Hi There!
I hoping I'll get some response on my request to see if it is possible to change a 5 inch Tabla to 5.25 inch by cutting it down.
The details: I have a Black Sheesham tabla that is about 11 inches tall with a 5 inch Pudi. I don't like the sound. Is it possible to cut it some and make it into a 5.25 inch? I just don't want to go with a new Pudi.
Well so far nobady else is pitching in on this one. My original reply was that this sounded like a bad idea . But if your really set on going for it . How are you going to cut it? the saw would have to be electric and very fine. How are you going to work out the measurement to get a 51/4 I guess that's possible mathmatically speaking. Assuming everything goes well. and the cut isn't slanted and the drum doesn't crack . If you have any experience replacing heads you might get away with paying the price of the head and about 3 hours work replacing the head and whatever the cut cost in time or money (and sanding) . To me there are a lot of risks for a maximum 200$ drum but if all these things are concievable go for it. I would make the cut first before buying the head if everything works out then you can move on to the next stage. Also just take off the head (puddi or Puri) and check that the drum doesnt have any glued cracks or plugs where your planning to cut. Another note about a 5 inch drum , often they don't sound right til you tune them to about D , I have 2 5" drums and both sound like crap any lower then D
Soloman (Sep 26, 2002 09:04 a.m.):
Hi There!
I hoping I'll get some response on my request to see if it is possible to change a 5 inch Tabla to 5.25 inch by cutting it down.
The details: I have a Black Sheesham tabla that is about 11 inches tall with a 5 inch Pudi. I don't like the sound. Is it possible to cut it some and make it into a 5.25 inch? I just don't want to go with a new Pudi.
I normally do not like to participate in the forums for fear that my presence will stiffle the free discussions. However I feel that I should jump in here.
The answere is a definite Yes! I have seen this done many times in India.
If you have an inclination for this sort of thing why don't you check out:
"Manufacture and Repair of Tabla". The info is at:
