Bodhrans

13-Inch Bodhrán Drum

13-Inch Bodhrán Drum

Looking for a 13-inch bodhrán with the craftsmanship of a professionally built Irish frame drum? Bridget Drums handcrafts each bodhrán in Canada with careful attention to shell construction, drumhead, tuning, balance, and playing comfort. A 13-inch bodhrán offers the smallest diameter in our current range, making it an excellent option for players who prefer a more compact drum. You can choose from different depths and customize important features to create an instrument that suits your playing style. Shop 13-inch bodhrán and request a custom build today.

Handmade 13-Inch Bodhrán Built for Players

Every Bridget bodhrán is individually crafted rather than treated as a mass-produced instrument. The drum is built around carefully selected materials and practical design choices that affect durability, tuning, responsiveness, and comfort. The 13-inch diameter provides a compact playing surface while still giving you the characteristics of a traditional Irish bodhrán. If you want a smaller frame without giving up the ability to customize your instrument, this size gives you a flexible starting point.

Choose Your 13-Inch Bodhrán Depth

Our 13-inch bodhráns are available in:
  • 13″ x 4″
  • 13″ x 5″
  • 13″ x 6″
The available depth gives you another way to configure the drum around your preferences. If you are unsure which depth or configuration to choose, contact Bridget Drums before ordering.

Quality Construction From Shell to Drumhead

The shell is one of the most important parts of a bodhrán. Bridget Drums uses veneered shell construction for strength and stability, with wood grains arranged in alternating directions to help reduce the risk of warping. You can also choose between natural goat skin and chemically treated goat skin. Natural skin offers a traditional option with a longer break-in period, while chemically treated skin is softer, more resistant to humidity, and designed to deliver a warm sound from the start. The drum also features a rounded bearing edge, which helps protect the drumhead and contributes to the warm tonal character Bridget Drums aims for.

Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Tuning System

A quality tuning system gives you greater control over your instrument. Bridget Drums uses aircraft-grade aluminum because it provides strength while keeping the tuning system lightweight. The drums are available with CAM tuners, a tuning system unique to Bridget Bodhráns, according to the manufacturer.

Customize Your 13-Inch Bodhrán

Depending on your requirements, you can choose from options including:
  • Drum depth
  • Shell and veneer options
  • Natural or chemically treated goat skin
  • Head colour
  • Stability bar configuration
  • Tuning lugs
  • Banding
  • Other custom details
The goal is to create a bodhrán that works with the individual player rather than forcing every musician into the same configuration.

Who Should Choose a 13-Inch Bodhrán?

A 13-inch bodhrán can be a good choice if you:
  • Prefer a compact drum
  • Want a smaller playing surface
  • Value portability and handling
  • Have specific size or comfort requirements
  • Want a custom handmade bodhrán
  • Prefer to work directly with a skilled drum builder
If you are deciding between 13 inches and a larger diameter, consider your preferred playing position, arm span, sound requirements, and how much playing surface you want.

13-Inch Bodhrán Specifications

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Diameter 13 inches
Available depths 4″, 5″, and 6″
Drumhead Natural or chemically treated goat skin
Tuning Aircraft-grade aluminum tuning system
Tuning system CAM tuners available
Shell Veneered construction
Bearing edge Rounded
Construction Mad in Canada
Shipping Worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions

A 13-inch bodhrán is the smallest diameter currently offered by Bridget Drums. It can suit players who prefer a compact instrument or have specific comfort requirements.

Bridget Drums offers the 13-inch bodhrán in 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch depths.

Yes. Bridget Drums offers several customization options, including shell, drumhead, colour, tuning, stability bar, and other configuration choices.

The right size depends on your comfort, playing style, preferred sound, and physical requirements. Larger drums generally offer a larger sound, while a smaller drum can provide a more compact playing experience.

Yes. Bridget Drums specializes in handmade bodhráns crafted in Canada, with the company tracing its origins to 1996. Ready to order your 13-inch bodhrán? Contact Bridget Drums to discuss your preferred configuration and request a quote.

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