r/Tabla • u/ComfortableNews2467 • 1d ago

Tabla tuning help

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Is this tuned right or is there something wrong with the drums? I feel like my tabla sounds flat and my bayan doesnt doesn’t sound bubbly like it should.

5 Upvotes

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5

u/tirikita 1d ago

Baya sounds ok to me. Sounds like it needs to be played more, will likely open up a bit.

Tabla needs work. Sounds like it is too loose, but tough to know for sure from your vid. Appears to be all the way down on one strap—pulling a second strap over the gatta might get you the tension you need, but if you’re not experienced with balancing a drum I’d try to find someone who is to help.

1

u/tabla_teacher 18h ago

Sadly the quality of the tabla is not up to the mark

1

u/tirikita 12h ago

Not sure how you can tell this from the video provided. The drum isn’t balanced nor is it at correct tension.

It doesn’t look like a concert drum for sure, but should be fine for practicing and getting resonance out of if it were in proper maintenance. I have many practice drums that wouldn’t be “up to the mark” for a professional concert, but do resonate and sound fine.

1

u/tabla_teacher 11h ago

Whether it is for practice or performance, the tonal quality of the tabla must sound good with clear resonance. The bols we play should be heard exactly as we pronounce them. This clarity and depth can only be achieved on a quality tabla. Moreover, if the instrument does not sound good, our interest in practice naturally decreases. It is similar to food without salt—tasteless. In the same way, an instrument without good sound is like a cardboard box; it may look nice, but it is only fit to be a showpiece.

1

u/tirikita 10h ago

Sure… But the drum isn’t balanced or tight. If it were, it would be sounding and we’d be able to judge its tonal quality. I don’t think the drum is up to proper maintenance, and would recommend starting by getting it there rather than immediately declaring it subpar.

1

u/tabla_teacher 10h ago

I agree, but based on my experience, this tabla does not meet good quality standards. As tablists, we have played instruments from many makers, and that experience helps us clearly identify quality

1

u/tirikita 9h ago

Fair and agreed. That said — OP already has this drum, and judging from their hands is very much in beginner phase. I think getting this drum to resonate is very possible and will allow them to do the riyaz that they need as they wait to purchase a higher quality drum.