Tanpura is a popular musical instrument used by Indians. It became a part of the country’s history and culture. However, the actual musical instrument seems so difficult to purchase today. Good thing, you have found this post. Here are those amazing choices you may include in your list of options today.
What is Tanpura?
It is the musical instrument that serves as a reference cord in the classical music of India. The tanpura comes with 4 strings and a resonator.
It does not have frets because it plays entirely the notes. The word “tanpura” came from the word “tana,” which means the musical phrase and “pura” that means whole.
The tanpura has an elongated neck on the tip on which the metallic strings are connected. These strings run across the entire body of this musical instrument.
India’s classical music is backed up by the “Shruti” concept. Here, every singer and instrument will find the base pitch, which may encompass most of the notes.
This musical instrument comes in different styles. The best one is the Tanjore style that Carnatic musicians often use.
How to Use a Tanpura?
If you’re lucky to find a classic tanpura, then you can start learning to play it with these steps:
- Get a mat, lay it down the floor, and be seated. Your legs must be crossed.
- Put the tanpura on your lap.
- Allow your right arm to rest at the same level as the tanpura’s stem.
- Start strumming the instrument through the edge on the left using your fingers.
- If you want the Hindustani version, play the 4 strings at the same intervals.
- If not, play Pancham for two counts. This will be the Carnatic style.
- Make sure your voice matches the sound of your tanpura. If you’re using an electronic tanpura, then follow these steps:
- Start with plucking only the Sa strings. Turn off the Pa of your electric tanpura.
- Try matching the Sa with your voice.
- The sound must match properly and completely.
- You shouldn’t hear any form of “beats.”
- Once done, try adding Pa and try matching it with Sa.
1. Best Overall: SG Musical ABS Pro Male Tanpura 4-String
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Stunning Sound Quality – this could be the right choice for you when it comes to sound quality. This product is dedicated to producing a stunning sound that is pleasing to the ears. The strings are sturdy enough. It is also easy to tune.
- Risk-Free Investment – buying this item is a risk-free investment. It is made of high-quality materials designed to ensure the longevity of this wooden product.
- Sophisticated Product – this tanpura musical instrument aims to provide rhythm and pitch that only a quality one can offer. Crafted using the best materials in the market, it promises to offer you the best playing experience.
Pros:
- Risk-free investment
- Stunning sound quality
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Stubborn strings while new
2. Best Sound Quality: IMPI Tanpura
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Good Product – this tanpura musical instrument has been made of the finest materials to ensure its overall performance and credibility.
- Cool Features – it has sturdy strings that are so playable and easy to use. You will enjoy playing with this musical instrument.
- Easy to Use – feel free to use it whenever you want to enjoy the traditional music of India. It is portable enough, so it can go with you anywhere.
- Good Sound Quality – rest assured, it can produce a decent and realistic sound, just like the ones you can expect from a quality product.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Cool features
- Good sound quality
Cons:
- Quite bulky
3. Best Budget-Friendly: SG Musical Tenor Tanpura/Tambura
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Budget-Friendly – if you want to buy a new tanpura but worried about your budget, then you will never go wrong with this one. It comes with everything a wooden musical instrument can offer without making you worried about your budget.
- Excellent Quality – this product is crafted using high-quality hand-beaten acoustic materials. Therefore, this tanpura is good enough for intermediate and professional players.
- High-Quality Sound – this tanpura is among the greatest ones when it comes to sound production. It is loud enough. The notes are clear. The strings produced a good sound and rhythm when played.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent quality
- Superb sound production
Cons:
- Bulky
4. Best Value: SG Musical Decorated Tanpura Female
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Complete Package – this electronic tanpura comes as a complete package. You have nothing else to buy. The package already includes the musical instrument, spare strings, and the instruction manual to help you get started in using this product with ease.
- Excellent Quality – SG Musical has been known for its reputation in producing quality products. With this product, you’re assured of good performance, great features, and the best value for your money.
- Easy to Use – powering the device doesn’t have to be challenging. The strings do not hurt your fingers, even the first few plays.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Excellent quality
- Comes as a complete package
Cons:
- May not be as loud as other tanpuras
5. A Highly Recommended: SG Musical Deluxe Flat Back Tanpura With Gig Bag
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- 100% Original Tone – this product is one of the best tanpuras you can find in the market. It aims to deliver the original tone of the traditional tanpura, a big thanks to those materials used in its construction.
- Durable Strings – it comes with the super-playable strings for easy and convenient operation.
- Gig Bag – storing your musical instrument is no longer a problem as it comes with a gig bag. This bag is sturdy enough, so you can either hang it on the wall or keep is standing or flat anywhere in your room.
- Easy to Use – the strings are harmless. Playing this musical instrument is not a big problem. The whole instrument is lightweight and portable. Therefore, you can play along with it for hours.
Pros:
- Good quality
- Sturdy strings
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Quite expensive
6. Best in Quality: Baba Music Tanpura
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Trusted Tanpura – this product claims to be the leading traditional tanpura. Made by a reliable brand, you can hope for the best when it comes to quality, performance, and design.
- Original – this product is one of the hottest tanpuras you can find online. It goes through a series of tests to ensure its durability and longevity.
- Easy to Use – the strings are easy to play. Strumming them won’t be a problem even if you play with this instrument for hours.
- Tested and Sure Quality – the product has passed the standards for overall quality. It is a top-rated product crafted in India.
Pros:
- Original
- Easy to use
- Guaranteed quality
Cons:
- Expensive
7. Best in Design: IMPI SURMANDAL CUM TANPURA
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Great Features – this is an all-in-one traditional tanpura. It may look different from other traditional tanpuras in the market, which allows everyone to easily recall it.
- Easy to Use – keep it flat on the floor and play. You will surely enjoy the experience.
- Premium Quality – it has been professionally tested as it underwent a series of tests to ensure its quality and performance.
Pros:
- Genuine quality
- Easy to use
- Good sound production
Cons:
- Expensive
8. Easiest to Use: SG Musical Pro Male Tanpura
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Good Quality – this traditional tanpura box came in a convenient sizing and made of the finest materials to ensure its performance, quality, and longevity.
- Portable – it can go out with you anywhere you go. It is so easy to carry around. It is so lightweight and handy with its sturdy wooden construction.
- Auto Tuning – getting it in proper tune is no longer a problem. Rest assured, your device will be ready to use in no time. Instructional guides are provided. You can also watch video tutorials online
- Good Sound Production – it has those 4 strings that tune on their own based on your preferred pitch. It even comes with an ultra-fine-tuning ability that makes the unit itself more fun to use.
Pros:
- Awesome quality
- Portable and handy
- Remarkable features
Cons:
- Expensive
9. Most Innovative: Saraswati Classical Tanpura, Female
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Convenient and Easy to Carry – this tanpura is one of the best you can get in the market today. Its size is just right, making it highly portable and easy to carry. You won’t hesitate to bring the instrument with you anywhere you go. Thanks to those materials used in its construction. It even includes an elegant case for more convenient transport.
- Sturdy Strings – the strings on this wooden instrument won’t easily break no matter what. It offers the best when it comes to sturdiness and longevity.
- Complete package – you have nothing else to purchase when you try this one. The package includes traditional picks and spare strings. A fiber case is also available.
Pros:
- Fiber case
- Rich in features
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- A bit expensive
10. Best in Sound Production: Saraswati Classical Female, Brown and Orange
Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Decent Quality – a quality product brought to you by Ravi. It is made of the finest materials available, so buying it is a risk-free choice.
- More Features for Your Satisfaction – it offers a multitude of great features. These include extra strings and a classy fiber case that allows you to bring this musical instrument anywhere you go.
- Good Sound Production – it produces loud sounds that add more fun whenever you play the instrument.
- Good Quality – Ravi assures you of the product’s overall quality. It went through different tests to ensure that it will last long. Hence, it is a risk-free investment that will never give you reasons to regret when you buy.
Pros:
- Decent quality
- Good sound production
- Versatile
Cons:
- Maybe more expensive than others
Tips in Choosing the Best Tanpura for Your Money
So, it’s your first time buying a tanpura – the traditional type in particular. While the market seems to offer more choices for this kind of product, still it is not safe to assume that they are all created equal. Here are some tips to help you make the best buying decision today:
Check the features. As a novice, the tanpura box should be easy for you to manage. You may spend hundreds of cash for one, so it is a quite expensive purchase. Check the product’s features and overall construction. Don’t settle for any product that is not sure to last long.
Check the Warranty. Make sure your preferred unit has a warranty for factory damage or a money-back guarantee in case you are not happy with your purchase. Ask the seller before making a purchase.
Compare the Prices. Electronic tanpuras can be so expensive. Some models out there offer a bit affordable price tag. Whatever you choose, be sure that you will be getting the best value for your money in the long run.
Check the Overall Construction. These products are made of wood, so it must be the kind of wood that will last for years. Remember, a tanpura is quite expensive, so it should try to offer the best value for your hard-earned money.
Conclusion
Your first choice out of these 10 products could be SG Musical ABS Pro Male Tanpura 4-String. Aside from producing stunning sound quality, this product is equipped with remarkable features. It is easy to use and can go with you wherever you want to be. Truly, it can give the best bang for the buck.
If not, you may go for IMPI Tanpura. It is also a top-rated traditional tanpura instrument that has many good things to offer. Aside from guaranteeing a nice sound production, it also offers an excellent quality that you will see right in its form. It is another bang for the buck product that you won’t regret buying.
