Bodrans I've a biggun, 16 inches at least, and without any effort, anyone want to try it? But I've never taken it to a session, cos I can play a guitar and thats a proper instrument! Anyone tried it with a whip? |
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14 Apr 05 - 08:35 PM (#1461665) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: The Fooles Troupe Has it been naughty again? |
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14 Apr 05 - 11:49 PM (#1461783) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Three different salsa/sisal/Manila ropes - in a basic three trand weave.
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15 Apr 05 - 01:53 AM (#1461829) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Boab Here's a piece of unorthodoxy... My Bodhrans have crossed dowels. They are set about 13/4 iches clear of the skin, and would give more than a little discomfort to any one using the orthodox method--i.e/ hand between dowels and skin. I play by hooking my thumb at the junction of the dowels, and spreading my fingers on the skin in conjucnt with whatever movement ---vertical, lateral, rotary or muffling on my body---is required for tonal variation.Perhaps not for everyone---I have long fingers, which can cover a fair percentage of the skin. I am able to get a wide range of tonal variation, and---I think I've said before---could comfortably play bodhran while doing somersaults; if only I could do somersaults-----! |
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15 Apr 05 - 03:04 AM (#1461853) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Davetnova I've got furry dice in my 'hran, they help me play faster. |
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15 Apr 05 - 05:02 AM (#1461899) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Sandy Mc Lean My drum has a hole thruogh the round part of the frame. There I have attached a looped leather thong , lenth from my elbow to wrist. When I put my arm through the strap to just above the elbow and hook my thumb to the crossticks. I then can let my fingers walk the skin as Boab describes. I use the same strap to hang it on the wall. |
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15 Apr 05 - 07:29 AM (#1461987) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Susan-Marie Thanks Sandy! I will try that, and also try a two-point restraint system, and see which works better. |
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15 Apr 05 - 08:19 AM (#1462025) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,oirish bongos is'nt there a readily available strap for bodhran players ???? .. a noose |
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15 Apr 05 - 01:41 PM (#1462308) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Les in Chorlton Is it true that Woody Guthie had a guitar on which was written 'This machine kills fascists'? Perhaps a gun belt with a gun and bullets in it for a strap. Then bodhran players could write this machine kills bodhranists on the skin and people who tell very old jokes would think twice. Peace and love from Chorlton. |
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16 Apr 05 - 03:26 AM (#1462780) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Liz the Squeak I just used a cloth belt from an old dress (yes, I did once wear dresses and worse still, it was pink!) tied to the crossbars - it doubled as carrying strap, support strap and hanging strap. A sturdy piece of ribbon or webbing would do just as well. LTS |
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16 Apr 05 - 03:29 AM (#1462782) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Roger the Skiffler Les, I believe that was true, also that Dylan had one that says "this machine kills". My washboard says "this machine kills music". RtS |
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16 Apr 05 - 03:29 AM (#1462783) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Boab ---Now, I have a spare 'hran hanging in the shed [skin overslack--needs tuning gear]---and Sandy's got me thinkin'! |
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16 Apr 05 - 04:08 AM (#1462801) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Les in Chorlton Roger, As skiffle was the first music that realy excited me, I have a lot of time for a voghurt pot and a piece of string. (I hope that sounds like a line from a Victoria Wood sketch). Their is many a good tune played on an old fiddle, and this to my wife the old German did say. But just as many good things played on Bodhrans and washboards. It's not the instrument itself but the thoughtfulness of the player. Need I mention Piano Accordeons and trombones? |
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16 Apr 05 - 05:05 AM (#1462827) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Dave Hanson Instructions for fitting a bodhran strap, 1. cit enough 2inch strips from the velum to go over your shoulder. 2. nail each end to the hoop with 6inch nails using a 4LB lump hammer. eric |
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16 Apr 05 - 05:07 AM (#1462831) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Dave Hanson That should read ' CUT ' curse this stupid computer. eric |
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16 Apr 05 - 06:22 AM (#1462858) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: JeZeBeL Hey, I have thought about a strap on many occassions for my bodhran for gigging purposes as I have no cross bar in mine what so ever, it's better for the sound. But I've never found anything suitable for it, not have I ever seen anyone with a strap on one either. It would be an ingenious plan though. I say stick to sitting down, there are other instruments that can't stand up, so don't worry about it. |
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16 Apr 05 - 06:38 AM (#1462860) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Tam the man I saw Davie Steele when he was with the Battlefield band and he had a strap for his Bodhran. |
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16 Apr 05 - 10:44 AM (#1462957) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: aussiebloke I have a broad webbing strap on my bodhran, improvised from the carry strap from a big duffel bag - I have attached the short bits with clicky-connectors to the frame - and attach the strap when I want to stand up to sing and play - which I usually do. It is handy to be able to just drop the drum which swings around to behind my back when I want to change instruments, which mostly means I'm reaching for my lagerphone; it works well in reverse too, to go back to the drum I get my hands empty and reach behind my back inserting my hand under the crossbars and the drum slides back around the front with my damping hand in position and ready to play. The tippers get slid in and out of my back pocket. And here is a picture, boys and girls BTW - I'm left handed... Cheers all aussiebloke |
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16 Apr 05 - 12:47 PM (#1463009) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Clinton Hammond I can grok a strap for slinging it over yer back when yer not playing it, but a strap for when you are? That's got my stymied.... I will also argue that a couple of cross-bars on a frame drum are going to impede the sound in any way... |
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17 Apr 05 - 04:13 AM (#1463351) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Muttley Big Mal: How 'bout "My bodrhan, my bodhran. a strap for my bodhran!" Can't say I've ever seen a bodhran held in place by a strap - but what a great idea! If i were to attach onr to mine, i'd probably either do as one suggested and adapt a guitar strap and attach either end of the support dowel(s) or (rather than screwing something unsightly into the body, try drilling a hole close to the underside rim (away from the skin) and attach a lanyard or guitar strap with a miniature Carabiner (Y'know - those things used for abseiling and rock-climbing) it would be secure and if coloured (anodised) could look quite stylish. Dunno where you'd get one overseas (Britain or US) but we have "outdoor adventure - type stores over here in Australia (Anaconda and Kathmandu come readily to mind)- you'd probably find one with a colour that would match one of those in the design on your bodhran-skin (if you have one). I'm certain also, that you could find a really nice guitar strap with a cool Celtic design on it to complement your bodhran as well. |
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17 Apr 05 - 12:09 PM (#1463579) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,Jon The Bodhran played well is an excellent instrument. I recently saw a guy in O'Donaghues (Dublin) who played one which was about 8 inches deep by 16 inches in diameter. It had no cross bars and he got such wide tonal range that he played it like a bass guitar. It was stunning. All those morons who have a pop at bodhran playing should get to Ireland and hear it done properly in a live folk environment. Unfortunately it is easy to play badly but extremely difficult to play well (with or without a strap). Good luck Susan-Marie, keep beating and enjoy. |
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17 Apr 05 - 05:00 PM (#1463785) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Freso Martin O'Hare of Ash Plant, Trad Lads, and Copenhagen Irish Festival fame stands up when playing gigs and has a strap for his bodhrán. I do intend to talk with him about it some time in the Not-So-Distant-Future(tm)... |
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17 Apr 05 - 05:16 PM (#1463792) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Mr Red My bodhran has a well featured rim because it has a toggle-based tuning system, and the end of the skin is a roll of leather with more thong type binding. This means that it grips my cloths and doesn't slide so much as the smaller one that has only domed panel-pins. The height of the single bar is crucial, and the fact that it is flat means less bite on hand. Which means I can play standing up for sessions and move my hand around a bit. I don't play for concerts etc so it does for me. Maybe velcro hooks round the circumference may help you - particularly if you wear a pile jacket or woolly jumper - not altogether silly and I'm sure you get the idea. But, yes I have seen bodhran straps on film or on stage - but never in sessions. I would have thought the making of them was simple enough, and the placing a few months of experimentation. |
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24 Nov 06 - 10:43 PM (#1892903) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,Richard D I've seen a bodhran played standing up. It was on the Geneva performance of Riverdance. He seems to have it wedged onto his forearm. That might have been the PBS special that started this whole thing off. As for the bodhran, playing it beats the hell (pardon the pun) out of therapy after a crappy day. |
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24 Nov 06 - 11:56 PM (#1892927) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Liz the Squeak Watch what Stefan Hannigan can do with a bodhrain.... it'll make you weep and want to give up immediately... EVERYONE who picks up a boddie for the first time should be made to watch him... hopefully they'll never pick one up again! Cross bars - some bodhrains have 1 or 2 cross bars that help to a) hold the thing still and b) wedge the hand against so that there's something to push back against when flexing the skin. It's great for lady players who might not have so much strength in their wrists as men. If you really want to hang a strap on a barless boddie, maybe drill a hole in the frame and use a Dclip or a leather thong? LTS |
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25 Nov 06 - 12:01 AM (#1892934) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Tim theTwangler Bodrhanii. I agree Bodrhans sound overpowering when played loudly and antisocially. But at least thye can help overcome the clash of those bloody 12 string guitars that are so common around here. |
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25 Nov 06 - 12:14 AM (#1892943) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Wincing Devil A strap for your bodhran???
YOU PERVERT! |
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25 Nov 06 - 01:08 AM (#1892964) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Kaleea I also have a Bodhran with no crossbars. It is deeper than most, and when I play, I use the heel of my left hand (most of the time) to alter the pitch, which requires that I use pressure against the skin inside the Bodhran as I move my hand across it. I am able to achieve an unusually wide range of pitches this way, but I don't see how a strap would allow me to apply the needed pressure against the skin. I should think that one might come up with a brace which would allow for the Bodhran to be solidly positioned, as are many percussion instruments for marching bands. If Willie Nelson has a stand for his Guitar that works, what about a stand for a Bodhran? |
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25 Nov 06 - 08:50 AM (#1893135) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Liz the Squeak The strap is to stop the thing sliding off your lap or help you carry it around, it's got nothing to do with the playing. The cross bars are there to help with playing, and also as a convenient grip when frisbeeing it across the pub car park. LTS |
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25 Nov 06 - 09:24 AM (#1893159) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Tom Hamilton frae Saltcoats Scotland Dave steele of the battlefield band had a strap for his bordhran. |
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25 Nov 06 - 09:46 AM (#1893173) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Malc R Have you thought about trying a strap like the ones Saxophone players sometimes use. If the Bodrhan is adjustable it might clip to one of the tuner bars, if not a loop around the cross brace or drill a hole in the frame Just a thought >:o) Raffsputin - the Mad Malc |
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25 Nov 06 - 09:52 AM (#1893177) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: skarpi Maybe we can use starp from a classical guitar, around the neck ?? I am gonna try that . All the best Skarpi Iceland. |
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25 Nov 06 - 10:23 AM (#1893191) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Mooh We've seen so many bodhrans come through the Goderich Celtic College repair shop you'd think they were breeding. Two strap varieties come to mind, one point and two point. The one point strap is essentially a strap which connects both ends to one point on the instrument, tied or otherwise attached. More steady during use might be the two point strap which connects to two widely separated points on the instrument. Either way prevents the thing from falling to the floor while in use so that the hands are more free to play. Minimize hardware which can and will rattle, come undone, scratch, be heard by microphones, or require maintenance. Straps tied with a stout lace or thong through a hole will work better and even be more elegant and "old" than complicated rings, clasps, buckles and so on. When detachability is an issue (and it doesn't often come up) I'd still avoid unnecessary hardware in favour of maybe something like a length of velcro to pass through a loop and attach back on itself. Attachment points need to be centred so the drum doesn't rotate away from the player while in use. Experimentation with this will help, but we've found that attachment to braces is the least favoured. Crossbraces seem to be overdone in many bodhrans. One from north to south is lots if it's properly placed. We've removed probably dozens of the additional "east to west" braces for folks who simply can't get at the backside of the head with it in place. Unbraced drums seem to hold up as well as braced ones assuming other construction details are good. In recent years, especially in 2006, we've modified many drums with a cutaway in one side for left arm clearance. If you do this, start with a modest removal of the side wood, maybe as little as 1/4" in a nicely rounded shape and remove more if it continues to be uncomfortable. The sharp corner to the rim must be rounded over too, for comfort. Making the cutaway too deep will let the head tension warp the rim. The actual strap may be akin to a guitar strap, over the shoulder. It also may be like a djembe harness, over two shoulders and/or under the arms. Adjustment can be via a sliding buckle or other means like many guitar straps. I like the poor man's solutions, so I'd be inclined to make one from an old belt or something for bodhran, but there are lots of great commercially available straps from Long Hollow, Levys, etc. The easiest? One hole in the rim with a length of rope threaded through and knotted. Maybe not comfortable on the shoulder, but eminently servicable. Peace, Mooh. |
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26 Nov 06 - 07:46 AM (#1893846) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,Cobblers Hi folks, I make guitar straps for friends from top quality leather with carved/stamped patterns. I get many requests and try to accomodate where possible. At a festival early in the year I was approached by a gentleman who asked me if I could make him a strap for his bodhran. As I don't play a bodhran & have no friends who do (no comment :-)) I told him that if he drew/sketched what he wanted I would make it. I haven't 'bumped' into him since but have still never seen such a strap in use. I cannot see a problem making it but do not know where/how to attach it without affecting the noise (sorry - sound)of the drum. All joking aside - because of the lightness of a bodhran I would advise that the strap was equally lightly made compared to a guitar strap which should have enough width to spread the weight of the instrument across the shoulders. Enough a light guitar seems lighter with a well designed strap. (No buckles or anything which may scratch the surface finish. Any tips would be appreciated from players who have experience of bodhran straps. Cliff |
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26 Nov 06 - 07:56 AM (#1893852) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: skarpi Well cliff you can make me one please I play my bodhran upstanding alot sometimes is hard to do that. you can PM me on this side you r email . I coult send you some info. all the best Skarpi Iceland. |
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26 Nov 06 - 08:05 AM (#1893859) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST Someone mentioned a leather thong earlier. Is that not uncomfortable? |
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26 Nov 06 - 08:11 AM (#1893864) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,cobblers Thanks skarpi. I'm new to this so don't know what PM means but would be grateful for any info. I make straps (belts etc.) as a hobby so have limited time but whenever I agree to make one, it WILL be made. Never let anyone down yet! Cliff |
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26 Nov 06 - 08:25 AM (#1893881) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,cobblers And GUEST - Don't know if it would be smart to make a leather thong but it would certainly smart if you wore one! Cliff |
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01 May 09 - 10:52 PM (#2622972) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,Ryan I use two guitar strap buttons drilled 40 degrees apart. Then slap on a guitar strap! |
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02 May 09 - 01:22 AM (#2623001) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Barry Finn I have a couple Grady drums, my favorite by far is my 20"x4" Grady tuneable drum with a single metal slide bar attached with grip & strap. The slide has a strap attached so when holding it the back of your hand is against the slide & the bar while the strap is in the palm of your hand which thus has the heel of your palm against the inside of the drum skin, that also gives me what I refere to as a "back slap". While the heel of my palm is against the skin my 4 fingers can slap the skin so I can do a consent 4,4 or whatever beat with the 4 fingers of the left hand accenting any accompanyment or beat I'm getting out of my tipper in my right hand. It took a lttle getting used to & a bit of practice but after a while it's like driving a Caddy. I sometimes still play & sing while standing but my balance is not nearly what it was before I broke my left ankle & smashed my right heel but when I do stand I'll let the weight of the drum cause it to almost free fall which is the same action as sliding my hand from the bottom of the drum to the top, stooping where ever I please & in reverse I lift my leg, balancing on one foot, push the drum upward. This action is the same as sliding my palm down the inside of the skin. I parcticed martial arts for yrs & I'd recommend studying Tae Kwon Do/JKD or any of the Philipino martial arts for balancing, it's also helps bodhran players to keep the assholes at bay. Here's Mance play at the Berkley Percussion Festival Here's another sound clip of Mance's playing. Barry |
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02 May 09 - 05:40 AM (#2623046) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Jack Campin Try this with a strap... Abbas Bakhtiari |
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27 Sep 10 - 05:01 PM (#2994745) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: GUEST,irishswift http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id4vJmL0CJM&p=E1A19966690B7B71&playnext=1&index=8 best bodhran player in the world, and he uses a strap |
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28 Sep 10 - 12:12 AM (#2994950) Subject: RE: a strap for my bodhran? From: Bruce from Bathurst A chap living here in Bathurst builds synthetic bodhrans (powder coated aluminium frame and synthetic drum head) with strap and cutaway arm rest. In his day job he has a seating clinic, modifying wheel chairs and so on, so he's heavily into ergonomics and avoiding repetitive strain injuries. He swears by the strap, so to speak. Jim's bodhrans Disclaimer: I play in a band with Jim and we even let him play bodhran. |