The Drum Maker // Bodhrán Maker Christian Hedwitschak's Story

Since around 2002, Christian Hedwitschak, a drum maker, has been crafting Irish Bodhrán drums. Upon encountering his instruments during his early years in business, I was immediately captivated by their quality. Fast forward to today, and his drums are widely recognized as among the world's finest. How did a German cabinet maker channel his love for Irish traditional music and the bodhrán into the fulfilling career he enjoys now?
While this narrative centers on the journey of a bodhrán maker, its essence lies in the pursuit of one's passions with unwavering dedication, regardless of challenges or perceived impracticalities. I trust this film will ignite a similar fervor within you.
Blayne Chastain
Director & Cinematographer
"The Drum Maker"
// This is a repost from Cloudgate's previous UA-cam channel. Since its closure a few years ago, I felt it would be valuable to keep this video accessible on UA-cam. Alternatively, you can view it on Facebook as well. //

[@PoochyDoos]

Great job Blayne. Christian's drums are so amazing - I can say that as a collector a/k/a addict. But seriously, when did you have time to do this? Mary Watterson

[@conceptSde]

Great film about a great craftsman, most probably even an artist of his own. I play two HED bodhrans and could not be more pleased. I have never met Christian in person, only via mail, but from my impression this video catches his spirit and dedication to his products in a perfect way.

[@JohnJamesMonaghan]

If you keep saying something often enough without being challenged it can then become fact you have everyone excepting this nonsence in relation to the Irish bodhran. Why did you go to a German University and not an Irish University in relation to the Irish drum and why was there no other bodhrans to judge against to prove your point what exectly is your point?? What is a bodhran when is a bodhran not a bodhran ? it's an Irish frame drum made from wood with or without a tentioning system with an animal skin the skin is attached to the rim when struch by hand or stick the rim resonates . It's a downright insult to us Irish to have people messing about and changing the Irish drum you look into that camera smerking and lining your pockets at same time about time someone spoke out about you and your attempts to change our drum. Filling people's heads with total nonsense about dragon skins and spicy dragon skins when it's normal goat skin plain and simple that friend of yours rolf Wagels was also on line talking a load of crap about lambeg skins information he read in a book I had to correct him also. You are banging on about this head and that head and I'd bet you have never killed a goat then cleaned and prepared the skin in your life you say you make solid rims that's another bluff your rims are 3 pieces of hardwood glued together thats same as plywood a solid rim is one piece of solid wood one scarf joint no layers of wood or layers of glue to hinder the sound the only thing you make it would seem according to your videos are the the rims and tone rims etc the rest is bought in and put together I see you even try to hide the ugly butt joint with a coreline drum name sticker. Your drums are not bodhrans do not take the name of our Irish drum and change it your drums are something else here in Ireland we call them German head line drums / this head and that head this line and that line.. Etc etc