Handmade 18-Inch Bodhrán
The 18-inch bodhrán is one of the larger drums in the Bridget Drums range. The manufacturer notes that larger drum diameters generally produce a bigger sound, making size an important consideration when choosing an instrument.
An 18-inch drum also provides a generous playing surface. However, the right size ultimately depends on your physical comfort, arm span, playing position, and the sound you want from your bodhrán.
18-Inch Bodhrán Depth Options
Choose from:
- 18″ x 4″
- 18″ x 5″
- 18″ x 6″
These depth options give you additional flexibility when configuring the drum.
Built for Sound, Stability and Playability
Bridget Drums uses
veneered shell construction to create a strong and stable frame. The alternating grain structure helps reduce the risk of warping and supports the long-term stability of the instrument.
You can select either natural or chemically treated goat skin for the drumhead.
Natural goat skin offers a traditional playing experience and develops its tone through a longer break-in period. Chemically treated skin offers greater humidity resistance, increased tear resistance, and a warmer sound from the beginning.
Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Tuning
The 18-inch bodhrán uses the same focus on reliable tuning found across the Bridget Drums range.
The tuning system is made from
aircraft-grade aluminum, combining strength with low weight.
CAM tuners are also available and are described by Bridget Drums as unique to its instruments.
Rounded Bearing Edge
Bridget Drums uses a rounded bearing edge where the drumhead meets the shell.
Compared with a sharper chamfered edge, the rounded design is gentler on the head and contributes to the warm tonal character of the instrument.
Customize Your 18-Inch Bodhrán
Depending on your requirements, you can configure your drum with:
- 4″, 5″, or 6″ depth
- Natural or chemically treated goat skin
- Different shell and veneer options
- Head colour
- CAM tuners
- Stability bar options
- Tuning lug choices
- Banding
- Other custom details
If you want the larger sound of an 18-inch drum but have concerns about physical reach or comfort, Bridget Drums also offers an
arm cutout option on 6-inch-deep drums, allowing some players to use a larger drum more comfortably.
Is an 18-Inch Bodhrán Right for You?
Consider an 18-inch bodhrán if you want:
- A large playing surface
- A larger-diameter traditional Irish drum
- A strong low-end presence
- Multiple depth options
- A handmade instrument
- Custom configuration
- A professional tunable bodhrán
The larger diameter is not automatically better for every player. Make comfort and playing position part of your decision.
18-Inch Bodhrán Specifications
| Diameter |
18 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 |
| Arm cutout |
Available on 6″ depth |
| Construction |
Made in Canada |
| Shipping |
Worldwide |
