Ek Tara
Ektara and tumbi, one string drone instruments, in tun wood and gourd. Made in our own workshop.
Choosing yours
An ektara has a single string over a gourd or wooden resonator, pitched by squeezing the bamboo neck. It is the instrument of Bengali baul singers and of wandering musicians across India.
A tumbi is the Punjabi cousin, higher pitched and played with one finger, and it is the sound behind a great deal of bhangra.
Both are inexpensive, portable and immediately playable, which is much of their appeal.
Questions we get asked
How is an ektara played?
Plucked with one finger while the bamboo neck is squeezed to bend the pitch. There is only one string, so the rhythm and the bend carry everything.
What is the difference between an ektara and a tumbi?
The tumbi is Punjabi, smaller and higher pitched, and central to bhangra. The ektara is associated with Bengali baul music.
Is it easy to learn?
Yes. It is one string and it is playable immediately, though rhythmic control takes practice.