Tanpuras and Indian Classical String Instruments
From traditional gourd tanpuras to modern, travel-friendly flat-back designs, we build and restore instruments for vocalists and instrumentalists who value precise tonal quality.
This is a flat wooden tanpuri I made, perfect for vocalists and for studio recordings. I am holding it here to show its size and simple, elegant design.
Demonstrating the playing position for the flat wooden tanpuri. Its smaller, flatter body makes it easier to handle and travel with compared to a traditional gourd tanpura.
Another view of the flat wooden tanpuri, showing the fine polish and the precise string alignment over the bridge, which is key for a clear and steady drone.
An artist inspecting a teakwood tanpura at our workshop. Teakwood gives a distinct, deep tonal quality that many musicians prefer for their practice and performance.
About Tanpuras & Other Instruments
If you travel often for concerts or studio work, I highly recommend looking at my flat-back wooden tanpuris. They offer the same rich, consistent drone as a traditional round-gourd tanpura but are much easier to pack and carry without worrying about fragile surfaces during transit.
Building an instrument that sustains the perfect drone for your riyaaz is a serious task. Whether you play sitar, tanpura, surbahar, or sarangi, the soul of the instrument lies in the bridge setup. I have spent years refining the jawari adjustment for my tanpuras to ensure that the note stays steady and resonant for every vocalist.
Why Miraj-style Craftsmanship Matters
My family has been in the business of making instruments since 1850. We don't just assemble wood and wire. We select the seasoned wood carefully, often sourcing our materials to ensure the tonal quality lasts for decades. When you bring an instrument to me for restoration, I don't just fix the surface; I look at the structural integrity, fret alignment, and the critical bridge sculpting that defines the 'ultimate tone'.
Customization for Your Needs
Every musician has a different requirement:
- Travel-Friendly Designs: My flat-back tanpuras are a favorite for students and teachers who need to travel.
- Material Choices: We work with various types of high-quality wood, including teakwood, which provides a deep, warm character that many maestros prefer.
- Aesthetic Touches: While tone is my priority, I can customize the finish—from plain, professional studio finishes to intricate floral artwork if you prefer a traditional look.
Whether you need a full restoration of an heirloom piece or a new instrument built to your specific scale, I focus on the technical details—fret leveling, string gauges, and bead adjustment—so you get an instrument that feels like it belongs in your hands.
Naeem Sitarmaker
I am Naeem, and in my workshop in Miraj, we carry forward a family legacy that started in 1850. For me, making a tanpura or surbahar is an act of prayer, and I personally oversee every bridge setting to ensure the resonance is perfect for your voice.
Looking for a specific instrument or repair?
Tell me what you need, and I will help you find the right setup.
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