Starter Bodhran

Subject: Starter Bodhran
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 12:32 PM

I would like to buy a bodhran can someone suggest a good starter model?

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 12:46 PM

Buy the biggest, bestest, loudest one you can afford and sod all the miserable b*st*rds who cannot play snap with subs

L in C#

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: maeve
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 01:02 PM

Guest: Use the Filter box on the main page to search "bodhran" and you'll get a pile of results, some of which actually offer good information rather than bad jokes.

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Tig
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 03:19 PM

Buy a comfortable size - I play an 18" but once made the mistake of buying a 24", I've also got a 'tiny' 12"! I've now been playing about 40 years and still like to try different ones at music shops.

Get a tuneable one if you can afford it. If you don't like it you stand more chance of selling it on.

Make sure the skin is in reasonable condition - and DON'T pour loads of skin conditioner or anything else on it to start with (whatever you get told).

Remember the rules:
If it doesn't feel/sound right to you - it's probably be wrong! I still sometimes give up in cases like that

It as important what you miss out as put in - constant trebling or too fast playing just gets you Kn****** wrists.

Remember it's the BACK that makes the difference - learn to use your non-tipper hand to it's best advantage, try playing without a tipper just using your knuckles.... sounds daft but it works.

COUNT the number in a session - 1 is great, 2 works well if you listen to each other, 3 think hard and 4 forget it!

Most of all ENJOY yourself.

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Mr Red
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 07:49 AM

I bought from Marcus Music (in the grounds of Tredegar House) and they are usually present at several festivals like Bromyard.

& Gerhard Cress because he made one in red just to tempt me. He now lives in Wales and usually is at Chippenham.

An adjustable one is a good investment. I prefer a single bar and not too deep sides. Get your hand inside the bar and bridge with the fingers, you should not have to stretch too far because an hour playing you will feel the strain. Mine have flat bars - it spreads the load on the back of your hand.

After that - just remember that as you hit the thing, you are prepared for the bang and the brain readies the ears/audio cortex, so you don't think you are as loud. Others will differ. And as you get confident you will get enthusiastic. That all means loud. PLAY QUIETLY until you can judge the effect.

Oh webmail from here for the killer joke to deploy when all the drum jokes are done - it silences the jokers AND is funny.

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 08:45 AM

Working on the probably naive assumption that this isn't a wind-up, buy a set of tin whistles in all keys, cheaper than a single bodhran, and play tunes. I've seen some lousy bodhran advice in my time but this gem truly takes the biscuit: COUNT the number in a session - 1 is great, 2 works well if you listen to each other, 3 think hard and 4 forget it!

Christ on a bloody bike.

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 27 Jan 11 - 06:43 AM

I think 4 could be OK in the company of 4 piano accordians and 3 trombones

L in C#

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Jan 11 - 06:56 AM

As a Banjo Owner , can I ask - When you say 'Starter' do you mean kindling ?

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 27 Jan 11 - 07:27 AM

Yes, me too, no, no I don't all minorties need to show solidarity

Banjos support Bods!!

L in C#

Subject: RE: Starter Bodhran
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 27 Jan 11 - 07:28 AM

After all we are all the same under the skin

L in C#