Tanpura Repairs
Bridge (aka Jawari)
The bridge, referred to as the "jawari" are considered the heart of the instrument. In the past bone and horn were the two most popular materials. Nowadays, many synthetics are being used in their place. These synthetics are often of excellent tone and durability. As one plays, the steel and bronze/brass strings gradually wear into the bridge surface, causing grooves to develop that impact the performance of the instrument.
Shaping of the bridge surfaces can be done to remove the grooves caused by the strings, and also to modify the tone of the instrument. The horizontal curvature of the tanpura bridge is essential to its tone and sustain.
Placement of the bridge has impacts the tone and the tuning of the tanpura.
Contact of the bridge feet to the face (soundboard or "tabli") of the instrument is vital. The feet should conform to the surface shape of the tabli for best contact and sound transmission.
Jawari services:
Shaping of the bridge surfaces can be done to remove the grooves caused by the strings, and also to modify the tone of the instrument. The horizontal curvature of the tanpura bridge is essential to its tone and sustain.
Placement of the bridge has impacts the tone and the tuning of the tanpura.
Contact of the bridge feet to the face (soundboard or "tabli") of the instrument is vital. The feet should conform to the surface shape of the tabli for best contact and sound transmission.
Jawari services:
- Adjust surface shape to improve tone
- Remove grooves caused by the strings over time
- Adjust the shape of the feet
Pegs
Tanpuras have 4, 5 and ocassionally 6 pegs. Typically the larger vocal tanpuras have 4 pegs. Instrumental tanpuras (smaller in size) have 5 pegs.
Pegs that stick can make tuning very difficult, especially fine tuning, and can, in extreme cases, cause the peg to crack or break. The opposite, pegs that slip, make it impossible to maintain the instrument in tune.
Unlike sitar, surbahar or rudra vin, pegs shats protruding from the back of the instrument do not cause problems. Aesthetically, one may want to cut back the pegs if they do protrude to create a more pleasing profile. But functionally this is not necessary.
Pegs made of inferior quality wood, sometimes called "sapwood", can actually mush down inside the peg holes and become stuck or, conversely, may not be able to grip.
Peg services:
Pegs that stick can make tuning very difficult, especially fine tuning, and can, in extreme cases, cause the peg to crack or break. The opposite, pegs that slip, make it impossible to maintain the instrument in tune.
Unlike sitar, surbahar or rudra vin, pegs shats protruding from the back of the instrument do not cause problems. Aesthetically, one may want to cut back the pegs if they do protrude to create a more pleasing profile. But functionally this is not necessary.
Pegs made of inferior quality wood, sometimes called "sapwood", can actually mush down inside the peg holes and become stuck or, conversely, may not be able to grip.
Peg services:
- Fix sticking or loose pegs
- Trim back protruding shafts for a more pleasing appearance, but this does not have impact on functionality.
- Repair or replace cracked or broken pegs
Strings and Other Services
Strings take their path from the tailpiece to the nut (upper bone bar). The depth of the nut slots contributes to the action and pitch of the instrument. It can also be a problem area where creaking or squeaks can occur. The tailpiece where the strings are tied off may become loose or develop stress areas.
Overall deep cleaning and inspection of the instrument should be done periodically to maintain the finish and to catch possible problems before they magnify.
Other Services Include:
Overall deep cleaning and inspection of the instrument should be done periodically to maintain the finish and to catch possible problems before they magnify.
Other Services Include:
- Re-stringing with high quality strings
- Supplying and setting up tuning beads
- Replacement or repair of the nut, including re-slotting if needed
- Inspection and cleaning
Copyright ©2012 by Michael Spampinato - photographs copyright ©2010 by Michael Spampinato