Tip:
Get rid of those cheap cloth tabla covers!
They collect dirt, mold, dry rot, and humidity and tranfer it to your tabla heads.
Do not allow your tablas to sit uncovered except when you are playing them.
Instead, buy or make some hard covers.
If you can ask someone to cut some masonite or plastic or other hard material into circles the size of your tabla heads, then buy the over-size mouse pads at Staples or Office Depot and spray cement your circles to the pads. Then cut them out with a razor knife and drill holes for the strings. These will be even better than the felt-covered commercial hard covers that also collect dirt, skin oil, mold, and humidity. You can clean the pads easily if needed if you let the surface dry completely before putting them back on your tablas.
PS.,
As with any musical instrument you should always clean your hands before playing or handling them. This is the respectful thing to do and you will extend the life of your instrument.
I keep disposable towelettes and a clean cloth towel in the room where I practice.
It is also advisable not to have drinks or water or water bottles anywhere in the vicinity of your instruments.
How about using cork boards available at garden department in walmart other big stores.
they are available in different size from 2 inch dia to 12 inch,and no need to cut it in round shape.hard and absorbes humidity.
gujju (Mar 27, 2004 01:03 p.m.):
how about using cork boards available at garden department in walmart other big stores.
they are available in different size from 2 inch dia to 12 inch,and no need to cut it in round shape.hard and absorbes humidity.
Sounds like a winner, gujju. Thanks, I'll give it a try.
Another tip for newbies:
When tuning your tabla with the hammer only strike the gajara between the straps- NEVER hit the strap! And be VERY CAREFUL NOT to accidently nick and split the edge of your head with the hammer.
Hi
What type of mouse pad are we talking about here?
Hard surface or soft surface?
Thanks
aanaddha (Mar 27, 2004 09:54 a.m.):
Tip:
Get rid of those cheap cloth tabla covers!
They collect dirt, mold, dry rot, and humidity and tranfer it to your tabla heads.
Do not allow your tablas to sit uncovered except when you are playing them.
Instead, buy or make some hard covers.
If you can ask someone to cut some masonite or plastic or other hard material into circles the size of your tabla heads, then buy the over-size mouse pads at Staples or Office Depot and spray cement your circles to the pads. Then cut them out with a razor knife and drill holes for the strings. These will be even better than the felt-covered commercial hard covers that also collect dirt, skin oil, mold, and humidity. You can clean the pads easily if needed if you let the surface dry completely before putting them back on your tablas.
Greg (Mar 30, 2004 01:20 a.m.):
Hi
What type of mouse pad are we talking about here?
Hard surface or soft surface?
Thanks
The soft spongy type. Although any low- absorbant dense foam material that provides a cushion would likely work also.
Aanaddha
aanaddha (Mar 27, 2004 09:54 a.m.):
Tip:
Get rid of those cheap cloth tabla covers!
They collect dirt, mold, dry rot, and humidity and tranfer it to your tabla heads.
Do not allow your tablas to sit uncovered except when you are playing them.
Instead, buy or make some hard covers.
If you can ask someone to cut some masonite or plastic or other hard material into circles the size of your tabla heads, then buy the over-size mouse pads at Staples or Office Depot and spray cement your circles to the pads. Then cut them out with a razor knife and drill holes for the strings. These will be even better than the felt-covered commercial hard covers that also collect dirt, skin oil, mold, and humidity. You can clean the pads easily if needed if you let the surface dry completely before putting them back on your tablas.
