Bodhran skin repair

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: Jack Campin
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 06:34 PM

Serious libraries have some sort of tough and very thin fibrous membrane stuff that they use for reinforcing tears in pages from old books and manuscript sheets (paper or vellum). Sometimes they just cover the entire page with it. Might be worth looking at at a library supplies catalogue to find out what it is.

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: open mike
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 12:11 PM

Helen's post was from 2003,,,if it is not repaired by now.....

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 10:26 AM

I had an acquaintance who had a bodhran which developed a hole. He was the sort of bodhran player who cannot seem to stick to the rhythm in sessions and joins in uninvited when people are singing (especially when really good singers are trying to give their most tasteful and sensitive performances).

He asked me if I knew how to fix the holes in his 'instrument'. I told him to carefully place it in that big plastic bin on wheels outside his back door, and that the men who came to empty the bin every Wednesday would fix it for him free of charge ... He's still waiting for them to return it ... I keep telling him, "any day now!"

I'm planning to advise him to carefully place himself in the bin so that he can be transported to the 'bodhran-mending-place' and check on progress.

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 05:07 AM

if the skin has holes in it does this mean that the goat it came from had a leak?????

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: Art Thieme
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 03:24 AM

If you can fix a bodhran, please fix that photo of Dylan that is linked to in another thread !!!!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 01:44 AM

Helen, PM me with your address and I'll send you a goatskin patch.
I have a couple of old busted heads here, and I'll send you a piece to glue over the holes.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 08:09 AM

From what you say the use of a patch as above is almost certainly your best bet. If you can't get copydex then any latex or rubber based glue should do just as well as it will vibrate with the rest of the skin more easily.

Go easy on that dubbin! it will make the skin heavy and soft and if it gets wet it will retain the water. If you keep the bodhran in a case its unlikely to get soaking wet anyway.. In order to avoid wear rotate the frame round a spoke from time to time during a session and beat over the whole skin (you will get some tonal variations particularly if the skin is of uneven thickness by playing closer to and farther from the rim)

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: Helen Mould
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 04:12 AM

I don't think I could get tape onto the inside as the little holes are very close to the wooden rim stretching towards the middle less than 1/2" along a natural mark on the skin. After I repair it I will treat the outer edge as it turns over the wooden rim as it is all starting to wear. I have a better idea what to do now and it seems that the surface skin is fairly durable from what has been said. I usually have to wet the inside (with water) before playng and I apply Dubbin that is used to protect leather to the outside. I have a mark on it that always encourges me to play in the same position so I will also change that as it is encouraging wear in one specific area.

Subject: RE: Bodhran skin repair
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 15 Apr 03 - 03:58 AM

If you don't give a s--t how it looks---yet another use for duct-tape!
Seriously---I stuck a pair of pliers through one of my bodhrans years ago---and it still sounds good!

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: open mike
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 07:16 PM

I had severe damage around the rim of my drum's skin..
holes ripped where it pulled thru tacks when it shrank.
It does get to be over 110 degrees here in the summer,
and it is a dry heat. I always spray water on the drum, and
keep it in a plastic bag inside a hard shell case to retain
moisture. to repair the rips i used "Shoo Goo" brand p4oduct
which is made to form new surface on tennis/running shoes.
It gave a solid enough surface i could re-attach the tacks
and re-stretch the head back on, after wetting it.
this patch lasted a few years, and I would recommend the
Shoe Goo.
I would also recommend making sure there are several rows
of tacks holding down the skin of any drum you want to purchase.
If the pins are staggered, they hold the head of the drum
more securely...the more tacks you have the stronger the
skin will be attached, and the less stress will be on each
tack. The previously repaired skin has now torn again, and
I plan to make the frame of the drum into a sifter, sprout
growing tray , planter box, or other such utilitarian object
now that I have pruchased a new bodhran, after 20 years.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From:
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 06:09 PM

This Copydex glue sounds wonderful. However, I couldn't find anything on it in North America. I found a web-site with a a little information. If any UK Mudcatters use it and can locate an MSDS, please let us know where to access it. A MAterial Safety Data Sheet is used in North America to supply information on active ingredients to help make life safer for users.

Here's that web-site

Copydex information

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: gnu
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 08:50 AM

http://www.ceolas.org/instruments/bodhran/care.shtml

Scroll down a bit and you will find info on repairs.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: Pied Piper
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 08:42 AM

I've had several small holes in my Bodhran for years and have experianced no problems, but maybe I'm just lucky.

All the best
PP

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: Helen Mould
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 08:32 AM

There is obviously as many banjo jokes as bodhran jokes then T-boy.
thanks mooman and Mr Red for the advice. I know Terry Waddington who makes hurdy gurdy and other instruments and think I maybe able to get a lead from him on where to get an offcut as suggested.
Helen

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: GUEST,T-boy
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 07:41 AM

Hey I love this!
Cut up a banjo to mend a bodhran. Great idea.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 06:15 AM

If you can find a compliant material that will strengthen the rim of the holes you will stabalize the stresses, eg the glue they sell for soles of shoes. But a patch (in leather) will be better. Ask a bodhran maker to give you an offcut of goatskin - I doubt they have much use for the waste. Gurt Mint (Bristol) or Marcus Music (Newport) get to several festivals like Chippenham (they made my bodhrans). I doubt there is too much urgency. If the hole is not where you put hands a repair will last for ever.
I have seen masking tape over tears. Don't leave the drum in your car - or put the car in the shade - don't forget the sun moves! One guy I knew heard his drum go ping from outside the car and his baby hole had become a teenager and was giving him GRIEF.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 05:43 AM

I've used a bycicle puncture patch on mine - but then mine is quite a cheap thing & I expect it makes no difference.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From: mooman
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 05:41 AM

I have repaired a number of bodhrans with similar holes or small tears by gluing a small strip or circle strip of thin leather or natural vellum such as that used on banjos over the damaged area from the inside surface of the skin using an adhesive such as Copydex or similar (not cyanoacrylate which is too "brittle"). All the repaired bodhrans are still in active service as far as I am aware. I don't think the glue on its own will be sufficient.

Hope this helps.

Good luck

moo

Subject: Tech: Bodhran skin repair
From:
Date: 14 Apr 03 - 05:28 AM

I have noticed a 3 small holes on the edge of my bodhran skin on a fault or flaw line of the original goatskin. They are each a bit bigger than the size of a pin head but so close together they could become one bigger hole quite easily. It was a mid range bodhran from hob goblin quite a few years ago. I dubin the outside about one a year. Can I do anything - I thought maybe pva glue, as it is flexible, to block and seal the holes - but ovisouly do not wish to put something on that will further damage the goatskin. I am not in the position to spend a lot of money on anything.
I was just told at a festival that the best way to play a bodhran is with a knife so no more anti bodhran jokes please:-)

Helen