FAQS about Mance regarding making bodhráns:

We welcome intelligent, respectful inquiries when they have no underlying negative aspect or ulterior motives - just the desire to know your instrument better, or to be able to make an informed decision regarding your drum purchase.

Every business has "secrets" regarding processes, materials, sources, etc. Bodhrán makers are no different, so there are obviously some questions that we will not answer.

Over the years, we have had the misfortune of being contacted by a host of rude, pushy, and belligerant individuals who somehow felt they were entitled to such confidential information. For example, someone emailed saying they were a student at university and wanted a breakdown of our expenses, as well as sources, for his business/marketing class. When we graciously refused, explaining that we do not share such information, his response was quite vile. Having to deal with such bleepin individuals is part of the downside of being in this business.

The upside is encountering the rest of you who make it a pleasure. If you do not see the answer to a question you have regarding Mance or his bodhráns,

and it just might make it onto this list. Thanks.

Open AllClose All

What kind of skins do you use and where do you get them?

We use premium quality goat skins. We do not disclose our source.

How long will a bodhrán last?

It all depends on the quality of the materials from which it was made, and also the care given to it. I know of drums still being used that I had made over 20+ years ago.

Why do your bodhrans cost so much?

Compared to some drums, it does look like my drums cost a lot. However if you look at it from the point of value, they are aptly priced considering the quality of the materials and the workmanship put into each drum. My bodhráns are not mass produced. They are pretty much individually crafted - each one having its own character and "voice." I was never in the business to be just a bodhrán maker, so I haven't had to cut corners to produce drums in great quantities in order to meet quotas. My focus is in producing an instrument I'd use in performance.

What do you look for in a bodhrán?

I'm looking for warmth in the tone. A good rebound (the reaction to when the tipper strikes the skin) is very important. I like a goat skin that's "like butter." i.e. very smooth to the touch., that's nicely conditioned so that the skin is nice and pliable. I'm also looking for a good fit, i.e. the relation of the bodhrán to my body. I don't want to be contorted around the drum, nor do I want one so large that I'm constantly reaching.

What do you mean by, "processed" or "raw" goatskin?

The skins differ in the regimen each go through in the cleaning process to rid the skins of fat and hair and prepare them to be usable on a drum. The "processed" go through a more aggressive regimen which includes bleaching, so the skins have a "cleaner" look, while the "raw" do not and maintain a more "rustic" look. Both should still be "conditioned" from time to time to maintain the skins pliability.

What's better, "processed" or "raw" goatskin?

So long as the skins are of a high quality, it depends on what you're looking for. I use both "raw" and "processed." I've favored my raw skins because I loved how quickly they break in and the warmth of the tone. Lately, I've been playing a processed skin that's on a little 12" bodhran which I made and have been really liking the articulation I've been getting as well as pleasantly surprised by the lowness of its tones, especially for its size as smaller drums usually have higher range of tones! So basically, it all goes to personal taste. If you can try out drums with each type of skin, go for it. That'll help you make an educated decision.

Thanks, I hope you found this helpful.

/td>

©2009 Robert "Mance" Grady. All rights reserved.
Web Site designed by Grady Design