Bodhran
Roosebeck Tunable Bodhran, Rosewood 18" Cross-Bar
Roosebeck Tunable Bodhran, Rosewood 18" Cross-Bar
Ideal for: Beginners and intermediate players who want the deepest possible bodhran voice in a tunable frame
The full 18-inch rosewood bodhran with the deepest voice in our line.
The 18-inch rosewood bodhran is the largest tunable size we make, and the extra two inches of diameter compared to a 16-inch model translate into noticeably deeper, fuller low-end response. The solid rosewood frame adds density and warmth that complements the bigger air column inside the shell. Inside bolt tuning keeps the exterior clean while the fixed cross-bar gives beginners a stable, comfortable grip behind the head.
The Deepest Voice in the Bodhran Line
An 18-inch shell moves more air than a 16-inch shell, and that translates directly into a fuller, deeper low-end response. The solid rosewood frame is dense and resonant, adding warmth and sustain to the natural goatskin head's voice. This is the bodhran for players who want their drum to sit firmly in the bass register of an Irish session.
Solid Rosewood Frame, Clean Inside Tuning
The 18-by-3.5-inch shell is built from solid rosewood, with a fixed cross-bar inside the frame for grip support. Bolt tuning is mounted on the interior of the frame, completely hidden from view. From the outside, the drum reads as a clean, traditional bodhran without external tuning lugs to catch on clothing.
The fixed cross-bar is a beginner-friendly choice. It gives your non-dominant hand a stable grip without requiring the technique of free-hand back pressure. As you advance, you can rest your hand on the bar while still applying pressure to the head behind it.
Tuning the Larger Shell
Use the included tuning wrench to adjust the bolts inside the frame. On an 18-inch head, turn each bolt a small amount and work around the head in a star pattern. Larger heads need slightly more tension overall to reach a comparable playing pitch, so expect to make several passes. New goatskin stretches in over the first few weeks of regular play, so retune often early on.
Hold the drum against your chest, fret the back of the head with your non-dominant hand (or rest it on the cross-bar), and strike with the tipper held loosely between thumb and fingers. The 18-inch shell rewards a fuller stroke than a 14 or 16, so don't be afraid to commit to the strike.
Technical Specifications
| Diameter | 18 inches |
| Shell Depth | 3.5 inches |
| Frame Material | Solid rosewood |
| Head | Natural goatskin |
| Tuning System | Inside bolt tuning |
| Internal Bar | Fixed cross-bar |
| Origin | Handcrafted in Pakistan |
What's in the Box
Every 18-inch rosewood bodhran ships ready to tune and play.
Have questions about this instrument? Contact us or browse all Bodhrans.
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Tradition you can feel, craftsmanship you can hear.