Finding myself in desperate need of some basic metronome work, this 18" frame drum was the best deal around. It turned out to be pretty useful at the occasional campfire or drum circle too, with good volume, easy transport, and the look and feel of natural wood and leather.

It's very responsive. I quickly discovered a couple dozen thumps, scuffs, knocks and rolls, each with a distinctive sound. I don't need the tipper's complexities. I get good booms from a homemade padded beater. But it's lots of fun to just lay back otter-style and tap along with others or even the radio.

This thing is great! I just got the 18 inch- and was still surprised at the size of it- It's like a four inch front of a bass drum. Boom, Boom Boom! Thundering resonance- More then I expected- it has to be the biggest sound for the buck. I don't know how long the goatskin head will last- I was loooking at a 12" I guess in a local store for almost twice the price of this, so I'm very pleased. The only negative is that my 18 inch doesn't have the decorative cloth around it. But hold the striker with the larger end to center for the main beats, and the smaller end rebounds off the hand for fast thunder. What's in your wallet? Use some of it for this graet Celtic sound!

This is a great drum with a great sound... IF you know what you're doing. I've watched too many people take some form of ethnic percussion and start beating it, wondering why it doesn't sound right.

There is a set of techniques for playing the bodhran... It's muted from behind with the left hand, tucked under the left arm, and played with the tipper in the right hand. It takes some time to learn.

The bodhran and tipper are pretty much exactly what you'd think. The tipper is average, but it's not what you're really paying for. The drum itself is great.

All in all, this is an instrument that requires a bit of time to learn to play. It's wonderful for the price, but don't expect the sounds to come easily.

I have been looking for a Bodhran drum. I have been into music since I was a young boy. My age now is 56 and I just had to get into a band and I did, I was sitting and watching this Celtic band and there was a person playing the spoons and this guy came over to me and said to me would you like to try playing the spoons, I have been watching him and said sure. I played one song with the band and loved it. The only thing that was missing was a Bodhran drum. I now play this drum with the band and the band sounds much better with this sound. I am getting better & better at it. This kind of music just does something for me, it makes me feel easy in my mind & body. This drum is great for the money. If you are looking for one this would be great. It's not the drum that makes you, it's you and how you play. Get one it's good for your soul. I hope this will help you.

Being of Celtic heritage and a lover of folk music and instruments, id be a fool to not get a Bodhran. Well, as the gods will have it, a fine 18" Bodhran made its way into my hands on Christmas Day. It is a fine instrument, very good quality for the price. It has a wide variety of tones and its the perfect beginner bodhran, possibly even for more advanced players as well. My only problem is its a little difficult to hold the 18" so its properly secure but with a tutor book, that shouldnt be a problem. Also, mine had a few dried water drops on the goatskin but they dont seem to affect the tone at all.