Bodhran Makers In USA?

Subject: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,TKnapp
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 09:56 AM

Does any know of a maker of Bodhrans in the US? My wife would like to learn and I would like to be able to get a decent quality one without the overseas shipping, etc. Please try to refrain from all the witty Bodhran jokes at least until I get some real info; then have it.
Thank you. Tom

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: RTim
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 09:58 AM

Mance Grady in Rhode Island - if you google him you will find him.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: ejsant
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 10:13 AM

Go to this group site: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Bodhran/

This is a group of about 700 bodhran players from around the world. There are listings of makers to be found there, including those in the US.

Mance makes a fine drum as does Albert Alfonso in Texas. There are other fine drum makers in the States as well. I would suggest spending a little time reviewing the archives of the group site I recommend above as they relate to makers and perhaps even posting your query there. There is also a file listing tutors around the world.

Good luck!

Peace,
Ed
--
Peace, a brilliant aspiration!

Traditional and Contemporary Irish Music

www.EdSaultz.com
[phone]

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 10:23 AM

Albert Alfonso's website

Youtube demo

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 10:37 AM

Most here are made by inmates of the United States Federal Penitentiary for the Criminally Insane and Other Assholes. The total output is sent to other countries as it is against the law to have one in the USA for any reason other than as a source of kindling.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 10:42 AM

Mine was one of these...

http://www.cooperman.com/handdrums/bodhrans.htm

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 10:42 AM

What have you got against the bodhran. I once asked Seamus Ennis what he thought of the implement and he said "It would make a fine bowl for washing your feet".

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,CrazyEddie
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 10:54 AM

'Tis a fine instrument when played as God intended - with a penknife!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Greg B
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 11:15 AM

Our own mudcatter, Marc Bernier, makes 'em up in Mystic, CT.

http://www.marcbernier.com

In spite of that, he's a great guy who could probably figure out
how to make anything, and make it good.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: open mike
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 12:19 PM

MIne came from CapriTaurus in the Santa Cruz, California area. (Felton)
but i am not sure they make them anymore. I believe they also made dulcimers. it looks like they now do commercial art, graphic and logo design--they probably got tired of all the jokes.
The Lark in the Morning web site and catalog may have info.
http://larkinthemorning.com/ they have 87 item in the bodhran department.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Stu
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 12:32 PM

"'Tis a fine instrument when played as God intended - with a penknife!"

Bloody hell that was original - full marks to the funny man.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 02:20 PM

Actually, it sounds far better when played with stick of dynamite.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 02:29 PM

No Fred.....It's the people who want to play it sound better (with a stick of dynamite up their ass).

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 02:33 PM

Mance Grady can be found here.
About Mance, he's one of the best players living in the States. He's been playing at percussion since a kid, first on the trap set then on bodhran & bones as well as other types of frame & hand drums.
He's as perticular about his playing as he is about his skill as a drum maker. I still have my first that I bought from him over 25-30 yrs ago, it's now my 18 yr old's to play. My most recent of his is a 22" with a tuning ring set inside (this type was his invention) and a single steel slide bar (again, his invention). I bought this probably 12 or so yrs ago. Since using his drums I never bought from any one else though I've played hundreds. He's the most consistantly fine maker of drums that I've ever encountered, besides being a real nice guy, he's an artist & stands by every drum he's ever made, you'll rarely ever see 1 of his drums being sold 2nd hand unless someone is buying or trading up.

Barry

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: open mike
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 05:28 PM

where are you?
some of the Irish made drums are not so very expensive, after all.
good luck...let us know what you find.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,Pete Sumner
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 10:02 PM

Purely in the interests of self promotion, may I humbly offer my wares...http://web.mac.com/petersumner

Happy to send one out on appro

If you need a reference you could ask Taylor from Chico...Steve Forman (an excellent maker now in Scotland doing research)...Mickie Zekeley et al...

14 16 18" diameter tunable....

Happy hunting
Pete Sumner
Redwood City
California

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 11:54 PM

No question - Albert Alfonso, Dallas, Texas. Those who have one of his drums(and they are numerous and many very well known world wide) love them and those who don't have one - wish they did. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 01 Dec 07 - 08:41 AM

Thank you Greg.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,TKnapp
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 08:26 AM

Thanks all. Seems there are quite a few options. I'm in Connecticut
and noticed that Marc Bernier is nearby. Marc, we are planning to come see you in Mystic on Dec. 9th if I read your website correctly. Maybe you'll have one with you my wife could try out to see if she really wants to get into it. There are also a couple good videos on Youtube of different drums and one of a guy playing a Alfonso drum that sounded great.
Thanks again, Tom

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: open mike
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 12:49 PM

Ah ha, that Taylor guy in Chico plays with the Pub Scouts, No?
I have played bodhran and guitar at the contra dances in Chico
(CA) for many years, and also at the Strawberry Music fest.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 04:32 PM

I'll see you Sunday night then Tom. I'll try to remember to bring a couple drums for you to look at.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,William Bass
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 11:29 AM

I taught Bodhran in the states and competed in fleadh's in the states as well as in Ireland! The problem with most drummers is "It looks easier then it is." And people that were raised on rock, blues, country and other types of music beleive the drum ALWAYS sets the beat to the music! In trad Irish music it is to be played as an accompamiment. A lot of people can't follow that simple rule. And it TIC'S other musicians off! A few simple rules
1) Listen to the band to make sure YOU as a drummer are experienced enough to play with them.
2) Don't just join in, Wait for them it ask you!
3) Don't play EVERY tune! (Some tunes don't require the drum!)
Just a few simple rules Have fun!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: framus
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 07:20 PM

Good advice William.
May I add - DON'T PLAY TOO LOUD!
(All the way from Paddyville, N I).

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,michael gill
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 05:54 AM

"Some tunes don't require the drum!"

No tunes "require" the drum.



And the problem with that old chestnut "It looks easier than it is" is that it's meaningless because it's pejorative. And the word "easier" is meaningless without comparison. Playing bodhran is a lot harder than buttering a slice of toast, but it's a heck of a lot easier than playing tunes. It's even easier than strumming. So, to be fair, on a balance of things to do, it is easy. You'd have to be a right numpty not to be able to master the thing in a couple of hours (provided you know the music of course).

And if you don't know the music, you've no business trying to learn it whilst banging a drum.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 02:29 PM

I took a little class at the Irish fest and totally learned to play. I really want one but suspect I should not be allowed...mg

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: framus
Date: 08 Nov 12 - 07:25 PM

Dear Michael,
Try "The morning dew" - I recommend the Chieftans version!

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST,michael gill
Date: 09 Nov 12 - 04:35 AM

Yes, a good tune that. I like playing that tune.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: framus
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 08:52 PM

Ta Micheal, but I can't agree that you could "master" it in a couple of hours.
There's a fair wee bit of subtlety to proper playing - with both ends of the stick! And QUIETLY.

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: PHJim
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 10:22 PM

Not in the US, but Al Black from Peterborough, Ontario, makes some really nice bodhrans and will re-skin any drums (or banjos) that need it.
Al Black's Facebook page

Subject: RE: Bodhran Makers In USA?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 20 - 12:38 AM

topflyz Industries 21/414 Majidpura, Sialkot /Pakistan
gmail: [e-mail]
Dear Sir,
We are the maker of Bodran and acesseries such as specialist inf
beather in cocus wood price US$1/50 each in Cocuswood specialist
making in Bagpipes etc.,etc., interested in enquiries please M.Sadiq