Although it is definitely not my main instrument, I've been playing bodhran for about 25 years. I was in Connemara a couple of years ago and visited MK's workshop in Roundstone. Sifting through a pile of seconds there I found an excellent bodhran for €19. The wood trim was a little warped so I removed it and replaced it with a strip of leather. It is now an excellent drum. Some of MK's cheaper bodhran's are definitely beginner level instruments and some of the painted ones are clearly more for souvenirs but his more expensive bodhrans are serious instruments.

As for oil, I'd go with Ella's recommendations. I've heard neatsfoot is good but haven't tried it myself.

The style of tipper is a matter of personal taste. I tend to use a straight, lightish one cut down from a regular rock maple drumstick. The "bundle of twigs" style tipper also gives a pleasing sound.

Peace

moo