From his small workshop in Burk’s Falls, Russell Duke has spent nearly three decades creating some of the world’s finest bodhrán drums.
Drumming has always come naturally to Duke. “I’ve been playing drums since I can remember, and I’m absolutely obsessed with percussion,” he shared. “I’ve been in bands since I was a kid, and I’ve played every type of drum you can imagine.”
That includes bodhrán drums, of course.
Pronounced bore-on (rhyming with moron), the bodhrán is a traditional Irish drum originally used by clans as a battle drum to set the marching beat. Today, it plays a central role in Celtic and East Coast music, while also appearing in various other genres. These hand-held drums range from 14 to 20 inches in diameter and are about six inches deep, played using a wooden stick.
Duke’s journey into drum making began in high school in Newfoundland when he purchased his first bodhrán. Unimpressed with its quality, he told his brother he could make a better one—and he did. That first drum sparked a passion that has lasted nearly 30 years.
After moving to Ontario, Duke became a cabinetmaker and later an OPP officer, eventually settling in Burk’s Falls. In his spare time, he works from a small garage shop, handcrafting his bodhráns with meticulous care. “I’ve made thousands and thousands of drums,” he said, never tiring of the craft.
Early on, Duke considered making drum building his full-time career. His high-quality bodhráns quickly gained attention, and musicians and drummers eagerly sought them out. After refining his designs based on feedback from players, he brought samples to Just Drums, a well-known Toronto music store. The owner placed an order on the spot.
Demand grew, and soon, distributors wanted to sell his bodhráns across Canada, then North America, and eventually worldwide. However, when it came time to sign a distribution deal, Duke hesitated. The company wanted to remove the name Bridget Drums—a name he had chosen to honor his mother.
“In Irish, Bridget means power and strength,” Duke explained. “They wanted to remove the name, and I refused to do it.”
Despite being told he was making a mistake, Duke stood by his decision. He has no regrets, as he continues to sell his drums globally, maintaining full control over the quality of each handcrafted instrument. With retirement from law enforcement on the horizon, he knows similar opportunities may present themselves again.
For now, Duke remains committed to crafting bodhráns on a smaller scale. He custom-builds each drum for the player, sending progress photos throughout the process. “It’s a totally custom experience,” he said. He primarily uses birch wood, adding veneers based on customer preference.
Even after nearly 30 years, drum making still brings Duke a deep sense of satisfaction. “When I’m building, if I get a little frustrated, I stop,” he said. “Because I don’t want to put that energy into the drum.”
His craftsmanship has earned worldwide recognition, with his bodhráns appearing in concerts and videos across the globe. Musicians often send him photos of his drums in action, and he ships many to Texas and California.
With demand growing through word of mouth, Duke noted, “People see the drums and ask, ‘Where the heck did you get that?’ Next thing you know, they’re ordering a bunch, and it just spreads like that.”
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