I've been at the bodhran over 15 yrs & about 2 yrs back bought another Grady drum 20" with a slide bar on the brace & tunable, I passed the old drum onto the kids (in part, I couldn't bare to see it leave the house), for some of the songs I sing it's all I want for accompanyment (yes, I sing a good bit with just the drum). But my fav is the voice, it's portable, parts don't fail (maybe with age,,alittle), it's good for any condition or occasion....play, work, birth, death, marriage, school, party & alone, it accompanys almost any thing or instrument, it's great in the fog, rain, outdoors or inside, I'd say it has to be one of the oldest instruments going (great plug for traditionalists), & in the mouth of a master or a skilled or a semi pro or an amateur or even a beginner, the sound can be breath taking. Best, it doesn't cost & it's available to all. Barry