Buying and caring for a tanbur
This page is for students who want to buy an instrument or look after the one they have. The tips are general; before buying or repairing, it is best to ask a teacher or maker.
Before buying
Buy with a teacher: if you can, try the instrument with a teacher or experienced player.
From a known maker: an instrument with a maker’s mark is usually more reliable, and easier to have repaired and serviced.
Straight neck: look along the neck; it should not be warped or twisted.
No buzzing: play every fret on every string; there should be no buzzing or muted notes.
Accurate frets: the notes of the frets should agree with each other and with the tuning.
Pegs: they should turn smoothly and stay in place.
Cracks: check the body, soundboard and joints for cracks or separation.
A first instrument: you don’t need the most expensive tanbur to start; a sound, good-sounding instrument at a fair price is enough.
Everyday care
Humidity and temperature: wood is sensitive to dryness and sudden temperature changes. Keep the tanbur away from heaters, radiators, direct sun and car boots.
Case: keep it in a case or soft bag when you are not playing.
Cleaning: wipe the strings and neck with a soft, dry cloth after playing.
Carrying: don’t lift the instrument by the neck alone; support the body too.
Strings
Strings lose their sound and rust over time. Change them when the sound becomes dull or they stop holding their tuning.
Change one string at a time so the bridge does not move.
Frets
Tied frets wear or slip over time. If a fret sounds out of tune it can be moved slightly or replaced; this is best done by a teacher or maker.
Pegs
Wooden pegs may loosen in dry air or stick in humid air. If they won’t hold the tuning, show the instrument to a maker.
To find a maker, see Makers and Fash village.
This page is based on common advice from tanbur makers and teachers.
About the tanbur: What is the tanbur? · History · Construction · Tuning and technique · Maqams · Makers and Fash village · Buying and care · Where to start