Drums
Combining a synthetic drum head with a solid spun aluminium shell has given the classic bodhrán a whole new vocabulary of tones, full of attack and varied expression. The BODdrum can perform well beyond the traditional folk music sound, anywhere your imagination can take you.
Beaters
We designed the BODBeater to really play up to the unique sound range of the BODdrum, but we have gone on to design more beaters we feel meet gaps in the market for bodhrán players, all available exclusively from BOD.
John Blackwell
As a drummer for folk bands, ceilidh bands and Morris sides, I was often frustrated that my traditional bodhráns were losing tune according to the weather. Being an engineer, I set out to find a solution and Blackwell Original Drums (BOD) was born.
We created the BODdrum, our first product, in the form of a traditional bodhrán but with a metal shell and synthetic drum skin, which holds its tune in the best and worst of English weather, indoors and out.
But more importantly, we found we had created a new sound for the bodhrán – bright, loud and full of attack, expanding the repertoire of voices and moods for the bodhrán player.
Renowned drummer Cormac Byrne was so intrigued and enthusiastic we collaborated to create a model adjusted to his own preferences for build, finish, skin, and essential accessories, which Cormac calls the “Talking Bodhrán”.
For Cormac, as for many other professional and amateur players, BODdrums now sit alongside their traditional wooden bodhráns in their instrumental line up, opening up new sound worlds from the essentially familiar format of the bodhrán.
We now produce a range of bodhráns including the Talking Bodhrán, and are developing new beaters and percussion instruments.
We sell BODdrums, the Talking Bodhrán and a range of beaters and accessories here on line, at music festivals, and from our workshop in Cambridgeshire. We are always delighted to meet up and let you try our drums before buying, so you can hear for yourself their fabulous range and explore the musical possibilities.
BODdrums on the Blog
Sneak Peek: The BODdrum Deep
The news is out – the BODdrum Deep is coming soon!
How to Do a BOD Udu
John shows you what to do with your BOD Udu.
The BOD Udu Has Arrived!
What will Yu Du with a new BOD Udu? After three prototypes and fantastic feedback at the festivals, the BOD Udu is now available.
BODdrum Uniques On Sale
BODdrums’ two 14 inch Uniques are now on sale. Make a statement, both visually and aurally, with these fabulous drums.
Catherine Shaw with a BODGrass in the Dining Room
Listen to a lovely folk song accompanied by the BODDrum and BODGrass beater.
Introducing the BODGrass Beater
We are delighted to launch another new beater as part of the BOD exclusive collection: the BODGrass, a hot rod style beater made of seagrass blades. If you love swishiness, this is for you.
Introducing BODBright and BODBass
BOD is pleased to announce the launch of two new beaters, the BODBright and BODBass. These have been made by Stevie Moises to our own designs, and are only available here at BOD.
Price Increases
Extraordinary increases in costs of materials, transport and more the past two years means BOD will have to increase many prices on March 14th.
BOD Drum Kits
BOD now offer a special kit, featuring the classic 14 inch BODdrum with centre spot edge control head, our exclusive BOD Beater and a Protection Racket case, at a very attractive package price.