Players such as Ireland’s Dónal Lunny (founder of both Planxty and the Bothy Band, and a notable producer who makes salubrious use of the bodhrán at every opportunity), Tommy Hayes (formerly of Stockton’s Wing), Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh (ex-De Dannan, now with Arcady), Mel Mercier (who is involved with many of Micheal O’Suilleabhain’s projects), Martin O’Hare (of La Lúgh), Frank Torpey (Nomos), Scotland’s Jim Sutherland (Easy Club), and America’s Jesse Winch (Celtic Thunder) and Mark Stone (a frequent accompanist of fiddler James Kelly) have all added to the bodhrán’s luster, owing their sensitive and often unconventional approaches. -Myron Bretholz, “musicHound folk, The Essential Album Guide”

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.

Mark Stone