• • • • • • My bodhráns are all very special to me. I have had the great fortune of meeting and befriending some of the best craftsmen in the world over the past 20 years. The bodhrán I am seen playing most often (and my favorite) is a fine instrument made for me by my good friend, Albert Alfonso. It is made of a 14” birch-ply shell, and the goatskin head is one of Albert's finest. The brass tuning ring is probably most responsible for its clear, deep sound. The color is Albert's signature deep red. I also own a wonderful 12” drum with a natural finish (that I had to beg Albert to let me have!). I have owned many of his drums over the years. They are my drums of preference. Two other fine makers have crafted drums for me as well. Eammon McGuire of Belfast, Northern Ireland made a very special 19” drum for me on the occasion the birth of my first son, Colin Michael. Rob Forkner of Austin, Texas has been especially kind to me and made three drums of kangaroo skin, one 14” (with a black finish) and two 12” (one with an electric blue finish, and the other a mahogany stain). I like to play these drums acoustically when sitting around the house or in a quiet session. Both of these gentlemen are two of the kindest people I've ever met. Lastly, two of my prized drums are my two 17.5” bodhráns made by the great Charlie Byrne of Thurles, Co. Tipperary.   (Charlie's daughter, Carmel Byrne was quite respected as a bodhrán player in the 1960s and 70s.) The first of the Byrne drums I have was given to me by one of my best friends, Cliff Moses. I treasure it and don't bring it out much. The second is a dark brown drum made from Belgian goat. The brown hair has not been removed and matches the deep color of the chocolate pinewood shell. It has a wonderfully soft, subtle sound.