On an old Franciscan Monastery in Roundstone, developed by the Industrial
Development Authority , Malachy Kearns, better known as Malachy Bodhrán
amongst folk musicians, works at his craft of making Ireland's oldest
product the Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn). It is an 18" 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 is respected as a fine Bodhrán
makers for 25 years.Most of the professional folk Musicians world
wide use our Bodhráns we 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.