Tamburas (or Tanpuras)

Tamburas (or Tanpuras), which are classified as chordophones, are a member of the lute family. Tambura is the southern Indian name for this instrument, while tanpura is the name commonly used in northern India. Tamburas are the classical drone lute of Indian music. While they look somewhat like a single toomba sitar, they differ in a number of significant ways. Tamburas have fewer strings than a sitar, no sympathetic strings, no frets, and a moveable bridge used to adjust the pitch. These instruments look as exotic as they sound. The tambura is played solo or as part of ensembles performing traditional Macedonian songs and dances.

There are three main forms of tamburas. The Miraj form is used mostly in northern Indian Hindustani music. These Miraj are usually 3 to 5 feet in length, and have a round, almost pear-shaped tabali (resonator face) and the neck is symmetrical.

The Tanjore form is played by the Carnatic musicians in southern India. These tamburas are also 3 to 5 feet in length, but have an asymmetrical neck that tapers toward the top. Rather than a gourd, the Tanjore form of tambura have resonators that are almost always of wood.

A third form has recently gained popularity - a small tambura only about 2 to 3 feet in length. It’s resonator is made of wood and is very shallow and the resonator plate (tabali) is slightly curved. The number of strings varies from the common 4 to 6 or more. The form and playing are slightly different from the larger Tambura. Because the resonator is not a round gourd the sound quality may not be so rich as the Tambura. However, because of the smaller size and the sturdy wooden resonator these Tamburas are very popular for travel.

Check out our Tambura (Tanpura) Accessories page.

SPECIAL NOTE - No Warranty on Strings: Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.