"hopefully keeps the other musicians in time."

The role of a bodhran isn't to lead the time, it's to follow the tune, as is true of the bones as well. Or maybe have a drink and listen. Too often it's the other way, and I'd rather guess that lies behind Steve’s comment " I never once experienced a bodhran player who I hadn't wanted to expel from the pub forthwith. " As for the ones who set out to lead and dominate things…

For all that, in it¡s place I like the bodhran. But it's place is a modest place. And the same should be true of a guitar in an Irish Session. (But Steve, have you tried hearing aids yet?)

Great thread drift!