Best Bodhrans & Frame Drums of 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
Top 10 Bodhrans & Frame Drums
Trinity College TB-2 Bodhran
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.
Meinl 14" Frame Drum
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.
Remo Fiberskyn 16" Frame Drum
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.
1to1 Music Handmade Vegan Bodhran
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.
Roosebeck 16" Red Cedar Bodhran
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.
Roosebeck Bodhran 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.
GMP 15" Traditional Frame Drum
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.
Roosebeck 18" Bodhrán Drum
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.
Roosebeck BTN6BT Tunable Bodhran
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.
Mid-East 12" Frame Drum
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.
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.
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.

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.