the bodhran the pulse of irish music

On an old Franciscan Monastery in Roundstone, developed by the Industrial Development Authority, Malachy Kearns, better known as Malachy Bodhran amongst folk musicians,works at his craft of making Ireland's oldest product - the Bodhran (Bow-Rawn). It is an 18" one sided drum made from Goatskin treated by a traditional process. Goatskin has unique stretch properties. The Irish word 'Bodhar' means deaf or haunting. The Bodhran began as a skin tray used for drawing turf (peat) on the bogs. It stirs the spirit when played with the "tipper" or beater hitting the skin in a racing style while a hand presses the back of the skin to vary the tone. Malachy, and his wife Anne the artist, who also reads heraldry, are respected as fine bodhran makers for 19 years. Most of the professional folk Musicians worldwide use our Bodhran; we are the only full time makers in the world. The skins are treated in hydrated lime mixed with ingredients that are the closely guarded secret of every Bodhran Maker. They are soaked for 7-10 days in a solution of lime sulphide which softens the skin, de-hairs it and dissolves the fatty tissue. Sometimes the skin is buried in manure. It is finally stretched under tension onto a Birch frame. It is also glued on - this is important for Bodhrans being sent abroad. It thus cannot "rip off" at the tack - traditionally the weakest part of the Bodhran - when exposed to excess heat. The skin is stretched tight when new to give room for residual stretch. In the hands of a skilled player the Bodhran can be a subtle and exciting instrument - striking the skin in a variety of ways, one hand tucked in behind the skin, pressing and moving to vary the colour and intensity of the sound. The side of the beater is also used to good effect on the wooden rim. Genuine Goatskin is a natural 'live' material, expands and contracts slightly with changing temperatures, it has an infinite variety of subtle 'veining' and it's rich lustre becomes more beautiful with age. A Bodhran is a lifetime purchase - do buy a well made one.