How to Buy a Thavil: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Thavil

Overview

A Thavil is a South Indian drum which produces a deep, heavy, and resonant sound. It is a crucial component of a traditional South Indian ensemble, and is used in both folk and religious contexts. In this buying guide, we provide an overview of the different types of Thavils available, what to look for when purchasing a Thavil, and tips for maintenance and care. By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of how to select a Thavil that meets your needs and expectations.

Key features

  1. Size: The size of the Thavil should be considered to ensure it will fit comfortably and be easy to carry and store.
  2. Tuning: The tuning of the Thavil should be checked to ensure it is appropriate for the desired scale of music.
  3. Weight: The weight of the Thavil should be taken into account to ensure it is comfortable to carry and use.
  4. Material: The material of the Thavil should be considered to ensure it is durable and will last through continual use.
  5. Sound Quality: The sound quality of the Thavil should be checked to ensure it produces the desired tones and melodies.
  6. Accessories: The accessories provided with the Thavil should be checked to ensure all necessary items are included.
  7. Price: The price of the Thavil should be taken into account to ensure it fits within the buyer’s budget.

See the most popular Thavil on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Traditional Design - The Thavil is a traditional South Indian drum that has been used for centuries and is known for its distinct sound.
  • Versatile and Dynamic - Thavil is a versatile and dynamic instrument, capable of producing a wide range of tones and timbres.
  • High Quality Materials - Thavil drums are crafted from high quality materials such as wood and cow hide, making them durable and long-lasting.
  • Ease of Use - Thavil drums are relatively easy to learn and use, making them great for beginner musicians.
  • Portability - Thavil drums are relatively lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for travelling musicians.
  • Affordability - Thavil drums are generally very affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of musicians and budgets.

Cons

  • Price: Thavil can be quite expensive, particularly if you are looking for an instrument of high quality.
  • Maintenance: Thavils are not the most maintenance-friendly instruments, requiring regular tuning and care.
  • Size/Shape: Thavils can be quite large and cumbersome, making them difficult to transport.
  • Availability: Finding a good quality Thavil may be difficult, as they are not widely available in many parts of the world.
  • Learning Curve: Learning how to play Thavil is more difficult than learning other instruments, and may require more dedicated practice.

Best alternatives

  1. TABLA - a two-headed drum similar to the thavil, but with a much higher pitch.
  2. MRIDANGAM - a double-headed barrel-shaped drum used in Carnatic music.
  3. DHOOL - a single-headed barrel-shaped frame drum.
  4. KANJIRA - a frame drum similar to the dhol, but with a higher pitch.
  5. GOTTA - a large hand-held drum with a metal rim.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Head-piece - The head-piece is a semicircular piece of wood or metal that is placed on the head of the musician to hold the Thavil in place.
  • Drum Sticks - Drum sticks are used to strike the drum to create sound. They are usually made of wood and longer than sticks used for other drums.
  • Rope Tuners - Rope tuners are used to adjust the tension of the drumskin and to change the pitch of the drum.
  • Drum Skin - The drum skin is the covered surface that is struck in order to create the sound of the Thavil.
  • Kelvi - The kelvi is a V-shaped piece of metal that is used to control the sound of the Thavil by adjusting the sound pressure.
  • Cymbals - Cymbals are small metal discs that are struck with the drum sticks to create a crashing sound.

Common questions

  1. What is the origin of the Thavil? The Thavil is a traditional South Indian double-sided drum, originating from Tamil Nadu.
  2. What materials is the Thavil made of? The Thavil is typically made of Jackfruit wood, with goat skin used as the drum heads.
  3. How is the Thavil played? The Thavil is played by striking the drumheads with sticks, hands, or fingers. The left head is played with the left hand and the right head is played with the right hand.
  4. What is the intended purpose of the Thavil? The Thavil is used as an accompanying instrument in Carnatic and devotional music.
  5. Are there different sizes of Thavil? Yes, the Thavil is available in various sizes, ranging from 12 to 24 inches in diameter.
  6. What accessories might I need to purchase when buying a Thavil? You may need to purchase drum sticks, tuning keys, and a carrying strap or bag for the Thavil.

Trivia

An interesting fact about the thavil is its unique sound. When playing the instrument, the player's left hand is used to pluck the strings while the right hand is used to provide a stable drone, producing a range of melodic sounds that are typical of South Indian Carnatic music. The thavil's sound has been described as having a "droning, hypnotic" quality that is both "intricate and powerful". This makes the thavil stand out as a unique instrument, and it has come to be appreciated by a wide range of music fans for its distinctive sound. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thavil

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.