Understanding Damaged Skins on a Tabla While Tuning: A Comprehensive Guide

As a tabla player, you may encounter khani or kinar (the skin or hide) damage during tuning. This could be due to improper handling or accidental hits, as in your case. Understanding how to deal with these damages is crucial for maintaining the quality and sound of your instrument.

The Effects of Damage on the Tabla Skins

When you accidentally hit the side of the kinar of a tabla, it can result in an immediate disruption in the drum's resonance. The skin might experience a compression or, in severe cases, a puncture. To determine the extent of the damage, you need to assess if the air inside the tabla can escape through the damaged kinar.

Assessing the Damage

To properly assess the damage, you can use a flat side of a hammer or a cross peen side. These tools can help you gauge whether the damage has punctured through all three skins. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

First, gather your tabla, a flat hammer, and a cross peen side hammer. Place the tabla on a stable surface.

Use the flat side of the hammer to gently press against the damaged area. If the skin feels compressed but no air escapes, you may have only caused a compression.

Alternatively, use the cross peen side of the hammer to poke or press into the damaged area. If you feel resistance or hear a hissing sound, air is escaping, indicating a puncture.

Addressing the Damage

If the air inside the tabla is escaping through the damaged kinar, it means that the skin has been punctured. In such cases, you need to replace the puDi or hide. Here’s how to do it:

Obtain a suitable puDi that matches the size and thickness of the original skin. You can purchase these from a reputable tabla music store.

Remove the broken skin by gently cutting it away from the tabla using a sharp, thin blade or a pair of scissors. Ensure you do not damage the frame or the other skins in the process.

Replace the damaged puDi with a new one. Carefully apply it over the frame, ensuring it fits snugly and is centered. Adjust the tension using the gawa (tension screw).

Test the new skin by playing the tabla to ensure it produces the desired sound and resonance.

Preventing Future Damage

While accidental damage can occur, there are several ways to prevent future issues:

Handle the tabla with care, especially when tuning. Avoid hitting the kinar with too much force.

Use the appropriate tools for tuning and maintenance, as described above.

Store the tabla in a safe place when not in use. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the instrument.

Regularly inspect the skins for any signs of wear or damage and address them promptly.

Conclusion

Accidental damage to the kinar of your tabla can be a cause for concern, but proper assessment and handling can prevent further issues. By understanding the symptoms of damage and taking steps to address them, you can ensure your instrument continues to produce the vibrant sounds you love. Whether the damage is a minor compression or a more severe puncture, the key is to act quickly and with care.

Related Keywords

Tabla tuning Damaged skins Kinar

References

For further reading on tabla maintenance and tuning, consider checking out the following resources:

Tabla Maintenance Guide by the Hindustani Classical Music Association Tuning Tips for Tabla at the Music Education Board The Art of Tabla Playing by Dr. T.K. Mallick