Rolf Wagels Edition Signature Series Bodhráns
The RWE
Together with Christian Hedwitschak I made the drum of my dreams. The RWE entered the market in 2005 and is one of the most succesful models by Christian Hedwitschak. The RWE is a HighEnd model in a classic design and the Genuine Lambeg skin is the skin that I like best for my style of playing. The RWE also features the compressor tuning rim and the IsolatHED technology for the best possible sound.
The RWEchange sports the ChangeHed skin skin holding system, which offers spectacular new options and possibilities as drum heads and tuning rims now can be changed and variably combined.
Also available as a discounted bundle with bag and RWE - Grip Tippers.
Classic Design
The RWE comes in two sizes: 40 cm and 37 cm diameter. The curly maple veneer on the outside and inside, the velvet ribbon and the decorative nailing provide a classic design.
In addition, a smooth-running, tool-free tuning system with star handles and a noble, black compressor tuning rim with a black holding frame for the tuning system complete the picture of an absolute high-end bodhrán.
The Lambeg Skin
The Lambeg skins are produced using methods refined over centuries in the North of Ireland. For the RWE we choose homogeneous, not too thick skins, mostly without spine. The skin reacts quickly and has a great range of tones. The attack is very present, esp. compared to a softer skin like a DragonSkin. This means the RWE-Lambeg skin works great for traditional playing but also gives the full range for a more modern, tonal style. It's a lively drum, easy to change tones, and gives a lovely feedback to the stick and to the player. Great attack and enough overtones for harmonic playing, but not too many overtones that wouldn't allow the occasional open bass playing.
For us, the Lambeg skin has to come from a good maker in the North of ireland, one who makes Lambeg drums and cures the skins with his traditional methods and ingredients. this is what we call a genuine Lambeg skin.
The Compressor Tuning System
In the years 2010/2011 we developed the so-called compressor tuning system in close cooperation with Christian Hedwitschak. This is a relatively high, funnel shaped tuning ring which influences the overtones and the overall frequencies of the bodhrán in a positive way.
The drums fitted with the compressor rim give a defined and dry sound which on the one hand makes recording and mixing easier and on the other hand allows the drum to cut through very well acoustically without being loud.
The Optimal sound
With the isolatHED technology all contact points of the tuning screws are decoupled acoustically. This means the outer frame, which is in contact with the player’s body, holds the drum skin, and supports all components of the tuning system and the tuning rim, which takes the sound off the drum skin like a pickup or a bridge, are totally separeted.
As a result, the brilliance of sound is significantly improved, and the frequency spectrum becomes much more homogeneous.
Change head and tuning rim
The RWEchange offers the CHangeHED skin holding system. which allows to easily change the head and the tuning rim of the drum. This opens a lot of new possibilities: Quickly try out other heads and tuning frames with different sound characteristics? A synthetic head for the outdoor gig? Christian Hedwitschak offers a great variety of tuning rims and skin types on his website, which all fit on the ChangeHED system. These offer a lot more future possibilities for all customers.
"I only use one bodhrán on stage with 'Frankie Gavin & De Dannan' and that is the RWE bodhrán made by Christian Hedwitschak. It is simply a terrific instrument and it doesn't surprise me that after every gig I did in the USA recently I was asked all the time who made my drum. It has a bass end Steve Gadd would be happy with and a top end Zakir Hussain would take delight in. There is a great feeling knowing that night after night I spend minimal time sound checking as the drum has all the natural tones inbuilt and available instantly."
"I just love it! It sounds great, I can't get over it. I think it's one of the best I ever played, and I played many!"
Interview by the Irish Music Magazine
I was able to talk about about the history and development of the RWE during an interview with the Irish Music Magazine.
Through my hands
Every single RWE drum goes through my hands to ensure top quality.
It carries my name, so I want to make sure all the drums are in brilliant shape and sound the way I would expect it. The RWE is a high end classic drum that established itself in the international bodhran scene in the last couple of years.
This is what our customers say about the RWE
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€ 595,00
- Signature series bodhrán
- diameter 40 cm
- frame depth 15,3 cm
- Genuine Lambeg skin
- IsolatHED technology
- compressor tuning frame
- tool-less tuning system
- red fiddle bottom maple veneer
- classic design
€ 725,00
- RWE incl. extras - save 15€!
- + RWE-Tipper of choice
- + HEDcase 40
- genuine Lambeg skin
- isolatHED technology
- compressor tuning frame
- tool-less tuning system
- classic design
- final price determined by tipper
- choose your tipper in the details
€ 595,00
- Signature series bodhrán
- diameter 37 cm
- frame depth 14 cm
- Genuine Lambeg skin
- ChangeHED: change head and tuning rim
- IsolatHED technology
- compressor tuning frame
- tool-less tuning system
- red fiddle bottom maple veneer
€ 715,00
- RWEchange incl. extras - save 15 €!
- + RWE-Tipper of choice
- + HEDcase 37
- genuine Lambeg skin
- isolatHED technology
- compressor tuning frame
- tool-less tuning system
- red fiddle bottom maple veneer
- final price determined by tipper
- choose your tipper in the details