Frequently Asked Question's

Q1) Should I loosen the skin after use?

Don't bother because you could loose the tuning, unless it's going to get dangerously hot
and dry when being stored.

Q2) Is there a recommended system for tighening and loosening?

Firstly, pick a starting point and name it "1". Ideally tighten or loosen diagonally so as
not to loose the tuning, using the following system: 1+5, 3+7, 2+6, 4+8.

However it may be very easy to get confused using this method. If you find this method confusing, simply use this system: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 - turning each adjuster exactly the same amount.

Q3) Is it neccessary to slacken the skin at the end of a night's playing?

Not in normal conditions. However, if the skin is left somewhere very hot and dry this may
burst the skin. In this case, slacken each screw exactly the same amount.

Q4) My bodhrán has lost it's tone. What can I do?

Give it a good wetting and allow it to dry over 8 hours. Avoid playing it whilst damp.
If you use soap, the skin is more susceptible to damp - it will slacken quicker in damp conditions.

Q5) My skin has a small quarter inch rip or small pin hole. What should I do?

Simply use a bit of broad Sellotape on the back of the skin. This will hold it until a more
permanent repair can be made.

Q6) Should I use wax or fat or oils to treat the skin?

No. The skins I use have a lot of oil retained because of how they are cured. So they do
not need any treatment. Adding waxes dulls the sound, especially the high pitched sounds.
If however your taste is for this, feel free. Many makers use waxes, saddle soap, neats foot
oil and lanolin hand creams and find it works for them. I prefer the sharper cleaner sounds.

Q7) I was told that Guinness poured onto the skin helps the tone?

"Drink" the Guinness!!! -You'll find it helps the tone if you "drink" enough of it.

Q8) What sizes of bodhráns do you make?

The only size of bodhráns I currently make are fifteen and a half inches in diameter.

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