first would like to apoligise for repeating posts further down, i'm still new to this technology!!
second, i wonder if anyone has got good remedies for damaged syahi, i have a couple of bayans where the syahi has broken and parts have come out, is it posssible to make a paste and fill in the gap? if so what ingredients shall i use? i'm sure some of you have tried all kinds of materials, any success?
it's not always easy to get the whole skin replaced in the UK, and it seems a shame to throw the whole pudi
this subject has been bugging me years!!
[b]Nickala (May 26, 2003 09:36 a.m
. .second, i wonder if anyone has got good remedies for damaged syahi, i have a couple of bayans where the syahi has broken and parts have come out, is it posssible to make a paste and fill in the gap? if so what ingredients shall i use? i'm sure some of you have tried all kinds of materials, any success?
it's not always easy to get the whole skin replaced in the UK, and it seems a shame to throw the whole pudi
this subject has been bugging me years!!
Nickala,
There are probably dozens of quick-fix remedies for a damaged syahi - none of which are foolproof or permanent - and most of them won't work at all in 9 out of 10 cases. A damaged syahi cannot be replaced or made to sound like new without replacing the puddi. As far as I know there is no one outside of India who can replace a shayi on an existing puddi, and, in fact, any decent tablawala would simply replace the whole head. The syahi and the puddi are one and the same and are not exclusively replaceable.
Ultimately the best remedy is preventative maintainance and care. Save yourself the time and the headache and instead find a way to have the heads replaced either by someone who has the experience (I can't believe no one in the UK has ever changed a puddi) or by learning to do it yourself. The do-it-yourself method will not be quickest or less expensive method, and you will not be completely successful until you replace more than several, however, once you get the hang of replacing your own tabla heads you can rest assured that your tablas will always sound the way that you want them to.
Even if you never replace a tabla head, David Courtney's book on tabla repair is the best resource for tabla maintainence and information on every aspect of your keeping your instruments in playing condition. There are plenty of other resources. Forget the quick fix and do some research instead. It'll pay off far better in the long run.
Aanaddha
Thanks for the advice
i was hoping someone would come up with a miraculous quick fix cure, but thought it unlikely.
i have tried to do it myself, couldn't play for two days after, my hands were so sore.
i have tried several repairers in UK and have found them unsatisfactory, so i guess you are right the best way is to roll up your sleeves and get on with it!!
any other suggestions or experiences welcome
Nickala,
If you're physically not able to replace your own tabla heads that's another story. If you know someone who can but it's unsatisfactory keep taking it back until they get it right. Find out where the other tabla players in the UK go for tabla repairs. Be persistent and don't pay anyone for shoddy craftsmanship. Again, read David Courtney's book and talk to other tabla players to get an idea of what to tell a repairperson, what to look for in a good tabla and what materials and what kinds of tablas there are. Ask a lot of questions and don't accept easy answers. Being knowledgeable is always the first step in solving any problem - when you know what you want and you can communicate that need you're practically there. Consider that your only other alternative is to keep buying new tablas, which is ok for those who can afford it.
Good luck and don't give up.
Aanaddha
PS - if you love your tablas - - you don't have to have the most expensive or even the best tablas available, but, if you love the way they sound and the way they feel, that can only increase your desire to practice to the point that you cannot stand not to practice! And, alternately if you're dissatisfied with your instrument in any way it will reflect in your willingness to sustain long periods of practice time. Ultimately the more care and respect you give to your instruments the better they will serve you. This is my humble opinion.
Aanaddha
If you're willing to travel to Edgware (North London) I'll help you put on a new tabla Pudie for free provided you supply the leather strap, the pudie and the pegs. It normally takes me 2-3 hours for the complete job. I have put pudies on for many musicians in the past.
Ram (May 28, 2003 09:27 a.m.):
If you're willing to travel to Edgware (North London) I'll help you put on a new tabla Pudie for free provided you supply the leather strap, the pudie and the pegs. It normally takes me 2-3 hours for the complete job. I have put pudies on for many musicians in the past.
that is a great offer, might take you up on that, live in yorkshire, which is not very close, but if i'm in london would definitely be interested
many thanks,
there are some good souls out there after all!
I'm curious, how far (in miles) from Yorkshire to Edgeware? That's a great offer. Sounds like it'd be worth the trip for that purpose alone? What do you think Nickala?
Aanaddha
Nickala (May 28, 2003 11:06 a.m.):
Ram (May 28, 2003 09:27 a.m.):
If you're willing to travel to Edgware (North London) I'll help you put on a new tabla Pudie for free provided you supply the leather strap, the pudie and the pegs. It normally takes me 2-3 hours for the complete job. I have put pudies on for many musicians in the past.
that is a great offer, might take you up on that, live in yorkshire, which is not very close, but if i'm in london would definitely be interested
many thanks,
there are some good souls out there after all!
About 230 miles one way and 4-5 hours drive by car. I appreciate the distance and the offer still stands. Contact me on rlvekaria@yahoo.co.uk well in advance when you're ready or post here. Regards
