"Why should I buy a Hedwitschak drum?"

The term “mid-range” does not do the CoreLine models justice. As the name CoreLine suggests, these models are high-quality instruments focusing on what is essential, on the core of the matter. The CoreLine models are not bound to a certain sound, they are not designed for a specific playing style, and they do not focus on a specific look. That is why the CoreLine is a great choice for beginners and players who are looking for an outstanding drum at the best possible price.

Especially beginners may find it difficult to grasp the differences between individual skins (for example Lambeg skin, DRAGONSkin or deer skin) and the various drum models' designs. A CoreLine model is an all-purpose tool and the ideal companion to help you develop your own playing style and to help you find out which sound is for you. It will be fairly easy to resell a CoreLine model if you want to switch to a different drum model. The good availability (some models are kept in stock) and short delivery times are another strong reason for choosing a CoreLine model. With the nut wood variant, we can even meet special requests regarding frame sizes and skin characteristics (thickness, spine, structure, but only with Edlauer Select drum skins).

The Express ConfigurHEDor combines the advantages of a standard model with the possibilities of a custom-made instrument: a wide range of features to choose from, reasonable prices, and short delivery times. Design your own dream bodhrán from different drumheads, tuning rims, frame designs, and decorative ribbons.

For players who already know what they want, what type of sound they prefer and what kind of playing experience they are looking for, we offer an extensive range of various drum models. Small to large diameters, soft and thin to hard and thick skins, different frame depths and shapes, custom frame weights and frame designs with specific veneers or varnished surfaces – virtually anything is possible.

A few notes:

• the smaller the diameter, the shorter the drum skin vibrates. This means that the sound is more defined and clearer, but it also tends to be less loud. Very small drums require a different playing style with a higher amount of hand pressure for sound modulation.
  - the larger the diameter, the more and the longer the drum skin vibrates. The sound is “wilder” and tends to be louder. Very large drums require a lot of “skin hand” work and tend to be more difficult to control.
  —> 35 cm to 40 cm bodhráns are the most commonly played drums.

• "The deeper the frame the more bass there is” - this theory is wrong! The idea that very deep frames create a better sound is a widespread misconception. Deep frames can indeed result in a higher bass pressure. However, this often leads to a distortion of the overall sound (higher frequency ranges suffer), and the sound can become “roaring” or “muddy”. The deeper the frame is compared to the skin diameter, the more aimed the sound is. This means that only a limited and distorted version of the actual sound produced reaches the player's ears. Experience has shown that the ideal frame depth is from 12 to16 cm. Sound optimization must be considered in combination with playing comfort. It's the complete package that counts!

• Single/Double Crossbars
  Double crossbars were originally mainly required for stability and to keep the frame as round as possible. Another reason was the open way of playing the bodhrán. The double crossbar has meanwhile become a relic and has been partly replaced by a single crossbar. This is due to new frame designs and production techniques, and also new playing styles where the back hand is used to change the pitch and tone of the sound, and the double crossbar would be in the way.
  While most of the players today play without a crossbar, some players prefer bodhráns with single crossbars. A crossbar does limit the possibilities of playing, because the player is forced to hold the drum in one of two possible positions. That is why I would only recommend crossbars in exceptional cases.

• Cutout
  A cutout is a notch or even a hole in the frame designed to facilitate a flatter playing angle for the back hand. While cutouts are indispensable for very deep frames, they affect the quality of drums with common frame depths. A cutout will make you hold the drum in a certain position, meaning that only specific parts of the drum skin are used by both the back hand and the tipper all the time, which can lead to unnecessary wearing of the skin.

Players who prefer homogeneous drum skins, for example Martin O'Neill, tend to slightly turn the drum while playing and therefore use all parts of the skin. This also results in a higher degree of tuning stability. These are the reasons why I would only recommend cutouts in exceptional cases.

In many years of cooperation with experienced and world-famous bodhrán players, I have designed four Signature Bodhrán models. Just like the players they are named after, the individual models have very unique and specific playing styles and sound ideals.

• the RWE by Rolf Wagels – in production since 2005
• the MONss by Martin O´Neill – in production since 2012
• the EMsig by Eamon Murray – in production since 2013 
• the CBss by Cormac Byrne – in production since 2014

The MOS2, which was introduced in the summer of 2013, offers a great way of adjusting your drum to your specific changing requirements:
With the ChangeHED skin holding system (which is also available for all 37 cm custom-made drums), you can now change drum skins and tuning frames yourself and even swap them with other MOS2 players.

Further special editions with very unique sound characteristics and fields of use are the MOF, MHTF, TrHed and FireBall.