Bombay Tabla Set
Bombay style tabla sets, fuller than Delhi and brighter than Calcutta. From our own workshop and named Mumbai makers including Vijay Vhatkar.
Choosing yours
Bombay heads are among the thickest, which makes them durable and gives the earthy, woody tone heard in a great deal of concert playing. They take more force to speak than a Calcutta head and last considerably longer.
Vijay Vhatkar and the Mumbai makers are the names to look for here. Their sets are known for consistent shell turning and even skin work.
Bayan metal and weight apply as always: brass for a brighter attack and lighter weight, copper for a warmer and deeper bass.
Tuning and setup
Skins fitted, syahi applied and the set tuned before dispatch, then checked again on the day it ships.
Expect several retunings in the first weeks as the straps settle, then stability for a session at a time.
Questions we get asked
What is Bombay style tabla?
A thicker, durable head giving an earthy, woody tone. It takes more force to speak than a thinner Calcutta head and lasts considerably longer.
Who makes Bombay style tabla?
Mumbai workshops including Vijay Vhatkar and Haridas Vhatkar, alongside our own workshop.
Is it good for accompaniment?
Particularly, since the balance of attack and body works under both voice and instruments.