I've played with a variety of tippers but have my 'usual' which is just a plain round one weighted at the lower end (with a nail driven through it lengthwise) also the aforementioned bundle of kebab sticks. I like the idea of broom twigs, will give that a go....I hand drum on a couple of numbers by hitting the drum palm parallel to the skin, with the tips of my fingers for a very gentle sound through to a full 'smack' of the whole hand for a louder (and more impressive-looking!) effect.

The sound is quite dead if you don't bounce the fingers back quickly - you're almost flicking at the drum, like whacking a wet towel at someone......ooh, a wet towel - I must go and experiment to see what that sounds like!

Seriously, experimentation is the key, and you soon develop your own unique sound. I think there are songs that just aren't suited to any drum, you have to be prepared to put it down sometimes. But I personally think that the 'less is more' brigade are what the tipper was really designed for (just wash it before you begin playing again!...)

One thing's for shure - you'll never be a good bodhran player as long as you keep saying that. Go out to the beach or the forest or the middle of a school playing field and just play it for yourself, not for anyone else. Music is a spectator sport, y'know....

Good luck

Hillary