Tabla is a pair of drums. It consists of of a small right hand drum called dayan and a larger metal one called bayan.
The tabla has an interesting construction. The dayan (right hand drum) is almost always made of wood. The diameter at the membrane may run from just under five inches to over six inches. The bayan (left hand drum) may be made of iron, aluminium, copper, steel, or clay; yet brass with a nickel or chrome plate is the most common material. Undoubtedly the most striking characteristic of the tabla is the large black spot on each of the playing surfaces. These black spots are a mixture of gum, soot, and iron filings. Their function is to create the bell-like timbre that is characteristic of the instrument.
Although the origin of tabla is somewhat obscure, it is generally belived that it evolved from the barrel shaped drum called pakhawaj. This was about three hundred years ago.
(Remember to check out "The Tabla Site" for more information.)
SPONSORED LINKS
SELECTED VIDEOS (Perforamces and Documentaries)
David Cortney - Program 1/10 - Tabla Tune - video Ernesto leon
Rajasthan music
Ustad Allah Rakha & Zakir Hussain Tabla Solo Teental
Ravi Shankar, Alla Rakha - Tabla Solo in Jhaptal
very young rimpa shiv - tabla phenomenon
Tabla Rella, Pete Lockett
Tabla Ensemble
Zakir Hussain lecture and demonstration of tabla
Zakir Hussain Tabla & Taal Demonstration - Part 1 of 4
Zakir Hussain Tabla & Taal Demonstration - Part 2 of 4
Zakir Hussain Tabla & Taal Demonstration - Part 3 of 4
Zakir Hussain Tabla & Taal Demonstration - Part 4 of 4
SPONSORED LINKS
SELECTED VIDEOS (Lessons)
Introduction to the Tabla - Part 1 - Bol and Gharana
Introduction to the Tabla - Part 2 - Parts of the Tabla and Tuning the Tabla
Introduction to the Tabla - Part 3 - Sitting and Hand Position
Rare Tabla Lessons from Pt.Kishore Banerjee
Tabla Lesson: Keharwa Tal