TANPURAS

The Tanpura is a four to six stringed fretless instrument made of wood, and usually combined with gourd. It provides the performing artist(s) with a tonic reference and enriches the background with its unique harmonic drone. The strings are tuned in a manner that emphasizes the tonic and the dominant notes of a raga. The bridge is comprised of bone and is slightly curved to not only provide a buzzing sound (as the strings are plucked), but also to generate various harmonics that enhance the tonal quality of the instrument. The size (gourd and neck) of the instrument may vary depending on whether the artist is an instrumentalist, male vocalist, or a female vocalist. Tanpura was most probably included as a part of a classical music ensemble since the seventeenth century.

The Tanpura player plucks the strings one at a time, in a steady, repetitive, almost orderly manner, using the index and middle fingers.

These days "electronic" tanpuras have become commonplace, since they do not require a human player, are less expensive, simpler to tune, require minimal maintenance, and are easily portable. There is still something very captivating, however, about the stage presence and rich tone of an authentic tanpura.

SMALL TANPURA

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A beautiful small size tanpura, lightweight, perfect for travel. The sound quality is rich and loud, suitable for instrumental or vocal accompaniment (comparable to its fullsize counterparts).

• 4 strings, seasoned wood for exceptional tonal quality
• Available in Tun color or Cherry (Mohagany) color
• Comes with durable carrying bag.
• Deluxe Model (pictured above) is Rikhi Ram style

Price:
$225.00 (Regular model) plus packing, shipping and handling.
$275.00 (Deluxe model, pictured) plus packing, shipping and handling.

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FULL SIZE TANPURA

A beautiful full size tanpura. The sound quality is rich and loud, suitable for male or female vocal accompaniment.

• 4 strings
• Available in male (approx. 56" length) and female styles (approx. 52" length)
• Comes with hardboard carrying case

Price:
$400.00 (Male) plus packing, shipping and handling.
$375.00 (Female) plus packing, shipping and handling.

PROFESSIONAL FULL SIZE TANPURA

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A beautiful full size tanpura, Miraj style professional quality, with intricate design and carving work. The sound quality is rich and loud, suitable for male or female vocal accompaniment.

• 4 strings, Miraj style seasoned wood for exceptional tonal quality
• Available in male (~ 56" length) and female (~ 52" length) styles
• Comes with hardboard carrying case

Price:
$450.00 (Male) plus packing, shipping and handling.
$400.00 (Female) plus packing, shipping and handling.