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I'm actually going to go against the grain here and say that you should avoid one with a cross-brace even for a beginner (though absolutely go for a tunable with a synthetic head). No reason to develop bad habits or dependencies, and playing without a brace isn't really any harder to learn.

One of my past bandmates played one of these for quite a bit while he saved for his Alfonso, and loved it (he called it his 'black sheep'). It's got a much bass-ier sound than you'll find from most (not bad on the surface, but something to know), and was pretty fun to play. I don't play bodhran often, but I'm considering getting one of these for myself - it's a decent intermediate instrument with a beginner-level cost.

I've also heard folks say some nice things about the Meinl ones available on Amazon, though I haven't gotten to play one myself.

And, as mentioned elsewhere, Albert Alfonso and Metloef are widely considered to be excellent drums. If your SO is already a practiced bodhranista, one of these makers may be a good bet.

Outside of those recommendations, my thoughts:

• Size (diameter) isn't what matters. I've got a 18" (or so) diameter bodhran, and it doesn't sound any better or louder than the 14" diameter drums I linked above (actually, the smaller but deeper ones sound nicer to me, in addition to being of better construction)
  
• Tipper use will vary with playing style. Most bodhrans come with a stock tipper that works well for basic styles, but might actually encourage bad habits, ergonomically-speaking. This one's going to be hugely personal to the player, though, so it may be best to hold off on buying a ton of tippers until your SO has a chance to get a feel for it (if they're a beginner - if they're not, they probably already have a larger collection of tippers than underpants - the things breed like crazy once you get started).

Suzuki??? I recommend you learn how to read music a more traditional way. Suzuki method will only teach you what the teacher teaches you.


Musical literacy is the ability to pick up music and read it with no help, just like regular literacy. It takes time to develop, just like regular literacy. Suzuki method is generally for those who cannot understand the notated music, or do not care to practice reading it.



First you need to learn how to read music. Then you can just buy a book of traditional Irish songs (this is the one I got on Amazon) and get to work. The Irish Songbook (Vocal Songbooks): 75 Songs (Songs collected , adapted and have been sung by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem ; The Irish Echo) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825602378/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5aa5Bb1ZZC1S7

Honestly it's just a puzzle until you figure it out. In the meantime, there's nothing stopping you from playing a song over and over again and playing along with it. It just takes time.

Hi! Not sure if it's the best or not but I have this one (Acoustic Masterclass: Celtic Guitar Solos (Book & CD) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0739040618/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MGjPBbCZ9Q07X) and can co firm it's got some lovely arrangements of tunes. Lots in DADGAD and a few in some other interesting tunings too.

This is what I personally have, I don't know that it's the best book or anything, but I like it and found it very helpful https://www.amazon.com/dp/0946005931/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_N1rPBbGHXNVMT

You're new to playing it, yeah? In which case, get what I list or other reputable brands (which I also list) in the same price range. If you really get into it, you can look at more expensive super-deluxe models later.

Just get a Clarke D whistle, they're @$10-15
https://www.amazon.com/Clarke-CWD-Celtic-Tin-Whistle/dp/B0002I8Y6W

Clarke's what I play on, they play fine. Any D whistle made by a reputable manufacturer (Generation, Feadog, etc) will do, though. Some play a bit easier than others though and you may find you have a preference.

Get the Clarke book too @$15
https://www.amazon.com/Clarke-Tin-Whistle-Deluxe-Book/dp/0962345679

There's also the Geraldine Cotter books and a few others which are quite good, but if it's just the one, I'd just get the Clarke, it's fine.

Flynn Cohen just started a course at Peghead Nation.

https://pegheadnation.com/string-school/courses/irish-backup-guitar/

He's a monster player and a great guy to boot.

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You might also be interested in Chris Smith's book.

https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Backup-Instrumentalists-Chris-Smith/dp/0786688742/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T63DBASFJBA3FYV8D1X1

I had a dixon flute. I found it had more stretch on the left hand ring finger than any of the others i had tried. Got myself a Casey Burns folk flute which i prefer. For info on fingering and playing, i'd recommend finding a copy of Grey Larsons essential guide. https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Irish-Flute-Whistle/dp/0786686839/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549494930&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Grey+larsen&dpPl=1&dpID=51admGBI54L&ref=plSrch

I just saw them in Beacon, thanks to this post. Incredible players.

When I was first getting into ITM I learned a lot from John Doyle's DVD Irish Rhythm Guitar: Accompanying Celtic Tunes so it was especially cool too finally see him live for the first time.

Wooden Flute Obsession is my first recommendation. It will give you 2 CDs of a wide range of styles. Enough to get you exposed to so many artists.

One of my favorites is Kevin Crawford he's worth a listen to.

Is this on an album anywhere? I love this version.

EDIT: I think I found it: http://www.amazon.com/Live-Wizardry-Silly-Wizard/dp/B000005CSA
Doesn't seem to be on my streaming service. :(