squeezeboxsarah:

Well, I heard the Barra MacNeils were going to be at the Berea Irish Festival this year, so perhaps I'll get to see them then.  Not that I'm bragging.

 Hey, squeezy!

Yep, confirmed on their website.  Did you know that Boyd and Ryan MacNeil were in Slainte Mhath??  Maybe they'll take "Jackie Chan" as a request!!   

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JackieChanJackieChanJackieChan!!!!

The last time we heard Slainte Mhath do that song, I recall you denying your relationship to me.  Now why would you do that, Uncle Kevin?  Hrrrmmmmm??

JackieChanJackieChanJackieChan!!!! *squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*

But back to the art of goatwackery... can you post a picture of your McCannipper, Steph?  I'd like to see it.

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~Squeezy~
"Alan's true calling [is] to be a whacko percussionist... to hit things with mallets." ~ Sean McCann

Hi guys and gals,

I found a great set of instructional videos on youtube. I think they're new to youtube, and some of you may have seen them.  There are 4 parts of very simple instructions and he makes it look very easy. Here's the link to the first video. The links to the 3 remaining parts are at the end of the first video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0OwTfzMpLg&feature=related

 

This probably isn't new to you guys since its on the first page when you type 'bodhran' into youtube. Enjoy!

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Look around
Hear the sounds
Cherish your life while you're still around

-Dream Theater

I loved Slainte Mhath! Has anyone seen the Step Crew? I caught them last summer at the Dublin OH festival. We hadn't heard of them before and just kind of stumbled across the show. My sister said, "Isn't that the fiddler from Seven Nations?" And I said, "And the Pilatzke brothers? And Ryan MacNeil?" What a wild show (with all of them and then some).

squeezeboxsarah:

JackieChanJackieChanJackieChan!!!!

The last time we heard Slainte Mhath do that song, I recall you denying your relationship to me.  Now why would you do that, Uncle Kevin?  Hrrrmmmmm??

Hmmm, self-preservation comes to mind.....

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Hey everyone, this question has probably already been asked in a different thread but I figured I'd be annoying and ask it again while all you bodhran pros are in one place. I'm looking to buy a bodhran and I am a complete beginner and I am running a bit low on funds. I was wondering what the average price of a decent tunable bodhran would be and what are some things to look for in a bodhran when I go to buy one? Any help would be majorly appreciated!

                                                                                                           -Justin
 

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You Know you are a Bluenoser When…You think of the major food groups as: Meat, Fish and Tim Horton’s.

I just saw Gaelic Storm... and for a bodhran enthusiast,it was amazing.  They played a song ( dont know the name of it) with twigger and pat on the bodhran with ryan on the box drum.... it was amazing... thought id share

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Look around
Hear the sounds
Cherish your life while you're still around

-Dream Theater

Hi Justin,

The difficulty you face is finding a decent tunable bodhran on a limited budget, it's almost a contradiction in terms.  For any complete beginner I'd suggest starting with a modestly priced but decent quality non-tunable instrument. 

What's the driver for wanting a tunable over a non-tunable, in the scenario of a beginner what benefits are you expecting when comparing one against the other?  Understanding this is important as whatever instument you buy you do want to get value for limited money - plus it will help the forum offer best advice. 

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Life's one big song book - we just sing to different tunes at the same time!

Hey Stediflite, the reason I want a tunable bodhran is because a musician I respect greatly said that a beginner should get a tunable bodhran if at all possible as it has more adjustibility and you'll be more happy with it in the long run. So I plan on stickin to what he said as long as I can afford it and if I can't, then I guess I'll start lookin at the non-tunable ones. Any idea how much a decent tunable one costs Stediflite? Im not talking about a fancy Cooperman but just something that sounds decently enough that I won't dread the learning process as I did when I began guitar with a $50 junior acoustic....wasn't too fun lol....thanks again for any help!

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You Know you are a Bluenoser When…You think of the major food groups as: Meat, Fish and Tim Horton’s.

Hi Justin,

The beauty of tunable is dealing with changes in humidity which will affect the tension of the skin, plus being able to adjust the pitch to fit with music being played and your own style - as you delevop it.  

A quick look on the net shows a tunable bodhran starting at $98 through to $475 at Lark in the Morning, but I can't comment on the quality.  I think the Claddagh Bodhran may be a Vignoles model, though only by virtue of the name.

As you may have seen in earlier postings I have an 18" Padraig McNeela tunable and I've recently bought a n 18" double skin tunable from Micheal Vignoles.  I visited Michael's workshop in Galway.  His son Paul built the drum (based on the Tunable Claddagh Angler model) for me in time for a gig on Paddy's Night.  Michael Vignoles has what he calls a budget Tunable for $195.  If you can afford this, I can certainly vouch for the quality of his products.  http://www.irelandwoodcrafts.com

I'm not sure how much the McNeela unit is now, maybe an enquiry to Custy's (http://www.custysmusic.com), it's where I got mine from or http://www.essaness.com.  It is a heavier unit than the Vignoles, with a much thicker skin.  They both have individual sounds, the McNeela sounds good , but to me, but not quite a sweet as the Vignoles.   

If your serious about continuing to play, go for the best you can afford.  Hope this helps.  Happy hunting and keep the forum posted on your eventual purchase.

Cheers! 

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Life's one big song book - we just sing to different tunes at the same time!