“"This Bodhran sounds as beautiful as it looks! Great quality of workmanship ”
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We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, which is why we offer a hassle-free 30-day “Try At Home” returns policy.
By Musicians for Musicians
McNeela Music Instruments, founded by Paraic McNeela and Irish family owned and operated to this day, is a brand with a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of fellow musicians. Paraic established McNeela Music Instruments over 40 years ago with a dedication to providing exceptional instruments. McNeela Music continues to thrive as a brand driven by the love and appreciation for music.
Reduced Priority Shipping Worldwide
We understand that music knows no boundaries. That's why we offer Priority Shipping to the US, UK, Europe and Rest of World at a reduced rate, to bring our exceptional musical instruments and accessories to musicians around the globe. No matter where you are, you can enjoy the convenience of shopping with us and having your chosen items carefully delivered to your doorstep.
World class aftercare service
At McNeela Music, our commitment to our customers goes far beyond the initial purchase. We believe in providing world-class after-sales service to ensure that your experience with our musical instruments is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you choose McNeela Music, you become part of our musical community, and we are dedicated to supporting you at every step of the way. Got a Question? Ask it here and we’ll respond very quickly!
Special Offer
Limited Time Only: 8 Free Bodhrán Lessons!
Buy The Signature Bodhrán today and get free access to Rónán Ó Snodaigh’s master bodhrán course:
Learn at your own pace with expert guidance
8 comprehensive lessons including bonus material and videos
Master traditional and advanced bodhrán techniques for lively rhythms
The McNeela Signature Bodhrán offers everything an aspiring bodhrán player needs to get started on their musical journey. It's perfect for any level of player, from beginner to advanced.
This highly responsive bodhrán offers great action and superb control. With a lush tonal range, it offers strong resonance and depth of tone with a rich, booming bass - everything you need to take your playing to the next level.
With an 8 point hand tuning system, you're fully in control of your sound. It even comes with a choice of top quality Lambeg or Vellum goatskin, for a truly personalised musical experience.
This premium bodhrán is truly worthy of the McNeela seal of approval.
Key Features of the McNeela Signature Bodhrán:
Diameter 16.5”
Rim Depth 6.5”
Cutout Depth 3"
8 point hand-tuning system
Rim cutout for playing comfort
Highly responsive
Wide tonal range
Lush bass sound
Choice of Lambeg or Vellum Skin
Bonus Features:
Taped edges for superior tone and extended harmonic range
Free bodhrán beater
Free lightweight bodhrán gig bag
Free bonus lessons with Rónán Ó Snodaigh
The McNeela Signature Bodhrán offers superb resonance and depth of tone, as well as a rich bass sound. The quality hand-selected, sustainably sourced goatskin ensures a warm, vibrant tone. With its signature cutout style this bodhrán is guaranteed to turn head for all the right reasons.
Lambeg vs Vellum
Hand produced in Northern Ireland for the famous Lambeg drums, Lambeg skins were first adapted for use on the Bodhran by the Legendary maker, Seamus O’Kane. These skins produce a strong clear tone, with an exceptionally resonant high end. Lambeg skin is the perfect choice for bodhrán players who favour a more melodic style of playing. They do however also offer a rich, resonant bass and offer plenty of volume - making them perfect for session playing.
Vellum is the art of producing paper from skin - many ancient Irish manuscripts including the famous Book of Kells are written on Vellum. Vellum skins offer a warm mid range while producing deep, dark, rich bass notes. They also offer excellent sustain. Vellum skin is typically quieter and slightly more subtle than Lambeg skin.
Whether Lambeg or Vellum, each skin that we use here in McNeela is hand-selected for quality, responsiveness and sustain. This is a natural sustainable product and each skin will be unique to your bodhrán, waiting for you to explore its characteristic sound.
For a limited time only, with every purchase of the Signature Bodhrán, you will receive eight free lessons with Rónán Ó Snodaigh. Rónán is one of the greatest Irish bodhrán players in the world. You might recognise him as the driving force behind Irish supergroup Kíla.
These online lessons cover everything from basics, to traditional Irish music session performance and alternative beats. Rónán will show you how to get the most out of your bodhrán, how to tune your bodhrán and everything else you need to get started on your musical journey.
These free online bodhrán lessons are exclusive to McNeela Instruments and will have you accompanying your first traditional Irish music session in no time!
The smaller the drum, the more flexible the head. This means our 16″ model will be more responsive to your hand pressure than a larger drum.
For this reason, if you currently have an 18″ model and are looking to upgrade, I would recommend making the change to a 16” bodhrán. It will give you a wider tonal range and a far greater variety of sounds to work with.
The 6.5 inch rim depth produces a rich, deep bass tone. The deeper the rim, the more resonant the bass sound will be. The 6.5" rim is perfect for creating our signature McNeela lush, booming bass and great volume.
Hand Tuning System
Our 8 point hand-tuning system makes it easy to adjust your bodhrán tuning, without interrupting your performance.
The tuners are easy to grip and fast to tune. The McNeela tuning system will allow you to get the best sound from your bodhrán skin, no matter the playing conditions.
Performance
Adjust tuning with lightning speed to respond to performance requirements for when you need your bodhrán to match pitch, volume and tone.
With the wide spread of tonal options available you can offer a subtle accompaniment in quieter session spaces and a full resonating bass in concert settings.
How to Use DrumDiddly Bodhrán Cream to Condition Your Bodhrán Skin
Remove a small amount of cream from the container and, using your fingers, massage it into the skin on the front of the bodhrán. Use large circular motions to spread the cream over the skin. Then, leave it overnight to soak in.
The following day, take a soft, lint-free cloth and, again using large circular motions, wipe the skin with the cloth. This will remove any excess product from the skin. Continue to buff until the skin is dry and no longer sticky.
You’ll notice a difference immediately in not just the feel and texture of the skin, but also the sound it produces.
Good to Know:
14 day money back guarantee from the day you receive the bodhrán. See our Shipping & Returns Policy.
1 year warranty
Free backup service for one year
Priority Shipping Worldwide
In you're in a hurry enquire about our FedEx 4-6 day shipping