Meinl Percussion 14ft Frame Drum Irish Bodhran - Extra Deep Shell

In this review the Meinl Percussion 14' Frame Drum Irish Bodhran is assessed for players who want an authentic, warm-bodied folk drum with contemporary playability. The bottom line: it is an excellent beginner-to-intermediate instrument that delivers a rich, full low end thanks to its extra deep hardwood shell and hand-selected goat skin head, while the removed cross bar and dampening ring let players work pitch and overtones in modern styles as well as traditional Celtic music.

Key Features

• Extra deep hardwood shell: the 14' x 6' shell produces a full low end and greater resonance ideal for open, projected tones.
• Goat skin head: the natural head gives a warm, bold sound with short attack that suits traditional Celtic playing and contemporary styles.
• Dampening ring: the rim-mounted dampening layer reduces unwanted overtones for a rounder, more controlled tone.
• Cross bar removed: without the traditional brace the hands have freedom to apply direct pressure and execute pitch-bending techniques.
• Tunable head: the head can be tuned with the provided Allen wrench so the pitch and feel can be adjusted to preference.

Who It's For

The Meinl 14' Irish Bodhran is best for beginners and intermediate players seeking a playable, well-built instrument that sounds good without expensive upgrades; its craftsmanship and tuning mechanism make it a solid choice for home practice, sessions, and small gigs. Players who favor traditional Celtic folk tone but want to explore contemporary textures will appreciate the combination of a warm goat skin head and the removed cross bar.

More advanced bodhran specialists who need a wider range of advanced hardware options or custom shells may look elsewhere, but those buyers should still consider this model as a reliable, value-oriented secondary instrument.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, full sound from the extra deep shell and hand-selected goat skin head.
• Reduced overtones and a rounded tone thanks to the dampening ring around the rim.
• Cross bar removed to allow direct hand pressure for contemporary pitch bending.
• Good build quality and tuning mechanism that customers praise for ease of use.

Cons

• Natural goat skin heads can be sensitive to humidity and may need periodic tuning or care.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Meinl 14' Irish Bodhran is a thoughtfully designed, well-made instrument that balances traditional tone with modern playability. It offers warm, projected sound and useful features like a dampening ring and removed cross bar, making it a strong value for beginners and intermediate players who want authentic Celtic timbre and room to explore contemporary techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the head tunable?
Yes, the goat skin head is tunable using the included Allen wrench to adjust pitch and tension.

Does it reduce overtones?
Yes, the bodhran includes a dampening ring around the rim specifically to minimize overtones and create a rounded tone.

Is it suitable for modern playing techniques?
Yes, the cross bar has been removed so the hand can apply direct pressure for pitch bending and other contemporary techniques.