FD14IBO 14"x6" Irish Bodhran : Good first instrument

I wanted to start playing the bodhran but didn't know if I would end up liking it, so I didn't want to spend too much on it. I also know that if you have a very bad quality instrument, there is not much you can do about its use and sound and, as a beginner, it can make you quit pretty easily. This revealed to be a happy middle.

I was afraid that the sound would be too high pitched with a 14'' frame, but it actually sounds deep enough for me and the people I play with, to everyone's surprise. The size is perfect for my arms (I am a 1m67 tall woman) and it is quite light and easy to carry.

I really like the fact that it is tunable, which helps a lot when you need to play in an ensemble. The skin was really tense when I received mine (it seemed to be tuned like a regular drum), so don't hesitate to loosen the screws until you hear that your tonal hand placement actually makes a sound difference.

In conclusion:

- very good for beginners;

- nice sound;

- don't hesitate to loosen the skin.