Made to Order Custom Tabla Imported from India
Tabla Repairs
These are the steps we take to start custom repairs:
- Assess the damage: Before attempting to repair the tabla, we carefully examine the damage to determine the extent of the repair that is required.
- Clean the drumhead: Clean the drumhead of the tabla using a soft cloth and a mild detergent to remove any dirt or debris that may be affecting its sound.
- Re-tighten the drumhead: If the drumhead of the tabla has become loose, you can re-tighten it by loosening the bolts on the side of the drum and gently tapping the rim with a soft hammer to restore the tightness of the drumhead.
- Replace the drumhead: If the drumhead of the tabla is damaged or worn beyond repair, we will need to replace it with a new one. This is a delicate process that should be performed by an experienced repair person.
- Repair the dagga: If the dagga (the small drum) is damaged, it can be repaired by removing the damaged area and replacing it with a new piece of leather or synthetic material.
- Replace any damaged hardware: If any of the hardware on the tabla, such as the bolts or nuts, are damaged or worn, they can be replaced with new ones to restore the instrument to its original condition.
It is best to seek the assistance of a professional tabla maker or repair person.
What are Tabla?
Tabla is a percussion instrument commonly used in Indian classical music and many other genres of music. It consists of two drums: the larger, bass drum called the "bayan," and the smaller, treble drum called the "dayan." The player creates a variety of sounds and rhythms by striking the drums with their fingers and palms.
Tabla is played by striking the drums with the fingers and palms of the player's hands. Different sounds and rhythms are produced by striking different areas of the drum heads and by using various finger and hand techniques.
The basic technique involves striking the dayan with the index and middle fingers while simultaneously pressing the thumb against the rim to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound. The bayan is played with the fingers, palm, and heel of the hand to produce a variety of bass tones.
To play complex rhythms, the player must coordinate the hands and develop a good sense of timing and rhythm. This requires extensive practice and a deep understanding of the musical traditions and repertoire associated with the tabla.
Tabla is a versatile percussion instrument that is used in a variety of musical styles, including:
Tabla is played by striking the drums with the fingers and palms of the player's hands. Different sounds and rhythms are produced by striking different areas of the drum heads and by using various finger and hand techniques.
The basic technique involves striking the dayan with the index and middle fingers while simultaneously pressing the thumb against the rim to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound. The bayan is played with the fingers, palm, and heel of the hand to produce a variety of bass tones.
To play complex rhythms, the player must coordinate the hands and develop a good sense of timing and rhythm. This requires extensive practice and a deep understanding of the musical traditions and repertoire associated with the tabla.
Tabla is a versatile percussion instrument that is used in a variety of musical styles, including:
- Indian classical music: Tabla is an integral part of Hindustani classical music and is played with vocal and instrumental forms such as khayal, thumri, and dhrupad.
- Bollywood and film music: Tabla is used in many Bollywood soundtracks and is associated with Indian film music.
- Ghazal and Sufi music: Tabla is often played in Ghazal and Sufi musical performances, adding rhythm and beat to the melodic singing.
- Folk music: Tabla is used in various folk traditions in India and neighboring countries, accompanying dances and other performances.
- Fusion music: Tabla has also been incorporated into fusion music, where it is combined with elements of other musical styles, such as jazz, rock, and world music.
Some Famous Tabla Players
There are many talented tabla players, both past and present, who have made significant contributions to the Indian classical music tradition and beyond. Here are some of the most famous and influential tabla players:
- Ustad Alla Rakha: Considered one of the greatest tabla players of all time, Ustad Alla Rakha was a pioneer of the solo tabla tradition and collaborated with legendary musicians such as Ravi Shankar.
- Zakir Hussain: A renowned tabla virtuoso and composer, Zakir Hussain has popularized Indian classical music both in India and internationally, and has collaborated with musicians from various musical genres.
- Anindo Chatterjee: An accomplished tabla player and teacher, Anindo Chatterjee has made significant contributions to the development of the solo tabla tradition and is considered one of the leading exponents of the instrument.
- Samir Chatterjee: A talented tabla player and composer, Samir Chatterjee has performed and recorded with some of the most famous musicians in Indian classical music and beyond.
- Pandit Kumar Bose: A highly regarded tabla player and educator, Pandit Kumar Bose has made significant contributions to the preservation and advancement of Indian classical music and has trained many generations of talented tabla players.