Irish music enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Malachy Kearns at Roundstone Music. A skilled bodhrán maker, “Malachy Bodhrán” is always happy to have a chat about this instrument, which is often found in traditional Irish music sessions and a visit to his workshop gives a great insight into how the instrument is made.
Malachy explains that he only uses skins from goats that are at least 3 years old to make his bodhráns as this is stronger and gives the natural deep haunting sound to the instrument. It is all about the skin and the skill of the musician, he says. He does not use any harsh chemicals to de-hair the skin which helps protect the natural fibre of the skin.
The rims of the bodhráns are made from solid beech or fine birch ply. Tunable bodhráns are made the same way with the addition of a simple inner sliding rim which pressures the skin and effectively tunes the bodhrán. While the rim is important, it is the quality of the skin which makes all the difference.
Roundstone Music more than a bodhrán workshop.
While the making of bodhráns is the main focus of Roundstone Music, there are other instruments, CDs and Music books on sale too. There is also a large craft and gift shop showcasing Irish crafts and fashion for you to browse around. A small folk museum and coffee shop is also on site, so take your coffee and sit outside admiring the wonderful scenery around the picturesque village of Roundstone.
For more information visit the Roundstone Music and Crafts website