Bodhrans

Introducing our bodhrán range

Bodhrans are a traditional Irish drum which are perfect for those looking to perform in folk gigs and jams, as well as teachers searching for a new addition to their music classroom. It can be used for fun classroom activities to help with understanding of rhythm and world music and can also be great for community music events.

Percussion Plus plain bodhrán range

Although simple in design, they certainly don’t lack in quality. These frame drums from Percussion Plus produce a great sound when played with the traditional style tipper or by hand and are a great quality affordable option. The non-tuneable drum comes in both 14” PP1116 and 18” PP1141 sizes. There is also a tuneable bodhrán available PP1142 that allows you to stretch or relax the skin manually to fine tune the tone of the drum. This is perfect for the more experienced bodhran player.  

Plain design bodhrans feature:
Carry case included for ease of transport
Solid wooden frames in dark green
Supplied with traditional Kelly style tipper

Percussion Plus decorated bodhrán range

These bodhran come supplied with an instruction DVD included as a great teaching and learning resource, giving you instruction on how to best pay the bodhrán, what rhythms you can start out with and more.

Decorated design packs feature:
Sizes 12” to 18”
Yellow, dark green and brown solid wooden frames
Designs include: Classic Murphy’s Irish stout design, Claddagh design, Gaelic Cross design, Brosna Cross design, Knotwork Cross design, Cloghan design, Trinity Celtic design and Shamrock design
Carry case included for ease of transport
Supplied with Kelly style Tipper
Instructional DVD included

Solid construction and great-quality inner frames mean players of the Percussion Plus bodhrán can securely grip the instrument to create the best tone possible.

About the Bodhrán

The bodhrán is a traditional Irish instrument traditionally made with goatskin and a wooden frame, and its name is believed to directly translate to “skin tray”, while also linking to the Irish word “bodhor” meaning “drum” or “dull sound”. It was popularized during the 1960s due to the resurgence of traditional Irish music and is widely used in folk music performances to this day.

Centuries before this popularization, however, it was mostly used as a tray for things such as baking and storing food, and it is widely believed that its use as a musical instrument was restricted to ritual use in rural areas.

How to play

The bodhrán is normally played sat down, held upright on the player’s thighs, and supported by their upper body and arm. The hand is then placed on the inside of the drum skin to control the tension, pitch, and timbre, which is done by applying various amounts of pressure with the back of the hand against the drum’s crossbar. The bodhrán is either played with a bare hand or a tipper. The most common playing style is Kerry style, which uses a double ended tipper to play, and is the type of tipper our available Percussion plus bodhráns include.