Q68

This entire conversation regarding the gauge of strings is very interesting! I am curious to know if the two tumba sitar gives out better sound effect than the single tumba sitar. Pranam

For a period it is learnt that sitars were without tarana and upper tumba. Over a period
additional strings above and below the bridge were added. We have photos of
paintings which shows that an additional upper tumba and in some a further third
tumba at the joint of the main lower tumba was also fixed. Later the reverse process
started. The third tumba disappeared and in our gharana even the upper tumba was
removed. Maihar gharana continues sitar with lower and upper tumba. It is believed
that we removed upper tumba to make travel easier with a relative smaller and lighter
case in which the sitar is packed. I believe that in our gharana I am the only one using
a sitar with two tumbas. Now the response to the question. I believe that with the
additional weight of the upper tumba on the joint of the lower main tumba and the dand
( fret board) the sound of the sitar a little extra rounded which I like. Two other extra
reasons
The sitar when rested on a surface does not role out when it rests on both the tunbas.
Several times a single tumba sitar requires a support to ensure that it does not role
out. Further I think a sitar with both the lower and upper looks nice !!!!
Read tarab in third line instead of tarana.
Wow!! I made only one major and two or three minor mistakes in typing. Am improving!!!