Article Written By: Benedict Perez
When we talk about the Irish music we cannot forget mentioning the musical instrument Bodhran. Basically it is made of a wooden frame which is 26 to 65 cm in diameter and having 9 to 20 cm in depth. The top is covered from the goat skin and the other end of the instrument is open. As per the climatic condition the skin can be adjusted like tightening or loosening it up.This Irish or Celtic drum is the traditional beat of the Irish music with its deep sound and different playing styles. With these drums you can play traditional Irish folk rhythm and even any modern or personal style of music. For getting the different sounds you have to tap over the skin or on the rim. For getting different sounds and for advanced playing you can place your hand on the back of the playing surface and move it to get different sounds. You can hold a double headed drumstick on one hand to get fast and complex rhythms in music.Before you start playing these choose between the tunable or a fixed head bodhran drum. The skin head tension changes with surrounding temperature and moisture. So in a tunable head drum you have to adjust the head skin tension which suits the temperature and humidity of the place. This can be done with, either external or internal mechanism with external being easier among the two.Depending on your personal choice you can select the size of the drum. When you pick the drum with large head it gives a deeper sound effect. Also you get more room to move your hand behind the drum to create different sound effects. On the other hand smaller are easy to carry and give crispier sound. 18" tunable are more popular as they are easy to be carried around.The bracing at the back of the drums also depend on your choice. Generally the crossbars are selected by beginners and the T-bar or single bar by those who desire a better maneuverability of their hands behind the surface for varied sound effects.There are certain aspects that you should consider before investing in the drum. Check if the body is well made and strong. The skin head should be firmly fixed to the rim so that with time it does not loosen up. Even the corner of the drum should be smoothly carved. As a beginner it is more advisable to go for heavier drum sticks with a large lump in the center as it is easier to play and create sound effects. There are many online stores who deal in Bodhran drums, but with time even there look and design has been changed. You can find more about this musical instrument on internet.
This Article Has Been Published on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 and Read 367 Times