Tabla : This is percussion instrument that is most prominently used in all form of Hindustani, and South Asian classical music. Usually a musician has a pair of drums of different size. One of them is almost always made of wood and is known as the Tabla (Dayan) and the other (Brass, Steel or Copper) is a larger drum known as the Dagga (Bayan). The tabla has a wider base and narrower top (about 5 and half inch) forming a conical shape. The thickness of the wood is about half an inch at the top. The best Tabla is made of well seasoned teak wood which gives it the best sound quality and lasting trouble free life. The Inside of the tabla is hollowed out to half the height and the lower heavier portion gives it stability. The table gives the treble range of sound and is the more important for the Tabla player. The Bayan or Dagga has a deeper bass tone. Older dayan was hand made by firing earthen Dagga in a fire kiln. This tradition has almost disappeared and has been replaced by metal Dagaa. Both drums have goat or cow leather stretched on the top with a central black shahi. This skin is held together by leather thongs in a tabla and with ropes in a dagga. What to consider while looking for a quality set of Tabla and Bayan Tabla is best made of very well seasoned Teak wood. The eight wooden Gatta used for tuning the tabla and should also be made of teak since it is hammered with metal hammer during the tuning process. The other most important consideration is the type of leather used for the tabla. The thinner the leather the more pleasant is the sound. The thinner leather is also known as the Calcutta style. The other medium thickness leather also known as Bombay style has good tonal quality and longer life. The thick skin is more durable but has poorer sound quality. Good tabla makers focus on the quality of leather used and the art of formulating and constructing the siyahi. At the center of the leather is a black circular area which is a paste applied known as siyahi. The quality of sound is very much dependent on the quality of this formulation and the best of the tabla makers hold this secret closely. This is created in multiple layers and is made of starch mixed with special black powder. For a Dagga or dayan the best have the thin leather top and the body made of copper. Others have a body made of brass and steel. You may select Thin or medium leather based on the longevity of the leather you need. A starter or student may begin with a thick skin tabla but should soon move to medium and thin skin for better sound quality. While selecting a set of Tabla and Dugga understand your needs and make sure to select the right combination. Make sure you discuss and understand the product while buying. After all the pleasing sound and the durability of the product should be topmost on the musicians mind. As a buying guide: Do not compromise on the quality of the tabla or bayan. Select tabla made of seasoned teak wood, with good thin leather and best siyahi.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:32:39 +0000