Blackwell Original Drums

Drums Without Boundaries

The Talking Sound Bar

The Talking Sound Bar

by | Jan 10, 2018 | Cormac Byrne, Product News, Talking Bodhrán

Exciting news from BOD to start the new year: until now, Cormac Byrne’s Talking Bodhrán has only been available as a complete kit, comprised of the drum, a hybrid maple/walnut beater, the Sound Bar and a carrying case. For 2018, in addition to the complete kit, the...
The Talking Bodhrán

The Talking Bodhrán

by | Aug 15, 2017 | Bodhrán, Cormac Byrne, Talking Bodhrán

When we began designing the BODdrum, we showed Cormac Byrne, whom we knew from the folk music circuit and percussion workshops, an early prototype. He was so intrigued, we let him take it to have a play around. One day he was in a recording studio with Kafaya and his...
What is a BODdrum?

What is a BODdrum?

by | Aug 8, 2017 | BODdrum, Bodhrán

What is a BODdrum, and what does it sound like? We started with a traditional bodhrán size and shape, but made it of spun aluminium and fitted a synthetic snare or tom drum head. The sound is a revelation – very bright, loud and full of attack. This opens up a whole...
Bodhrán Workshop De-Brief

Bodhrán Workshop De-Brief

by | Jul 11, 2017 | Bodhrán, Workshop

We had a great time and very busy one at the Ely Folk Festival, running our Beginner’s Bodhrán workshop, catching various performances, Morris dancing with Coton Morris Men, and meeting up with collaborators and friends like Cormac Byrne, Evan Carson, Rowan...
At the Ely Folk Festival Saturday 8 July

At the Ely Folk Festival Saturday 8 July

by | Jul 5, 2017 | Events

John Blackwell, designer and founder of Blackwell Original Drums, will be at the Ely Folk Festival this weekend, with a Beginner’s Bodhrán workshop on Saturday. He will be attempting the impossible: to introduce attendees to the bodhrán in 50 minutes or less! As...