Malachy Kearns, better
known as Malachy Bodhrán amongst folk musicians produces bodhráns
from his workshop situated on an old Franciscan Monastery in Roundstone,
on the west coast of Ireland. It is from here he works at the
craft of making Ireland's oldest product the Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn).
It is an 16" one sided drum made from Goatskin treated by a traditional
process.
Goatskin has unique stretch
properties. The Irish word 'Bodhar' means deaf or haunting.
The Bodhrán began as a skin tray used for drawing turf
(peat) on the bogs.It stirs the spirit when played
with the "tipper" or beater hitting the skin in a racing style
while a hand presses the back of the skin to vary the tone
Malachy, and his wife Anne the artist, who also reads
heraldry, are respected as fine Bodhrán makers for 19 years. Most of the
professional folk Musicians world wide use their Bodhráns as they are the
only full time makers in the world.
The skins are treated in hydrated lime mixed
with ingredients that are the closely guarded secret of every
Bodhrán Maker. They are soaked for 7-10 days in a solution of
lime sulphide which softens the skin, de-hairs it and dissolves
the fatty tissue. Sometimes the skin is buried in manure. It is
finally stretched under tension onto a Birch frame. It is also
glued on - this is important for Bodhráns being sent abroad. It
thus cannot "rip off" at the tack - traditionally the weakest
part of the Bodhrán - when exposed to excess heat. The skin is
stretched tight when new to give room for residual stretch.
In the hands of a skilled player the Bodhrán can be
a subtle and exciting instrument - striking the skin in a variety of ways,
one hand tucked in behind the skin, pressing and moving to vary the colour
and intensity of the sound. The side of the beater is also used to good
effect on the wooden rim. Genuine Goatskin is a natural 'live' material,
expands and contracts slightly with changing temperatures, it has an infinite
variety of subtle 'veining' and it's rich lustre becomes more beautiful
with age.
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