AB Satarmaker TMSP-ABS 58-Inch Professional Male 4-String Tanpura w/Gig Bag

This 58-inch long male tanpura is made by A.B. Satarmaker, master craftsman of Miraj India. The ABS tanpuras are characterized by the accurate woodwork, precise joining, artful decorations, and attention to the finishing and Jawari (tuning) work. The result is a lightweight instrument of high sound quality that will last for years to come. 

The tanpura is an Indian drone instrument known for its rich sound. It resembles the sitar in size and shape but has no frets and no sympathetic strings. Most Tanpura have 4 strings tuned to the tonic, a few have 5 or 6 strings. The name of the instrument has a number of variations, including tanpura, tanpoora, tambura, thamboora, thambura, and tamboora. Male tanpuras are larger than the female. The decorative inlays may vary, but all are artfully carved.  

The city of Miraj is known to produce the finest tanpura in the world. The typical north Indian tanpura, favored by Hindustani musicians, is known as the Miraj style. The ABS tanpuras have been handcrafted in Miraj for over 100 years by four generations of the Balasaheb family. The Balasaheb family has perfected innovations to improve the look and sound of the instrument. They skillfully cut the pumpkin gourd to create the correct shape, and join the gourd and body pieces with precision. They understand how the thickness of the wood body and neck will affect the tone of the instrument and take great care to craft the structures of even thickness.

The progenitor of the Balasaheb family originally made his tanpura from teak. Today, this wood is becoming scarce and is too costly to use. ABS tanpuras are crafted from seasoned toon wood. 

Accessories Included:

• Padded Gig Bag.  

SPECIAL NOTE ON STRINGS:

There is 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 of 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 are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again. 

Requires special truck delivery. 

SPECIAL DELIVERY: 

Special Delivery is required for this item due to its size. This item is shipped on a pallet via freight service. The freight service company will contact you in advance and delivery will typically take 5-10 business days. The buyer or buyer’s representative must be present at the time of delivery to sign for the delivery.