Hi, I have a question regarding the bayan. As I've mentioned before, my bayan seems to lack resonnance. Could this be because it isn't tuned correctly? I know that an untuned dayan with two sides tuned higher than the other two sides will not resonnate well because of the colliding frequencies. I wonder does the bayan operate in the same way? I haven't ever heard this mentioned. There seems to be colliding frequencies in my bayan causing the drum to kind of 'growl', rather than to give a clean note. As a result it is quite difficult to get nice modulation from the drum. Thank you anyone who can give me any advice on this!J
Jimmy (Apr 24, 2004 10:43 a.m.):
Hi, I have a question regarding the bayan. As I've mentioned before, my bayan seems to lack resonnance. Could this be because it isn't tuned correctly? I know that an untuned dayan with two sides tuned higher than the other two sides will not resonnate well because of the colliding frequencies. I wonder does the bayan operate in the same way? I haven't ever heard this mentioned. There seems to be colliding frequencies in my bayan causing the drum to kind of 'growl', rather than to give a clean note. As a result it is quite difficult to get nice modulation from the drum. Thank you anyone who can give me any advice on this!J
Jimmy,
From what I've 'gathered' - it's one of those things no one will ever tell you with exact certainty - like it's a professional secret or something. Yes, a bayan is tuned much like the dahina. Just tap around the gajara (up or down depending on pitch so that it sound equal when hit with the flat of your hand on that side. You might find whacking the center of the puddi with the palm of your hand or rubbing the palm of you hand from the center towards the edge all around will help even the puddi. If your baya shell seems a little on the lighter side I'd avoid whacking the pegs too much to keep from putting dents in the metal (normally none of my bayas use pegs.)
Basically tune the baya for resonance and sustain, not too low not too high, and with some 'meend action. You'll also find the tuning on your baya will change if you look at it cross-eyed so don't get too fussy
One other thing - it takes a lot of work and much good practice to 'break in' a new baya - have fun!
