Lambeg drum

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For the village in Northern Ireland, see Lambeg, County Antrim.

A Lambeg drum being played during an Orange Order parade in Rasharkin.

A Lambeg drum is a large Irish drum, beaten with curved malacca canes. It is used primarily in Northern Ireland by Unionists and the Orange Order traditionally in street parades held in the summer, particularly on and around 12 July ("The Twelfth"). The weight of the drum means that it has not been used in the main Belfast parade for over 50 years, as it slows the pace of the march. They made a reappearance in the 2005 parade, on top of a float^{[citation needed]}. It is also used by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, having historical significance for parts of the Nationalist community as well.

The Lambeg drum is, together with the bagpipe, one of the loudest acoustic instruments in the world, frequently reaching over 120 dB. It measures approximately three feet and one quarter inch (0.9 metres) in diameter and two feet (0.65 metres) deep, and weighs 35-40 lbs. Usually it is carried by the drummer while marching, using a neck harness.

[edit] Origin

The origin of the Lambeg is unclear. It is commonly believed to have come to Ulster with English settlers in the early-mid-17th century. Other accounts state it came to Ireland with the Duke of Schomberg's men during the Williamite war. Having its roots in the 17th century European military instruments it was originally smaller. Traditionally it was accompanied by the shrill fife, a small transverse flute similar to the piccolo. Over time, the drum grew in size through emulousness between players. The drum eventually got to such a scale that the fifes were drowned out. Today the fife and Lambeg together are the exception rather than the norm in parades; the combination is most common in County Antrim.

The name comes from the village of Lambeg, County Antrim, which is situated ten miles southwest of Belfast and two miles from Lisburn. Tradition has it, that it was in the Lambeg area that the instrument was first played with canes. The drum is sometimes also called "tibbies," "slashers," or "killymans."

[edit] Construction

The Lambeg drum's shell is generally made of oak. Lambeg skins are very thin and strong, and of even thickness and consistency all over as far as possible. A Lambeg skin will also receive "special" treatment that is a secret to each maker. Because of their qualities they are also sometimes used for smaller drums such as bodhráns.