Parts of a tanpura

 


There are mainly 3 parts of a tanpura, the top, middle and bottom. These three parts are then further divided into multiple other parts. 

The picture below is a labeled image showing different parts of the tanpura, I will further be explaining what these parts are and why they are important as well.


About the parts:

Tuning pegs- 

- There are 4 tunings pegs of a 4 string tanpura, and they help in tuning the strings to get the desired sound.

- When rotated, these pegs either tighten or loosen the strings, and which then creates the sound of the required single note (each string is a different note).

Dand- 

- It is also known at the neck of the tanpura, when playing the tanpura one is supposed to strum from the middle of the dand to get the perfect aura. 

- It is the longest part of the tanpura.

Strings-

- Tanpuras can either have 6 strings or 4, however four strings are much more commonly used.

- Each of these strings play a different note from the sargam and unlike guitars, ukuleles and other string instruments, the strings on the tanpura aren't supposed to be pressed and are always played plainly with one hand.

Tabli- 

- This is known as the face of the tanpura, it is well designed and its purpose is to make the instrument look aesthetically pleasing.

- It is also made from wood like the rest of the instrument.

Beads and Threads-

- Beads are placed at the end of the string at the bottom of the tanpura, they're oval shaped and help in finely tuning the instrument. 

- A soft thread is placed in the middle of the strings and wood, this allows a clean output sound and helps to tune the tanpura further. 

Tumba- 

- A Tumba is the bottom part of the tanpura, this is what is placed on the ground or lap based on comfort. 

- It is made from a pumpkin. 

Gul-

- This is the place where the neck of the Tanpura ends, and the base starts. 

- It is the connection between the two parts


Source: 

-, Shubham Mittal, et al. “Knowing the Instrument....Tanpura - ED Times: Youth Media Channel.” ED Times | Youth Media Channel, 4 July 2014, edtimes.in/tanpura/.

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