The Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn) forms the quintessential heartbeat of Celtic Music. Traditionally constructed of a circular wooden frame, most measuring 14 to 18 inches in diameter, with a goatskin head tacked to one side. The other side typically has one or two crossbars and is open-ended allowing the other hand to be placed against the inside of the drum head to control the pitch and timbre. This Celtic drum is played with a double-headed stick called a tipper or beater. Some professional modern bodhrans integrate mechanical tuning systems similar to those used on drums.

Over 40 different bodhran drum models are available from Sound World Instruments (SWI) with a variety of features and finishes. You can choose between an inside or outside tunable head or a fixed, tacked head. Most of the frames are made of mulberry or rosewood, while the professional bodhrán are often constructed of plywood for its lightness and strength. Additionally, certain models are equipped with either one or two fixed, or removable, bars and some have T-bars…so many choices!

Our beginner’s book and CD from Mel Bay can get you off to a great start with this popular and easy to learn instrument. To keep the music flowing, we also have tippers, cases, clamps, tuning mechanisms and spare heads.