How to Buy a Tambura: A Complete Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Tambura

Overview

This buying guide is designed to help shopping for a Tambura. It covers the history, construction, and important features to consider when buying a Tambura. In addition, it provides information on different styles and quality levels available so you can make an informed decision when selecting the best instrument for your needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician looking to add a Tambura to your collection, this guide will provide the necessary information to make your purchase a successful one.

Key features

  1. Price - Tamburas come in a wide range of prices, so shoppers should consider their budget when selecting the instrument.
  2. Type - Tamburas come in a variety of types, including acoustic, electric, and electronic. Consider the type of sound you are looking for when choosing a tambura.
  3. Construction - Tamburas should be constructed of high-quality materials such as wood, metal, and plastic, so shoppers should carefully inspect the instrument before making a purchase.
  4. Size - Tamburas come in a range of sizes, from small to large, so shoppers should consider the size of the instrument that is best for their needs.
  5. Accessories - Shoppers should also consider any accessories they may need, such as stands, strings, straps, and cases.

See the most popular Tambura on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility - The tambura is a versatile instrument that can be found in many styles of world music, including Indian classical music, folk music and pop music.
  • Unique sound - The tambura has a distinct sound that is both complex and soothing, and can be used to create a variety of tones and textures.
  • Lightweight - The tambura is lightweight and easy to transport, so it is a great choice for musicians who are on the go.
  • Affordable - The tambura is an affordable instrument that can fit into any budget.
  • Easy to learn - The tambura is a relatively easy instrument to learn, making it a great choice for beginners.

Cons

  • Price: Tambura can be quite costly, depending on the size and features desired.
  • Maintenance: Tambura require regular maintenance, including tuning and occasional repairs.
  • Space: Tambura are large instruments and can take up a lot of space.
  • Learning Curve: Learning to play Tambura can be difficult and requires considerable practice.

Best alternatives

  1. Gopichand - a stringed instrument, similar to Tambura, with four main strings and four resonating drone strings
  2. Sarangi - a fretless string instrument, with up to four main strings, from the same family as the Tambura and the Sarod
  3. Veena - a long-necked fretted instrument, similar to the guitar, with four main strings and many sympathetic strings
  4. Sarod - a fretless string instrument, similar to the Tambura, with four main strings and many sympathetic strings
  5. Esraj - a bowed string instrument, similar to the violin, with four main strings and four sympathetic strings

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tambura strings - These strings are crafted from metal and are specifically designed for Tambura instruments.
  • Tambura bridge - The bridge is the piece that connects the strings to the body of the Tambura.
  • Tambura tuners - These are small metal pieces used to adjust the pitch of the strings.
  • Tambura resonator - This is the chamber that amplifies the sound of the instrument.
  • Tambura pick - A pick is used to strum the strings.
  • Tambura strap - A strap is used to secure the instrument while it is being played and to help the player maintain better posture.

Common questions

  1. What is a Tambura?
    A Tambura is a stringed instrument from India. It is a large, hollow instrument with four main strings running along its length and a fifth string running along the side. It is played by plucking the strings with a pick, and it is often used in traditional Indian music.
  2. What are the different types of Tambura?
    There are a variety of different types of Tambura, including the sitar tambura, the veena tambura, and the gottuvadyam tambura. Each type of tambura has its own unique sound and style of playing.
  3. What accessories are needed to play a Tambura?
    In order to play a Tambura, you will need a pick and a set of strings. You may also want to purchase a tuner and a strap for the instrument.
  4. What size Tambura should I buy?
    The size of the Tambura you should buy will depend on your needs. If you plan on playing in a larger ensemble, you may want to invest in a larger Tambura. If you are just starting out, a smaller Tambura may be a better option.
  5. What is the best way to maintain a Tambura?
    The best way to maintain a Tambura is to keep it in a clean, dry place and to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. You should also regularly check and replace the strings, and keep the instrument in tune.

Trivia

The tambura is a stringed instrument that originated in India and is often used in the classical and folk music of South Asia. One funny fact about the tambura is that it is often known as the "singing instrument" because of its ability to produce a continuous drone-like sound. This sound is caused by the sympathetic strings vibrating in response to the main strings being plucked. This gives the tambura a unique sound and is one of the reasons why it is such a popular instrument. The other reason is that it is relatively easy to learn to play, making it popular among amateur musicians. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.