Bodhran Test
by Lonnie
Here’s a quick audio (about 2:16 in length) of me goofing off on the new bodhran. It’s nothing fancy and contains plenty of errors, but should give an idea what it sounds like.
It was recorded with a single microphone. The first 2:00 is recorded from behind the drum, then I switched it out and moved the mic in front of the drum to see what kind of a difference there was.
I did nothing to the sound file except to compress it for a better sound of all of the little bits. No EQ was harmed in the making of this audio.
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No offense personally intended but why would I want to listen to you goofing off? I can listen to me goofing off.
No offense taken. This was intended as a test to show how the bodhran that I made sounded. Not to say I was a great player or anything.
Hi Lonnie,
The drum sounds fantastic, and thanks so much for your website. I’ve been thinking about a making a drum for a while now, and your technique intriques me. I really like the rich bass tones your creating; they sound full and complete! It’s easy to hear each distinctive note as you run through the dynamic range! The voice is sounds slightly dampened with no scratchy slide, two great qualities of any bodhran! Wow! It sounds like you did very a great job, and enjoyed the process along the way! Thanks again!
Hi Derrick –
Thanks so much for the kind words. It was definitely a fun process. Not to say I didn’t cuss at it a few times along the way, of course.
I’ll be starting on a second one before too long. The bodhran player in our band (the guy who actually does know how to play the thing…) loves mine but wants something bigger. Since we play outdoor gigs quite often, I’m going to figure out how to do it with a synthetic head. He wants an 18″ by 4″ deep drum with crossbars so that should be fun. I’ll be sure to document that process too.
If you do decide to make a drum, you should post info about it and let me know. Would love to read the process of other builders.
Take care and keep making music!