Bodhrans can be delicate instruments, requiring constant care. Luckily, there are some simple yet effective strategies available to maintain its condition!
Start off by regularly cleaning your bodhran; this will remove any dust or grime that could potentially overheat or warp it.
1. Clean it regularly
Maintaining optimal playing condition on your bodhran can be achieved by treating its skin on a regular basis. Bodhran skins are especially susceptible to temperature and humidity fluctuations which could result in punctures or tears; to keep them supple and well balanced.
Conditioning cream can help protect and preserve the bodhran skin, keeping it supple while decreasing punctures or tears. Our Bodhran Care Cream was specifically formulated for lambeg bodhran skins with its blend of lanolin and beeswax.
Use neetsfoot oil or lanolin-based hand creams to safely and easily moisturise the skin of your bodhran for maximum playing condition. This will also keep it looking its best bodhran!
As with other musical instruments, it’s advisable to store your bodhran in an instrument case or gig bag when not in use. A high quality case or gig bag will protect from unexpected knocks and bumps while providing some protection from changes in temperature and humidity levels.
2. Keep it in a cool place
Keep your bodhran in a cool environment with an even temperature to ensure its skin remains supple and avoid it drying out and becoming overly fragile, which could result in it breaking off of its tacks and becoming damaged or tear-offs.
Bodhrans are constructed from goat skin, making them highly responsive to humidity and temperature variations. If conditions become too humid or dry, their dimensions could contract and tighten, producing an audible “pingy” tone in their sound.
To prevent damage, always store your drum in a case or gig bag designed to protect its instrument. A humidifier can also help maintain moisture in your case or drum box and ensure a supple skin surface.
3. Keep the skin supple
The skin of a drum is the most vulnerable part, as it can quickly tear if neglected.
One of the best bodhran maintenance tips that you can follow is giving it regular conditioning treatments in order to aid with breaking-in new skin. This will also aid with breaking in new instruments.
McNeela’s Drum Diddly Bodhran Cream can help your skin remain soft and sounding its best, and reduce punctures or tears over time if used regularly.
To maintain its supple and soft texture, bodhrans’ skin requires plenty of water each day to remain soft, flexible and resilient. Drinking at least 10-12 glasses daily will help maintain the moisture balance in their skin and increase elasticity.
Applying some water to the back of the head before playing can temporarily loosen it (although be careful not to get any on any painted or silk-screened designs). For non-tuneable drums, rubbing damp cloth over their front side may temporarily tighten their skins.
4. Keep the head tight
A bodhran is a musical instrument with stretched skin stretched across a wooden frame, typically made of goat, calf or synthetic materials and popular traditional Irish instrument.
Bodhrans can be temperamental instruments and need regular maintenance in order to remain in top shape. To make sure that yours runs smoothly, follow these simple guidelines for proper care:
Always ensure it doesn’t become too warm, keeping it away from direct sunlight, heaters and in your vehicle. Otherwise, its skin could stretch and tear loose from its tacks, possibly causing irreparable damage to the drum.
If the skin on your bodhran is loose, using heat can tighten it and make playing easier. A hair blow dryer is an effective method, though you could also try heating it by placing near a radiator or using a warm lamp (I have done both!). Tightening will tighten skin tension and help make playing simpler.