Bodhran repair

Subject: Bodhran repair
From: duchess
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 12:45 PM

Anyone know where I can send my Bodhran for repair - needs new skin. I purchased it at Boston Music Company for only $40 - Walton's but the skin has a crack - cannot find anyone to repair it. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: MMario
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 12:48 PM

oh dang! I knew there was something I meant to do....sorry!

people - the Duchess is "good folks" - if anyone can help her, please do.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 12:55 PM

I know somewhere in the uk,which is no help to you duchess.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: MMario
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 01:03 PM

she's in eastern Massachusetts -

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: duchess
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 01:05 PM

Hello Master Mario, and thanks for the good words. I do not mind sending the drum anywhere at this point. Anyone know where I can buy a good one - because it is beginning to look like the repair may be prohibitive....

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Bardford
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 01:51 PM

Although the US dollar isn't beating up the Canadian dollar so much any more, you might find that these drums are very good value. Well constructed, nice tone.

Davey Drums

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Cluin
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 02:10 PM

Bodhran repair?

Here we go....



Seriously, skins can be replaced, theoretically. I've tried it twice on an old bodhran of mine, but as soon as the furnace came on in the fall, it tore loose from the tacks both times. I've got one more skin to try again, as soon as I figure out a way to fasten it more securely.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Jack Hickman
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 02:56 PM

You're evidently stretching the skin too tight in the summer.

Back to the original thread, if Duchess is interested in a new bodhran, I would recommend a "Rattlin' Bog" bodhran, made by Cliff Gillespie in Kingston, Ontario. They sell for about CAD150.00. I've been playing one for about ten years now, and I would stack it up against any other non-tunable bodhran I've ever encountered.

Cliff is pretty low-key and low tech. He doesn't have a web site, but can be contacted at 613 547-4143.

Jack Hickman

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Cluin
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 03:01 PM

Yep. I suspected that, so I left the skin very loose the second time. Same result.   *shrug*

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 03:18 PM

Try these folks: Jack's Drum Shop
Expert Advice From An Expert Staff.
1096 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215
508-778-2307

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Megan L
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 03:26 PM

If you get really desperate there is Belgarth bodhrans in Orkney

Belgarth Bodhrans

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 03:28 PM

I used to play a bodhran which was originally lying neglected because it was so high pitched - the skin was so tight there were holes where it was pulling on the fastenings.

I used Oil of Ulay hand cream on it and it softened up a treat, sounded much better. This was some decades back and the formulation has changed in that time, but I expect any sort of moisturiser would do.

Maybe treating a skin with hand cream and leaving it to lie till Groundhog day ( assuming a winter long exposure to central heating ) and only then fixing it on the rim would be the solution?

To mend a split - waterproof white wood glue and a thin sliver off the back of any leftover skin, stuck onto the inside, put something flat and smooth both sides and a weight to keep everything flat. Damp the skin, all except a bit around the damaged area, with a sponge to loosen it during the mending operation. I doubtful use non waterproof so you can soak it off again

White wood glue was what an enterprising friend of mine used to stick small bits of sheepskin together and then fix it onto hessian to make rugs. It went well until someone decided to put their rug in the washing machine. They did not do a waterproof version in those days.

Anne

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 04:18 PM

My wife plays a Cooperman, which is made in the New England area. In fact, they currently have two manufacturing facilities, one in Centerbrook, CT and one Bellows Falls, VT. (Website HERE) I wouldn't bet on the company per se being interested in doing the repair work, but an employee might be willing to do it as a side job.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: open mike
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 07:13 PM

i put lanolin on my first bodhran...sheeps oil and goat skin seems
quite compatible...i also fixed a tear in my rim...where tacks ripped thru with shoe goo....it is for repairing athletic shoes...and is strong..it depends on wher ethe rip is...how much pressure it will have on it....humidity is very low here in summer...and in winter when wood stove in on too. my first bodhran was made in the foggy coastal area.
not a good mix with the inland valleys and mountains...where it gets above 100 in the summer and sometimes single digit humitidy...and so it goes...now i keep my drum misted and wrapped in plastic...not too good for the fragrance, but it seems to help it.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 07:07 AM

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

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: cobber
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 07:27 AM

I always thought the best way to fix a bodhran was with an oxy torch

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 07:32 AM

Anne, all PVA glue is waterproof, whether it is labelled waterproof or not. Once set, it does not dissolve, ever, in water, no matter how prolonged the contact.

What made your friend's sheepskin rug come apart was heat, in conjunction with moisture. Even the varieties labelled "waterproof" would not stand up to immersion in a washing machine.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,Liam
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 03:25 AM

Contact details for Bodhran skin replacement in uk please.
Thank you
Liam

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,David Nuttall Wakefield
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 04:59 AM

Try Nicky Howarth at TRAD NUSIC SHOP , Wakefield, West Yorkshire.....on Google. Good luck.

David.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,David Nuttall Wakefield
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 05:01 AM

SORRY.....Trad Music Shop

David

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Jack Campin
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 05:16 AM

all PVA glue is waterproof, whether it is labelled waterproof or not. Once set, it does not dissolve, ever, in water, no matter how prolonged the contact.

You must have some entirely different glue in mind. All PVA is water-soluble - soak it for long enough and it will soften and fall apart or else dissolve completely.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 05:44 AM

Some otherwise very knowledgable craftsmen use the term PVA for any white adhesive that can be cleaned up with water before it sets. Particularly wood glues, some of which are PVA and some of which (often those labelled 'outdoor') are resins.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 09:32 AM

I'm told that if you hold it very close to a roaring fire and pour treacle over it, it works wonders for improving the music at sessions
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 11:47 AM

You want to know about PVA ? ;)
this blog starts... "I don?t mind admitting it. I love glue. I have at least six different kinds in the cupboard at any one time, and PVA is a can?t-do-without staple. I?ve used it for all manner of creative, practical and DIY projects. It?s low cost, safe, easy to use and incredibly handy. But what is PVA?s secret? What lies behind this seemingly simple product that makes it such a useful piece of your wood finishes kit? what is PVA glue?"
and quotes "Woodwork Basics" "...The white one is better for interior use because moisture weakens it over time and the yellow is better for outdoor use because it is water resistant but it doesn?t dry completely clear."

44 replies so far.
Go on, ask him about Bodhran repairs...
http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/blog/what-is-pva-glue/

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Jack Campin
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 12:04 PM

I have a davul that got its shell cracked by KLM baggage handlers - that's been holding together with PVA for 15 years now. I wouldn't like to take it outside in the rain though.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 18 Oct 17 - 12:33 PM

In these parts it's firmly believed that the best beater for a bodhran is a Stanley knife.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,florenceccoll
Date: 08 Jan 20 - 01:20 AM

Bodhrans who live in hot dry places need special help to stay alive. If you have a goatskin head on your drum, and live in an area where the weather is very dry or hotter than 75 degrees for long periods, you will notice that the drum head becomes very tight. Drums have been known to split in extreme conditions. To prevent this, you can store your drum in a case with a humidifer or if you have no case, storing your drum in a closet or other small area with an even temperature. In really dry areas, you can put the drum in a plastic bag with a damp rag. Punch a few small holes in the bag to prevent mildew and store in the closet. When you travel cross country through different weather zones, you should provide a case or bag and try to keep the drum at a constant temperature. Wrap it in a thick blanket and set it under pillows. Never leave your drum in the back window of a car or in the trunk.https://finalscope.com/what-is-pva-glue/

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 08 Jan 20 - 09:53 AM

Report back on the davul repair: I did take it out in the rain for the last big Scottish independence march and it came through just fine. Sounded a bit dull by the end though.

That last site linked claims you can make your own PVA glue out of flour and water. No you can't.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 Jan 20 - 06:01 AM

Well FWIW I would always recommend a tuneable bodhran and to slacken off the tension after playing. Carting a bodhran to and around a festival or session in the summer is bound to affect the skin.
And if you want to feed the skin, a small amount of neatesfoot oil goes a long way. Seriously a small amount, enough to grease yer hands (not wet them). Just rub yer hands over the skin, the outside is easiest, and playing will get it on the inside. I buy "Pure" Neatesfoot Oil, if it says "compound" it is adulterated with mineral oils to stop it freezing in cold weather, avoid. The pure variety goes like soft butter when below about 5^oC, use a spatula. It is good for joints so rubbing it into your hands is beneficial. Again, sparingly.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Jack Campin
Date: 09 Jan 20 - 10:22 AM

I have a Kurdish daf I bought from the maker's workshop in the meat market in Urfa (the skin had probably only travelled a few yards after leavng the sheep). Problem was, it was 45C when I got it and humidity near zero. Getting it back to Scotland it went dead and floppy and started developing patches of mould. Tea tree oil diluted by some other oil (might have been neatsfoot, I forget - a lot more than Mr Red suggested, anyway) helped a lot).

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: Mr Red
Date: 10 Jan 20 - 03:28 AM

the Tea Tree is a relative of Manuka. They both have antisceptic qualities. Neatsfoot Oil - wiki. Neat cattle are those with cloven hooves, the oil is rendered from their shins.

Subject: RE: Bodhran repair
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 10 Jan 20 - 04:16 AM

"the Tea Tree is a relative of Manuka. They both have antisceptic qualities. "

I don't think we can allow anything antisceptic here... Sceptics are essential to Mudcat's existence.