Best Bodhrans & Frame Drums of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Bodhrans and frame drums are two popular types of percussion instruments that have been used for centuries in traditional music from around the world. The bodhran is a traditional Irish drum that is played with a single stick or beater, and is often used in Celtic music. Frame drums, on the other hand, are a type of drum that are played by hand and have a circular frame with a stretched skin or membrane. They are commonly used in Middle Eastern and North African music, as well as in Native American and other indigenous cultures. Both bodhrans and frame drums are versatile and dynamic instruments that are perfect for adding rhythm and texture to any musical ensemble.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Trinity College TB-2 Bodhran Cover #TOP 1
Trinity College TB-2 Bodhran
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Meinl 14" Frame Drum Cover #TOP 2
Meinl 14" Frame Drum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Remo Fiberskyn 16" Frame Drum Cover #TOP 3
Remo Fiberskyn 16" Frame Drum
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bodhrans & Frame Drums

#TOP 1

Trinity College TB-2 Bodhran

Trinity College
TB-2
Dark Green Rim
Trinity College TB-2 Bodhran Cover
Trinity College TB-2 Irish Bodhran - Dark Green Rim

Trinity Bodhran is a traditional Irish drum by Trinity College. With its 18" wooden rim and twin crossbar support, it forms the essence of Irish folk music. The genuine white goatskin head, attached securely with tacks, delivers an authentic sound and appearance. Each Bodhran comes with a polished wood tipper, completing the set for you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Trinity Bodhran offers durability, authenticity, and quality, making it a perfect choice for your musical journey.

What We Like
Authentic Irish design
Durable construction
Includes wood tipper
#TOP 2

Meinl 14" Frame Drum

FD14IBO
FD14IBO
Meinl 14" Frame Drum Cover
Meinl Percussion 14" Frame Drum, Extra Deep Shell Irish Bodhran-NOT Made in China-Goat Skin Head, Brown Burl, 2-Year Warranty, FD14IBO

Meinl Frame Drum is a 14" Bodhran with an extra deep hardwood shell for a rich sound. It features a dampening ring for a rounded tone, no cross bar for pitch-bending techniques, and a goat skin head for warm, bold sounds. The drum is tunable, adding versatility for traditional Celtic music or modern styles.

What We Like
Rich sound quality
Allows pitch-bending techniques
Warm, bold tones
#TOP 3

Remo Fiberskyn 16" Frame Drum

HD-8516-00
ivory,black
16" Drum
Remo Fiberskyn 16" Frame Drum Cover
Remo Fiberskyn Frame Drum, 16"

The Remo Frame Drum is a versatile hand drum designed with an Acousticon frame that enhances durability and sound quality. Its Fiberskyn 3 head provides a warm and rich tone, making it perfect for various musical styles. Pre-tuned for your convenience, this drum ensures you can start playing right away without any extra setup. With a diameter of 16 inches and a depth of 2.5 inches, it offers a comfortable playing experience, allowing you to enjoy rhythm sessions for hours.

What We Like
Durable Acousticon frame
Rich tone from Fiberskyn head
Convenient pre-tuned setup
Comfortable size for playing
#TOP 4

1to1 Music Handmade Vegan Bodhran

1to1 Music
PLAIN-10-VEGAN-BD
Plain
1to1 Music Handmade Vegan Bodhran Cover
Handmade Dannan 10" Vegan Bodhran Hand Drum - Plain

The 1to1 Music Vegan Bodhran is crafted from 100% vegan materials, ensuring that it aligns with your ethical values. Its unique design, created by an in-house artist, adds a personal touch to your music experience. You will find it easy to play with the included wooden beater, allowing you to create rich, resonant sounds. Measuring 10 inches in diameter and 5 centimeters deep, this drum is compact and convenient for both beginners and seasoned musicians alike. Each drum is handmade, so you may notice delightful variations that make your instrument one-of-a-kind.

What We Like
Eco-friendly materials
Unique artistic design
Includes wooden beater
Compact size
Handmade uniqueness
#TOP 5

Roosebeck 16" Red Cedar Bodhran

SG_B01DWC3JTQ_US
Yellow
Roosebeck 16" Red Cedar Bodhran Cover
16" Red Cedar Bodhran Drum - T-bar

The Roosebeck Cedar Bodhran Drum features a 16-inch red cedar frame that is both lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for long playing sessions. Its inside tuning system keeps the look sleek while allowing for precise adjustments. You’ll appreciate the beautiful goat skin head, which produces a rich sound, enhancing your musical experience. Plus, the removable T-bar offers better control, giving you the freedom to play comfortably. With a delightful texture and striking color variations, this drum not only sounds great but also looks stunning.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to play
Sleek inside tuning design
Rich sound with goat skin
Removable T-bar for control
#TOP 6

Roosebeck Bodhran T-bar

BTN6RT
Brown,Black,beige
Roosebeck Bodhran T-bar Cover
Bodhran, 16"x3.5", Tune, Rosewood, T-bar

Roosebeck Tune Bodhran is a 16"x3.5" instrument crafted by skilled artisans worldwide. It is ideal for those who dream of being global musicians. This bodhran is constructed with genuine materials, ensuring authenticity in every beat you play. The beautiful design adds an aesthetic touch to your performances, making you stand out. The Tune Bodhran by Roosebeck is a perfect choice for aspiring musicians looking for quality and style in one instrument.

What We Like
Authentic materials
Beautiful design
Global musician's choice
#TOP 7

GMP 15" Traditional Frame Drum

GMP
FNR-15
Brown
Round
GMP 15" Traditional Frame Drum Cover
GMP Traditional Frame Drum/Bodhran with Handle, 15" Diameter | Natural Goatskin Head, Comes with Wood and Leather Mallet

The GMP Frame Drum is a 15-inch percussion instrument that appeals to musicians and cultural enthusiasts alike. Its handcrafted design features a strong wooden frame and natural goatskin head, providing an authentic sound that enhances your musical experience. You'll appreciate the secure grip offered by the durable sinew ties, making it easy to handle during performances. Plus, the included leather mallet allows you to effortlessly create captivating rhythms, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player. This drum is designed for everyone, making it a fantastic addition to your musical journey.

What We Like
Authentic sound quality
Handcrafted durability
Easy to play
Includes leather mallet
#TOP 8

Roosebeck 18" Bodhrán Drum

BTN8RB
brown
Roosebeck 18" Bodhrán Drum Cover
Roosebeck Tunable Sheesham Bodhrán Cross-Bar 18"x3.5", Black Goat Skin

The Roosebeck Bodhrán Drum features a sturdy double crossbar that enhances stability while you play. Its black goatskin head allows for interior tuning, giving you the ability to adjust the sound to your liking. Measuring 18 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches deep, this drum offers a rich, resonant tone suitable for various musical styles. The solid Sheesham frame ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced players. With the included tipper and tuning wrench, you have everything you need to get started right away.

What We Like
Durable solid frame
Adjustable tuning options
Stable double crossbar
Includes accessories
#TOP 9

Roosebeck BTN6BT Tunable Bodhran

BTN6BT
Black
-inch
Roosebeck BTN6BT Tunable Bodhran Cover
Roosebeck BTN6BT Inside Tunable Bodhran T-Bar, 16 x 3.5 Inches

The Roosebeck Tunable Bodhran is an excellent choice for anyone interested in playing Celtic and Irish music. Its 16 x 3.5-inch shell produces a deep, resonant sound that enhances your musical experience. The goatskin head and sturdy mulberry wood frame ensure durability, while the removable t-bar offers essential support for your hands and wrists during play. You can easily adjust the hidden tuning hardware to suit your playing style, allowing for a personalized touch. This bodhran comes ready to use, complete with a tipper and tuning wrench, so you can start playing right away.

What We Like
Deep, rich sound
Durable materials
Adjustable tuning
Hand support
Ready to play
#TOP 10

Mid-East 12" Frame Drum

Mid-East
FD12
Beige,White,Brown
12 Inch
Mid-East 12" Frame Drum Cover
Frame Drum, 12", with Beater

The Mid-East Frame Drum is a beautifully handcrafted percussion instrument that offers great value for your money. With a satisfaction guarantee and a 30-day return policy, you can purchase with confidence, knowing you can return it if you're not completely happy. Its quality craftsmanship ensures durability and a rich sound, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced drummers. This drum is versatile and can be used in various musical styles, enhancing your rhythm and adding depth to your performances.

What We Like
Handcrafted quality
Value for money
Satisfaction guarantee
Versatile for different styles
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a frame drum and a bodhrán?

The main difference between a frame drum and a bodhrán is that some frame drums feature snare wires that vibrate when struck, similar to a modern snare drum. On the other hand, the bodhrán does not typically have snare wires. Additionally, the bodhrán has a round shape with a single skin, while frame drums can come in various shapes, including round and square.

2. What are frame drums in the medieval Iberian peninsula?

In the medieval Iberian Peninsula, there were two types of handheld frame drums commonly used. One was a round frame drum with parchment stretched on one side of its shell. The other was a square-shaped frame drum with parchment covering both sides of its body. These frame drums were depicted in iconographic and literary sources from that time.

3. What are the benefits of frame drumming?

Frame drumming offers various benefits, including stress reduction and energy raising. Techniques such as frame drum singing/sounding, sound vibration massage, and interactive sound circles can provide a holistic and natural way to improve well-being. Frame drumming allows individuals to awaken their whole being through sound, liberating their authentic voice and embracing their natural heartbeat rhythm.

4. What drums are similar to the bodhrán?

One drum similar to the bodhrán is the maracas. It shares some similarities with the Celtic bodhrán.

5. How hard is it to learn the bodhrán?

While learning the basics of the bodhrán is relatively easy, mastering certain stick manoeuvres and hand movements required for a modern playing style can be challenging. However, these techniques are valuable and worth the effort to learn and master. With dedication and practice, one can become proficient in playing the bodhrán.

Editor's Notes

During our bodhrans & frame drum research, we found 24 bodhrans & frame drum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,946 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bodhrans & frame drums list. We found that most customers choose bodhrans & frame drums with an average price of $103.13.

The bodhrans & frame drums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bodhrans & frame drums, including Trinity College, Meinl Percussion, Remo, 1to1 Music, Roosebeck. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.