Greetings Duchess,

I wouldn't invest the money into repairing a Waltons bodhrán. Your choices of new bodhráns would depend upon your budget. I play an Alfonso. Albert Alfonso is a maker in Texas who enjoys a fine reputation. Another Texas maker is Rob Folkner. His drums go by the name Metloef. They are mostly made of kangaroo skins. Rob's drums have enjoyed great success and are played by many a well known player just like Albert's. Both of these makers bodhráns are in the $400. to $500. range.

There are less expensive bodhráns available made by individual makers around the globe. My preference would be a bodhrán actually made by the maker rather than in a factory.

I only use water to manage the skin even though my bodhrán is tunable. Albert applied a small amount of Lexol prior to my purchasing the drum. If you are to use any conditioner at all on a new drum I would suggest that you do so sparingly and use Lexol or Lanolin.

Playing the drum is the best way to insure the skin "breaks in". Some makers condition the skins they use so that they are supple when purchased. Good luck in your search.

Peace,
Ed