Lots of people come into the store looking to pick up the Bodhrán, and nearly everyone asks ‘what kind?’ This blog seeks to answer some questions you may have to help you pick out an instrument based on your needs.

What size do I need?

Bodhráns come in a lot of shapes and sizes, and you’ll want to find the right one that’s both comfortable to hold and suits the sounds you want. Generally, smaller drums will produce a tighter and more controlled tone, while larger skins create a bassier and boomier sound.

Most people will purchase 14, 15 or 16 inch drum if they are regular players. This is large enough to produce a loud sound capable of driving a traditional session, while also being more compact for transportation.

Younger kids, or those just wishing to practice their rhythm without purchasing a full size drum, may purchase a 12 inch drum. However, as previously mentioned this size of skin will produce a very controlled and tighter sound that would likely not be loud enough to be used in a full session.

The larger 18 inch drums are also a very good option as the larger skin can create a very loud and bass heavy tone. Many stray away from the 18 inch however due to the size and, but you may find it the more comfortable size for yourself.

Tunable or non-Tunable?

Here at Matchett’s we offer both tunable and non-tunable options. Essentially, with some models you can tighten or loosen the drum skin, and with others the skin is fixed. In this context, tunable does refer to pitch, but much more importantly it relates to tone.

If you were to play in a large room, but you find your skin is too loose or too bass heavy, you can tighten the skin to adjust to the room. Likewise, if you’re in a very small room and you find the skin is too tight and controlled, you can loosen the skin to accentuate the bass sounds.

For gigging musicians or if you have plans to learn the bodhrán seriously, I would highly recommend purchasing a tunable drum. The ability to adapt the sound to the situation is very important and as these drum skins are subject to environmental change, being able to manipulate the skin will improve the instruments longevity as the skin will get looser over time.

What about beaters/tippers?

If you purchase your bodhrán from us, you will get a standard double round end beater. I would highly recommend learning to play with this beater and then venturing out for different styles once you feel comfortable using it.

We sell a variety of other beaters that produce different sounds and can be used for different contexts. Longer, thinner and lighter beaters are often used for faster playing as the lightweight and straight ‘pencil’ like design allows you to build up speed much easier. Some beaters resemble a standard double round end, but are covered with leather in order to produce a more muffled and bass heavy sound that would be akin to using a mallet on a standard drum.

Whatever beater you choose can be quite a personal thing, and quite contextual. Many players will keep a variety of different beaters with them to use in different situations.