http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Trophy-14-and-18-Bodhran-Set?sku=445002

seems like a nice price and has some decent reviews.. not looking to spend too much more than 75$...

Can anyone suggest one? Thanks!

Yikes...two drums for $49??

I would stay away from that...you get what you pay for -- I believe that more every day I live.

I'm brand new to the bodhran as well, and after many weeks of research and thought, I bought in to the idea that getting a good instrument at the beginning is a wise decision. A $75 is going to sound like junk, and it may cause you to give it up prematurely.

There are intermediate level drums out there that are very nice, but you will definitely pay more than $75. I purchased a Quinlan Pro model, and I'm SUPREMELY happy with the decision to do so.

-- ryan

trophy bodhrans are for hanging on your wall not for playing.

If cost is an issue, I still think the Mid East Manufacturing bodhrans are decent for 60-80$

I've played a handful of these drums, and I thought the 16x7 was decent for $70 or bucks.

Don't be fooled though as I've been in stores and seen these same drums selling for $200..... they aren't worth more then $80 USD!

Amazon has some decent prices on 14 and 16 tuneable drums.

Amazon

Amazon

Ebay usually has even better prices for a BUY IT NOW on the same models
ebay

ebay

or Mid-east.com
MID-east.com

If you want to spend more (between $200 and $300) consider www.qdrums Intermediate line www.dariusbartlett.com entry line www.bodhranmaker.de lite line

-kip

I agree with the others that the ones at Musician Friend are good for wall decorations. The cross bars are so close to the skin that you can't get your hand under it. It aslo so close that it very hard to cut them out without damaging the skin.

In the $200-$300 range you can also check out
http://www.bodhran.nl/site/index/bodhrans

If you find that bodhran isn't what you want; then, you should be able to recover most of your investment selling a Brendan White on E-Bay.

Enjoy Your Music
Lee

Wonder whether there is much consistency in less than premium instruments. If not must be hard to buy without trying in person.
I see this UK retailer has made an effort by providing sound samples but wonder how useful they are :
http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/cartbodh.htm
Any thoughts?

normjackson wrote:

QUOTE:
Wonder whether there is much consistency in less than premium instruments. If not must be hard to buy without trying in person.
I see this UK retailer has made an effort by providing sound samples but wonder how useful they are :

http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/cartbodh.htm
Any thoughts?

My guess is that the drums listed as "made in Pakistan" are exactly the same drums I listed that appear on Amazon.com, Ebay and Mid-east.com

There do look to be other drums from Belgarth and Mog (Renegade Rhythms), neither of which i have any experience with.

Number 1 -- if the drum is NOT tuneable....stay away from it

contact the seller and ask them questions about the drums. see if the drums they are selling are available elsewhere for less money, and if so , see if they will match the lower price for you.

If you need to stay under between $50-$80 USD.. for a decent drum, I still think the Mid-east.com drums are ok as long as you can get one within that price range.

Can always check ebay to see of professional drums are being sold. An Albert Alfonso drum just sold for $271 USD and they go new for $450 or so.