Tampoura

Description

This
tampoura is
rosewood, handcarved with inlays
(तानपूरा; or
tambura
) is a long-necked plucked , originating from , found in various forms in . It does not play but rather supports and sustains the melody of another instrument or singer by providing a continuous harmonic or . A tanpura is not played in rhythm with the soloist or percussionist: as the precise timing of plucking a cycle of four strings in a continuous loop is a determinant factor in the resultant sound, it is played unchangingly during the complete performance. The repeated cycle of plucking all strings creates the sonic canvas on which the melody of the is drawn. The combined sound of all strings, each string a fundamental tone with its own spectrum of , supports and blend with the external tones sung or played by the soloist. Similar to a bass drone guitar that backs up Sitar or melodic singer. 40” L x 12”W