While a few players strike the bodhran with their fingers most prefer to use a "beater" or "tipper". There seems to be one consistency in the shape of the beater: it is a stick, which is narrower in the middle than the ends. Here the builder must yield to the dogma of the musician, there seems to be no agreement among players as to what’s the best design.

The photo shows several designs I have made. Notice the asymmetric one on the right. They are very popular. The heavy side (at the top of this photo) facilitates embellishments to the main rhythm produced by the shorter end. The craftsman must consider the beater to be a truly a tailor made item!

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Main Bodhran Page

Constructing the Rim

Attaching the Goatskin Head

The Crosspieces