Hello,
I am going to learn tabla and do not know what kind I should buy. I have checked out sveral websites and have sen many types of tablas. I am at a loss for which kind I should buy. Bolt tightened, Strap Tightened, Calcutta Style, Standard? Any info on this would be most appreciated. I am very excited about learning the art of tabla playing. I play other types of percussion but have decided to truly embrace rythem I should lean the king of all percussion instruments -tablas. If anyone could go even one step further and give me info on where to purchase quality tablas that would be excellent.
Thank You
Ahknallam
Hello friend,
I can't give you all the facts but here are some ideas. You'll find more selection in strap tightened Tublas, and they are much more traditional. The duggi (bass drum) is better sounging if it is heavier (around 2kgs+). I don't know if you can find out the weight on-line though. Don't buy a steal Duggi (they can rust out from the inside). The best for long life and long luster are the "nickle plated brass". I have one set like these and another that are just brass - they both sound greatbut the just brass tarnishes easy and needs to be constantly repolished. In the tabla (treble drum) I haven't seen much difference to be concerned about. The real factor here is the skins and the ink spots. Again, I would want to see them myself to check for overall quality; no cracks, or frays, with the ink spot made very consistent -not blotchy.
I would love to tell you were to buy them, but I bought both of mine in Punjab India. There the best set is about $40 US! It's just the air fare that'll kill yah! My guess is that anything that you can find that has been exported will be very good quality and you will not be dissapointed.
Happy shopping
Marc
Ahknallam (Mar 12, 2001 12:51 p.m.):
Hello,
I am going to learn tabla and do not know what kind I should buy. I have checked out sveral websites and have sen many types of tablas. I am at a loss for which kind I should buy. Bolt tightened, Strap Tightened, Calcutta Style, Standard? Any info on this would be most appreciated. I am very excited about learning the art of tabla playing. I play other types of percussion but have decided to truly embrace rythem I should lean the king of all percussion instruments -tablas. If anyone could go even one step further and give me info on where to purchase quality tablas that would be excellent.
Thank You
Ahknallam
