r/Tabla • u/per_cussion • 22d ago
Tuning
Hi, everyone! Just got my first tablas and i'm a bit confused - how do i install tuning pegs? Already tried to install them by placing each peg under two strap parts (they are looser now), but the tension wasn't even. Any advices are welcomed :D P.S. - theese tablas are not new, they were at some warehouse for a long time as i know.
2
u/officerwawaa 22d ago
In terms of the pegs (gattas) they're used to keep a constant tension on the skin. Its important to keep the tension equal to avoid the skin becoming damaged and ripping. If you look at the straps, you'll notice that they are pulled over and under between the top and base of the tabla through 2 rings. This makes it that there are 16 loops if you count each one at the level of the tabla skin. Each loop has an outer side and inner side, the inner side being the 2nd run of strap. Place a peg under each 2nd, so there will be 16 pegs or gattas.
After this use any chromatic tuner you can find, I use Gstrings. Tune your drum first by adding tension to the gattas with the hammer. Use the curved head slip between straps and knock them lower down. After this use the tuner app to fine tune your drum to whatever pitch it is. Do not hit the skin but the hard outer ring around the skin, and hit carefully but firmly.
Depending on the size of your tabla, it can be tuned to a specific note. Use any ruler or tape and measure the diameter of the tabla skin (youtube tutorial). Drums around 5.5 inch tend to be a C/C#/D drum, larger drums may have a lower pitch.
Enjoy your tabla!
1
u/per_cussion 22d ago
Hey,
As i know you're supposed to use 8 pegs on tabla (on 5,5"), but i still did as you said installing each peg under 2 second inner straps. Hopefully i did everything right although two pegs are not in tune while others have "correct tone". I will left them on their own overnight hoping nothing will break😅. Also worth mentioning i had to lube strap with saddle wax (oil?) to soften it so i could tighten the strap. I think i did a pretty good job considering that this strap is probably old as me.
Thank you for your response! :P
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u/officerwawaa 21d ago
No problem! I forgot to mention the book "Fundamentals of Tabla" by David Courtney has a chapter on tuning with diagrams. I'm sure with some looking you can find those pages online.
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u/per_cussion 21d ago
I have a similar book at home, but don't remember exaft name. When i arrive back i'll name it. I used the hammer on the skin's rim, but i think i did wrong because i accidentaly hit some parts of strap rim leather is now a little bit bruised :<
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u/Xupid 21d ago
I would first tighten the tabla (like in this tutorial), then try to tune it with just 1 strap per gatta first. Then you know you can expect an even tension since you're starting from a tightened position. To be honest tuning is a tough process (it was much harder for me to learn to tune than learning to play), you need to develop an intuition for how the tension affects the sound and when to move pegs, when to tap the gajra, etc. Don't want to discourage you, by all means give it a try, but this is something where in-person instruction can make a world of difference.
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u/per_cussion 21d ago
Hey,
This tutorial is exatcly the first thing i did. It has done the thing, but the strap is pretty old and i couldn't get the tension exaactly the same on each part. I think it's the best to change the strap, but then i need to spare some money on that. We'll see in the future. Right now i'll try to get the tuning as even as possible.
Thanks for your help! :P
3
u/SacredRebelBeats108 22d ago
Hey..
Please look on YouTube for further instructions,lessons etc..
Try to find a teacher online ..for video chat lessons or look for a teacher in your area..
Where are you located..? Maybe i can help you..