The construction process of Tanbur

The construction of Tanbur has an extensive range in the western part of Iran, but its main focus is in Kermanshah province.

The Tanbur is a kind of string instruments and the ancient name of a traditional Iranian musical instrument, the religious instrument of Yarsanism (Ahl-e Haqq rituals) in western Iran.

• Different parts of Tanbur

• Bowl (pear-shaped body)
   

The pear-shaped body of Tanbur is made of different kinds of wood such as walnut, elm, pears, and mulberry wood. The most popular wood between players and makers of Tanbur is mulberry wood. Especially the trunk of trees which have grown in the foothills of cold regions. To construct the bowl (pear-shaped body) early-wood or new food is proper. The makers formed the body of Tanbur similar to a bowl with a hatchet after providing the first step of body construction. At the end the bowl is kept for three to four months, to dry completely.

The bowl (pear-shaped body) of Tanbur is made in three types as follows: Seamlessly, wicker, and a combination of two other types.
 

• Neck

Its long neck is made of walnut wood because this kind of wood is sturdy and decorative. To make the neck of Tanbur wood of old doors are proper because the wood must be quite dry. The distance of neck till nut is equal to the length of the bowl of Tanbur which is changeable between 38-40 centimeters. The distance of bonding place from neck to the bowl is four centimeters. Moreover, the pegs box has a length of 12 centimeters.

• Top Sheet

The top sheet of Tanbur has the same material with the bowl. The top sheet and the bowl will be glued together after set them.

• Peg Box

The pegs and nut installed at the top of the neck. Nowadays the place of the pegs prepare with Electric drill. At the end the string holder will be installed on the bowl then painting the instrument with lacquer. Still, you will find somewhere that do it with natural colors.

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