Bodhran

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$169.99 to $182.00

4.5 (3)

1 Review

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1 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

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4.5 (4)

$169.99

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4.5 (4)

$169.99

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4.5 (158)

$169.99

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4.0 (10)

$169.99

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4.5 (23)

$183.00 $182.00 $1.00 · All time low

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£171.50

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Bodhran". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your rhythmic journey with the Meinl Irish Bodhran, a masterful blend of tradition and innovation. Rooted in Celtic heritage, this hand drum is crafted from Rubber Wood (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.-Arg.) to ensure durability and superior acoustic quality. The hand-selected goatskin head promises a rich, warm tone, perfect for evoking the soul of traditional Irish music.

Designed for the modern musician, the Irish Bodhran features a deep shell construction that allows for full sound development, offering a resonant and immersive playing experience. The absence of a traditional cross brace provides greater freedom for hand pressure, opening up possibilities for contemporary pitch-bending techniques. A thoughtfully integrated tuning system ensures that you can effortlessly achieve the perfect pitch, while the damping ring around the frame minimizes unwanted overtones, delivering a cleaner, more focused sound.

Whether you're playing in a cozy pub or a bustling festival, the Meinl Irish Bodhran adapts effortlessly, making it the ideal companion for any percussionist looking to explore both classic and contemporary styles.

Key Features:

Size: 14" x 6"
Material: Rubber Wood (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.-Arg.)
Hand-selected goatskin head
Integrated tuning system
Damping ring around the frame eliminates unwanted overtones
Deep shell construction for full sound development
Includes Allen key for tuning adjustments

Product specs

Type	Irish Bodhran
Size	14" x 6"
Material	Siam Oak Shell, Goat Skin Head
Finish	Brown Burl

FAQs

What is the size and material of the MEINL Irish Bodhran?: The MEINL Irish Bodhran measures 14 inches in diameter and 6 inches in depth. It features a Siam Oak shell and a goatskin head, providing a traditional and authentic sound.
Is the MEINL Irish Bodhran suitable for beginners?: Yes, the MEINL Irish Bodhran is suitable for beginners. Its manageable size and traditional construction make it an excellent choice for those new to playing the bodhran.
What kind of sound can I expect from the MEINL Irish Bodhran?: The MEINL Irish Bodhran delivers a rich, warm tone typical of traditional Irish music, thanks to its goatskin head and deep shell design.
Does the MEINL Irish Bodhran come with a warranty?: Yes, the MEINL Irish Bodhran comes with a 2-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for your purchase.
How does the Siam Oak shell affect the sound of the MEINL Irish Bodhran?: The Siam Oak shell provides durability and enhances the resonance and projection of the bodhran, contributing to its full-bodied sound.

Videos

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Meinl Percussion - Official Product Videos

MEINL Percussion - Irish Bodhran - FD14IBO

Meinl Percussion - Official Product Videos

Reviews

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PROS

Produces a huge sound from a relatively small drum
Well suited for beginners and intermediate players
Tunable design allows easy tonal adjustments
Synthetic head provides a nice tone similar to traditional materials
Lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for long sessions
Velcro-secured Allen wrench is convenient and prevents loss
Good size for players with smaller arms
Offers a wide range of tonal variations
Sturdy build with a nice finish
Affordable for its quality and features

CONS

Smaller size may be challenging for those used to larger bodhrans
Tuning system could wear out over time without metal inserts
Initial sound may be tinny until the skin breaks in
Not ideal for traditional "triplet" playing style due to size constraints
Artificial wood body may not justify the price for some buyers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bodhran.

Features and functionality

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The Meinl 14" bodhran features a smaller 12" playing surface, which some beginners find challenging but beneficial for mastering tone changes.
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Roosebeck tuneable bodhrans are recommended for beginners seeking a deeper, resonant tone without the novelty aspects found in other budget brands.
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Removable crossbars can enhance tonal variety; Hedwitschak offers a model compatible with installation in some drums for flexible playing styles.
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Albert Alfonso drums provide a range of head thickness options, allowing players to tailor their instrument's responsiveness and tone to their preferences.
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Use cases and applications

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Meinl's bodhrans are noted for their versatility, being suitable for both home practice and live sessions across multiple cities.
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Beginners are advised to start with tunable drums within their budget to gauge interest before upgrading to advanced or custom models.
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Albert Alfonso bodhrans with thicker heads deliver robust playability, while "pre tympany" thin heads offer responsiveness for nuanced playing styles.
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Setup and maintenance

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In humid climates like Florida, it's advised to leave some slack when tightening the skin to accommodate for the skin drying out during play.
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Be sure to carry an Allen wrench for tuning drums that require it, as losing one could hinder tuning adjustments.
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Comparisons

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Meinl's modern 14" style is favored for tonal range over the 18" traditional style, which is more percussive and suited to "Kerry style" playing.
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A parent found the Roosebeck tuneable bodhran at around $90 a suitable choice for learning, as recommended by their child's teacher, highlighting its accessibility for beginners.
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Value and pricing

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Although priced higher, Finnegan Hill bodhrans are praised for their quality and custom designs, offering a richer sound for those willing to invest.
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McNeela's entry-level bodhran is highly recommended as a cost-effective starting point, with an option to upgrade to their performance tuneable model as skills progress.
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Build quality

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Some budget bodhrans may include cheaper fixings and lower quality skin, which can affect longevity and sound quality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Electrical tape around the edge of the skin can reduce overtones for a cleaner sound, offering a personalized tonal experience.
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User experience

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McNeela's cheapest non-tunable bodhran is preferred over cheaper tunable brands for beginners, offering better playability despite lacking tuning features.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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1 star

fiachra_gohery

124

over 10 years ago

score

this is my replacement drummer for my mtg unplugged leduh

Artist usage

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Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

Verified via Dailymotion

Played most notably on William Tell and Ommadawn.

Peter Hammill

Singer, Guitarist

Van der Graaf Generator

Verified via Muzines

"Well, all these are extracts rather than being finished pieces in themselves. Obviously I've tried to edit them down to being reasonably cohesive. Ritual Mask, I suppose, is quite funny in terms of cultural imperialism. I felt very ambivalent really, and I suppose that comes out in the song. But I did try to be as varied as possible in the instrumentation. The basic drum on it - the one that sounds absolutely massive - is actually a tiny Chinese drum. The massiveness is in fact courtesy of David Lord (engineer for Peter Gabriel amongst others) and the wonderful AMS. So that was the basic track, and I did two or three of those just to get a bit of range in them. Then the bottom end is actually a bodhran - the Irish hand-held drum. So I had these two - the Chinese and the Irish - and it emerged as something a little more African. So I was drawn towards that tribal thing really. When I started I was using that four-inch diameter drum and the rhythm was there but the total sound wasn't. The main melodic instrument on it is the kora which is Ghambian."

Caroline Corr

Singer, Drummer

The Corrs

Verified via The Senior

Caroline Corr is featured playing a bodhran, as highlighted in an article by The Senior titled "Not forgotten: The Corrs return to Australian shores."