Make your own Bodhrán - D.I.Y. Bodhrán Kit Reviews

5 Rating 51 Reviews

Make Your Own Bodhrán - D.I.Y. Bodhrán Kit
Can there be anything more satisfying than crafting your own instrument?
It's a creative process that can only bring increased playing satisfaction knowing that you've made it with your own two hands.
We want you to enjoy that process that we've been very lucky to be a part of for so long so we've put together everything you need to make your very own bodhrán.
Presenting the McNeela bodhrán making kit ...
The pack includes:
1 x 16" (depth approx. 4") plywood rim - unstained and unvarnished.
Cross bar
1 x 20" top quality goatskin.
1 x beater.
Webbing 56" long.
12 studs.
Elastic band.
Written Instruction Sheet.
You can see detailed video instructions with Paraic himself by clicking here
We also highly recommend adding to cart our new bodhrán cream, DrumDiddly, as a luxurious finishing touch for the goatskin. This cream contains beeswax and lanolin and guarantees to deepen the bass tone on the bodhrán and extend the life of the skin.
Any questions? Contact Us

ESTIMATED SHIPPING TIMES:
IRELAND (Next Day)
UK (5 - 7 days)
EUROPE (7 days)
USA and CANADA (7 - 10 days)
REST OF WORLD (10 - 14 days)

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Phone:

18322432

Location:

Unit 137 Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Baldoyle,
Unit 137 Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Baldoyle
Dublin
D13 X958

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“This was a great way to get started with the bodhrán. All I needed was a little sandpaper, wood glue, and stain to finish the frame, and it all came together really nicely in a short time with help from the included instructions and the video. Though it's not a tunable drum, the skin came out with a nice even tone all around and is very playable. The included tipper is also really nicely finished and gives a good deep clean sound. If I had one wish for this kit, it might be that the cross bar had been unfinished too--mine came well finished in a good matte black, but it would be nice to have the option to choose how to finish it. That said, I removed it after a little while anyhow to have an easier range of motion for the left hand. Great kit, and I appreciate the wealth of information openly available from the McNeela shop on all manner of musical topics.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

“Thank You I am happy to receive it, everything is as promised, I will soon start to make it.. All the best! Jēkabs from Latvia”

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Posted 2 years ago

“I was a bit worried that I would end up with a horrid pile of unplayable junk when I looked at the kit and what I wanted the finished product to look like, but was I ever wrong! Watch the build videos carefully and make sure that you watch what he is doing, even more than listening to what he says. He is a professional, and it does go a bit easier for him than it will for you, but push on! I have no idea what kind of glue he uses, because there seems to be no such animal in the US, but TightBond3 worked fantastic. I don't like to beat my own drum, but I think my kit turned out exceptionally well. Now if only there was a deep rim tunable kit available...”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Wow Derek! This has to be the best bodhrán I have seen made from our D.I.Y Bodhrán Kit.

Posted 3 years ago

“Staples holding the brace were pulled free slightly but excellent customer service to address that and easily remedied, if you’re already in the mood for DIY. Suggested an improved elastic strap for future orders. Great video tutorial and the project came out great, I am loving learning on my HAND-CRAFTED bodhran!!”

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Posted 3 years ago

Great job on your new bodhrán, Chris. It will sound even sweeter since you crafted it yourself. Glad we could help you out with the brace issue.

Posted 3 years ago

“The drum kit is nicely made and the skin looks nice. The instructions were missing from the box, but the "Make Your Own Bodhran" video if you watch it from the McNeel Music site (but not on YouTube), has some brief instructions in the video comments. That video was very helpful. However my first attempt at attaching the skin with the provided thin rubber tubing failed because it was small and round in shape and would just roll off the top. I then tried using about 30 clamps to help hold the skin and tubing in place, but the skin had many wrinkles that I couldn't get rid of. I finally removed all the clamps and the skin and cleaned everything up for a different day. In the meantime I order a 1/2 inch wide 15-35 lbs exercise Band from Amazon that arrived one day later. I cut that 41 inch long band in half and made two tight bands to fit over the drum and pulled the first band low on the side below the rim. I then added glue to the unfinished edge of the drum, folded the damp skin in half over the center of the drum and then unfolded it to be centered over the drum. I then pulled the long sides of the leather down and gradually moved the exercise band up evenly going back and forth from opposite sides. I was able to remove all the the wrinkles from the leather with the exception of where the knot tied the two ends of the rubber together. I used the other band over that area to apply more pressure to get a smooth finish. I then used scissors to cut the excess leather off while it was still damp and soft and easy to cut. I will probably use a box cutter to cut any remaining unneeded skin after it dries. BTW- I used Titetbond III glue for gluing the skin because I couldn't find the listed (Blue Bostik) glue in the U.S.A. I had previously stained and varnished the rest of the drum red leaving a bare wood edge to glue the leather to. I think I will enjoy this drum very much. I wish there was an option to buy an inner wood ring with internal tuners to make this kit into a tunable drum. Hopefully McNeel will offer that option in the near future. I would like to try making this kit drum again. :-)”

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Posted 3 years ago

Thank you for your detailed review, Paul, your comments will no doubt help other customers make an informed decision. We're delighted you've enjoyed crafting your very own bodhrán. We note your comment about an inner rim for future-tuning it and will add it to Paraic's list!

Posted 3 years ago

“Team was very responsive and helpful!”

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Posted 3 years ago

Hi Chris, thanks for the review - we aim to please!

Posted 3 years ago

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Posted 3 years ago

“I really enjoyed making the Bodhran. I had to get an elastic to stretch the skin. It turned out well and plays well. I am looking forward to next session to play it during a session. I would definitely recommend the kit. Thanks”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 3 years ago

Hi Oliver, thanks for leaving us a review - your feedback is greatly appreciated. We're delighted to hear that your new bodhrán plays well. Good luck at the next session!

Posted 3 years ago