TAMBURA
Tambura
(tanpura in north) is one of the classical instruments of the stringed group.
It is a common instrument in the south and it is found in different varieties.
In appearance tambura looks like the southern veena but it does not have the
second gourd and elaborate head-piece.
The
resonance box or bowl of tambura or tamboori is made of wood and is spherical
in shape having an upper covering made out of a plain flat plank. The length
of the instrument varies from 31/2 feet to 5 feet.
The hollow body of the tambura has a small neck. The bridge which is placed
on the bowl in the center is made of wood or ivory.
There
are four metal strings attached directly to the narrow ledge fixed to the body
of the tambura. Three of the strings are made of steel and the fourth and lowest
one is of brass. The strings pass through holes in the ledge which is near the
peg. The tuning pegs of the first and second strings are fixed at the side of
the neck and the other two strings are at right angles to the head. There are
beads threaded upon the strings, between the bridge and the attachment to which
they are secured. These beads act like a wedge between the belly which is slightly
convex and the string, when it is pushed down in the direction of the attachment.
There
is a slight difference in the northern and southern varieties of tambura. In
the south, tamburas usually have wooden bodies whereas in the north gourds are
used.
The
tambura is held upright while playing. Sometimes the bowl is placed on the right
thigh. The strings of the tambura are gently and continuously plucked with the
fingers, one after the other. Little pieces of silk or wool is placed in certain
positions between the strings and the main bridge to improve the tonal effect.
The
finest tamburas are made in Miraj, Lucknoe and Rampur in the north. Tanjavoor,
Thiruvananthapuram, Vizianagaram and Mysore are famous centers of manufacturing
tamburas in the south. Tanjavoor tamburas are beautifully carved and ornamented
with ivory.
