FRED GRAHAM has 50 years of percussion experience in playing, teaching, and adjudicating competitions.  At the age of 14, he began playing the snare drum in the same Belfast accordion band as his father.  His love of percussion has found expression in many ways, including

• competing with Scottish Pipe bands in Ireland and here in Canada,
• playing in a Montreal Jazz band, Scots ceilidh band, and is currently percussionist with two traditional Quebec folk dance troupes,
• teaching bodhran, 
• making/refurbishing bodhrans, and
• touring and playing with "The Irish Rovers" band.

Bodhrans

Two sizes of bodhran are offered: 16-inch and 18-inch diameter. The skin is normally premier quality goatskin, but calfskin ( vellum) can be supplied on special order.

The shell is a poplar laminate of a 5/16-inch wall thickness, with a birch veneer outer surface. The inner surface is painted green, while the outer is stained golden oak.  Plus, the shell is re-inforced under the goatskin by another laminate ring.

All instruments have one fixed maple strut (½-inch thick  by 1½-inch wide), and it is stained to match the shell.  If required, a removable strut can be installed.

Each instrument is provided with a free-of-charge beater (cipin), made of maple or birch, weighing approximately 32 grams. Also provided free-of-charge, is an introductory lesson on some fundamental rudiments, and basic “care & attention” for the bodhran.

Please note that should a drum not be immediately available to satisfy your order, then production time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

Cipins

Cipins are available in various weights and a variety of exotic woods such as those listed below.

Custom woods and weights can be supplied upon request.

Bones & Cajons

Also available are wooden “bones,” and Cajons -- the percussion instrument of Peru.

Contact FRED@ardglen-bodhrans.com for prices and availability.