How Do You Make Bodhran?
The Irish drum, called a “bodhran,” (pronounced bow-ran) is loosely based on an ancient African design. Similar drums made their way to the Middle East and Central Asia, finally landing in Ireland during the Middle Ages. Bodhrans resemble tambourines without the cymbal and are typically 16 to 18 inches in diameter. You play them with wooden beater, also called a “tipper.” The bodhran consists of a wooden shell, with a drum head of goat hide tacked to the outside of the shell. While constructing your own bodhran is not difficult, is does require carpentry and wood-bending skills. Cut the ends of the wood plank at an angle to create a scarf joint. A miter saw will ensure an accurate cut, as the two ends will be joined together after bending. Boil water in the cooking pots, and ladle boiling water over the plank until it becomes bendable. You may also rent a wood steam box or make a soaking tank out of an old gutter. Bend the plank into a circle until the ends meet or overlap. Apply high-
