2024-04-09 11:06
Have you ever wondered how Irish guitarists get such a charming sound? Or how their guitar sounds so unique in accompanying traditional Irish music? Well fret not! Today we’ll explore… Read More
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Irish Music Instrument Blogs Blog
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This is the blog about classic and traditional Irish music instruments including concertina, tin whistles, bodhran, banjo and violins. This blog is ideal for beginners, intermediates and advanced music enthusiasts
2024-02-08 15:55
Traditional Irish music has always had a certain complexity to it, making it a rather unique style of indigenous music. All of its melodies seem to be constantly shifting and changing, addin… Read More
2024-01-25 11:43
Irish Music Mastery: Faster, Smoother, More Precise
Have you ever felt like you’re running in place, increase playing speed flute in hand, but your tempo’… Read More
2023-12-21 16:05
What Type of Musical Instrument is a Bodhrán?
The Bodhrán is a circular frame drum most commonly found in Irish traditional music. It gained significant popularity during… Read More
2023-12-13 17:01
Embarking on the journey of learning a musical instrument is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a mental and emotional adventure too. In this essential guide, we’re diving… Read More
2023-11-24 12:17
Are you looking for some Christmas gift ideas for the musician in your life? I’m firmly of the opinion that there’s no better way to put a smile on someone’s face than to g… Read More
2023-10-25 17:53
Learn Your First Traditional Irish Reel in 4 Easy Steps
Are you ready to learn your first Irish reel and take your playing to the next level? No experience necessary!
There is a powerfu… Read More
2023-08-15 13:13
According to a number of sources, it seems that left-handed/left hand dominant people make up roughly between 10-12% of the population. That may not seem like a lot, but since it’s 202… Read More
2023-07-27 10:42
The tenor banjo is an incredibly diverse instrument. With a rich history spanning over a century, this particular four string instrument has found its place in two worlds that at first, seem… Read More
2023-07-27 08:52
Eager to learn about the banjo? Wondering what makes a banjo ‘the best’? Well check out this guide to the banjo and all things banjo related as I’m sure I’ll try to a… Read More
2023-07-26 14:19
Despite the frequent use of banjos in traditional Irish music, it’s a common misconception that banjos originated as indigenous Irish instruments. However, the banjo didn’t origi… Read More
2023-06-13 11:50
Welcome to a blog post that promises to be a veritable treasure trove of wisdom for every concertina player. Whether you’re a novice just dipping your toes into the concertina world or… Read More
2023-06-09 13:08
Feeling overwhelmed with the choices available when buying your first whistle? Or are you a seasoned player looking to explore different tonal qualities and styles? Worry not, I’ve got… Read More
2023-05-17 17:11
Switching from Classical Music to Traditional Irish Music – Everything You Need to Know
Has traditional Irish music ever piqued your interest? Are you ready to bring your classical tra… Read More
2023-05-17 14:49
Why You Need To Own a Jeffries Concertina and How You Can Own One for 1/6th of the Price
It was the summer of 1895 in London. In a humble workshop, Charles Jeffries was meticulously craftin… Read More
2023-05-16 08:13
Every musician has a story, and part of that story is finding the right instrument that resonates with their soul. If you’re an intermediate concertina player, your journey to mastery… Read More
2023-04-05 08:43
In the rolling hills of Appalachia, a unique stringed instrument was born—The Mountain Dulcimer. Are you ready to embark on an enchanting musical journey and discover its beautiful, me… Read More
2023-02-22 17:08
Many thanks for the updates, folks (scroll down to the comments section) – keep ’em coming! – Paraic
Live music has finally returned which can mean only one thing&hell… Read More
2023-02-17 15:21
As a lover and player of traditional Irish music, I have had the pleasure of discovering many talented musicians over the (many) years. However, in more recent times, I’ve been particu… Read More
2023-02-13 14:22
While there are not a whole lot of definitive accounts of St Valentine’s life in the 3rd century AD, it is believed that on February 14 278 AD, Valentine was beaten with clubs and then… Read More
2023-02-02 10:36
In the third instalment of my Top Tips for Trad Musicians series, I want to address an issue I mentioned briefly in my previous article that affects a surprising number of musicians. Nerves… Read More
2023-01-09 12:03
In the second offering from my Top Tips for Trad Musicians series we’re going to explore the idea of developing good habits as musicians. Of course, the best habit – the one that… Read More
2022-12-22 09:53
As you well know, Traditional Irish Music is an aural tradition that has long been passed on from each generation to the next by ear. If you go to any Irish music session you’ll see mu… Read More
2022-11-24 12:17
Are you looking for some Christmas gift ideas for the musician in your life? I’m firmly of the opinion that there’s no better way to put a smile on someone’s face than to g… Read More
2022-11-18 12:00
I’m so often asked for listening recommendations from my wonderful customers that I thought it was high time I put pen to paper (so to speak) and made a list of Irish button accordion… Read More
2022-10-30 15:04
Whether you’re an instrumentalist hoping to improve your playing, or simply a lover of Traditional Irish Music, listening to great Irish musicians is one of the best things you can do… Read More
2022-10-26 16:16
There’s no better way to improve your playing than spending as much time as humanly possible listening to the playing of other musicians. Practice is obviously important too but nothin… Read More
2022-08-02 07:00
That’s right, it’s time for the most commonly asked questions about the button accordion.
This fascinating instrument features in a number of musical cultures throughout the worl… Read More
2022-08-01 07:30
Next up in my line of FAQs is the mandolin. This quick and easy guide will answer the most commonly asked questions about this member of the string family. As always, this post is packed ful… Read More
2022-07-29 10:00
Thomas Perry was an 18th century Irish luthier who is regarded as the Irish Stradivari. One of Ireland’s most prolific violin makers, he has been credited with designing and crafting o… Read More
2022-07-28 13:42
The Irish Bouzouki is an instrument that raises a lot of questions, even amongst seasoned members of the Irish music community. This intriguing instrument has seen a steady rise in popularit… Read More
2022-07-27 09:00
If I had a penny for every time someone has asked me “what’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle?” well, I’d have a lot of pennies, which wouldn’t be m… Read More
2022-07-26 09:00
Here at McNeela Instruments we’re inundated daily with questions about flutes – our loyal customers really like to keep us on our toes and we appreciate the challenge! I thought… Read More
2022-07-25 07:10
You asked so we’ve answered. Check out this quick and easy guide with all the answers to your most commonly asked questions about banjos.
1. What is a 4 String Banjo Called?
There are… Read More
2022-07-22 12:00
If you’re looking to improve your concertina playing there’s one thing that’s even more effective than practice, and that’s listening to as much music as possible. Lu… Read More
2022-07-21 08:00
What Type of Musical Instrument is a Bodhrán?
The Bodhrán is a circular frame drum most commonly found in Irish traditional music. It gained significant popularity during… Read More
2022-07-20 10:00
If you’re looking for the best bodhran for traditional Irish music then look no further. Check out this handy list below featuring a quick and easy guide to these iconic Irish frame dr… Read More
2022-07-18 07:00
Andy Irvine is one of the most iconic musicians to ever grace the world of traditional Irish music. A multi instrumentalist (Irish bouzouki, guitar and mandolin to name but a few), singer an… Read More
2022-07-11 08:00
Looking for the best beginner concertina for sale? Check out our handy guide below…
What is the Best Concertina for Playing Traditional Irish music?
The short and simple answer… Read More
2022-07-06 10:00
When you’re searching for a new musical instrument it’s important to do your research first. So if you’re looking for a mandolin for sale but don’t know where to star… Read More
2022-06-22 10:00
Welcome to the second instalment of my brand new “Meet the Maker” series where we learn about the talented craftspeople behind the instruments we know and love. Today we’re… Read More
2022-06-21 10:00
The penny whistle is strongly associated with traditional Irish music, but that’s not the only musical culture in which this small but versatile instrument has gained popularity.
Kwela… Read More
2022-06-20 10:00
The Irish wooden flute is a thing of beauty and a musical instrument that takes great skill to craft. Luckily for wooden flute enthusiasts everywhere, there’s no shortage of modern Iri… Read More
2022-06-16 11:00
Diatonic accordions, or button accordions as they are more commonly known, have been popular in traditional Irish music since the early 20th century. They are still widely played today, serv… Read More
2022-06-15 09:00
So you’re looking for an Irish tenor banjo for sale? Don’t worry, you’re in good hands. Here at McNeela Instruments we have a wide range of instruments specially designed t… Read More
2022-06-14 08:00
It can take a while to familiarise yourself with the tuning process for an Irish bouzouki, especially when you’re just starting out. That’s why I’ve put together this handy… Read More
2022-06-13 07:00
The McNeela Maestro Violin is one of our best selling violins and one of the most popular violins we’ve ever stocked. The Maestro is the next step up from my Advanced Student Violin (t… Read More
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