Which bodhrán skin should I choose?

Lambeg vs Vellum Goat Skin

Hand produced in Northern Ireland for the famous Lambeg drums, Lambeg skins were first adapted for use on the bodhrán by the legendary maker, Seamus O’Kane. These skins produce a strong clear tone, with an exceptionally resonant high end. Lambeg skin is the perfect choice for bodhrán players who favour a more melodic style of playing. They do however also offer a rich, resonant bass and plenty of volume – making them perfect for session playing.

Vellum is the art of producing paper from skin – many ancient Irish manuscripts, including the famous Book of Kells, are written on Vellum. Vellum skins offer a warm mid range while producing deep, dark, rich bass notes. They also allow for excellent sustain. Vellum skin is typically quieter and slightly more subtle than Lambeg skin.

Whether Lambeg or Vellum, each skin that we use here in McNeela is hand-selected for quality, responsiveness and sustain. This is a natural sustainable product and each skin will be unique to your bodhrán, waiting for you to explore its characteristic sound.

Single vs Double skin

Single skins provide a vast number of overtones, a bright sound, and maximum sustain.
Double skins deliver fewer overtones and have a deeper, more controlled sound.