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Bulbul Tarang (Indian Banjo)

The bulbul tarang (or Indian banjo) is a common string instrument from India. Its name literally means "waves of nightingales".

The instrument employs two sets of strings, one set for drone, and one for melody. The melody strings run under a key plate with keys similar to those of a piano, or more often, typewriter. Depressing the keys as the strings are plucked or strummed activates stops on the key plate which shorten the strings and changes their pitch. The instrument is common among folk musicians and children because of its very low price.

The melody strings are commonly tuned to the same note, or in octaves, while the drone strings are tuned to the 1st and 5th of the melody strings. Tuned in this manner, the instrument is uni-tonic, or unable to modulate to new keys. The melody strings may be tuned to different pitches if desired, however, rendering it multi-tonic, but more difficult to play. The bulbul tarang is most commonly played as accompaniment to singing. Indian instruments are usually tuned for the vocals or the particular Raga or song being played. They are not limited to one tuning.

An important note about Indian Banjo quality In general, the quality standards on Indian instruments usually focus on the functionality of the instrument. The esthetic quality is secondary; Indian instruments often sound better than they look. The BulBul Tarang is the most striking example of this phenomenon. Marred finishes, dents, dings, surface imperfections and general blemishes are standard.

Much of this article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Bulbul tarang".

SPECIAL NOTE - No Warranty on Strings: Whether you purchase an instrument on-line or in a neighborhood store, manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey to your home. During this time the strings WILL oxidize and this may shorten their life expectancy and may reduce their sound quality. On occasion instruments may arrive with a broken string, therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings as soon as it arrives. Learning to change strings should be the first lesson learned when embarking on the journey of playing a new instrument.

( BANJ ) Bulbul Tarang, 23 inches Long (Indian Banjo) 23" long, with 10 steel strings. This is not a Kentucky banjo. The case is integral to the instrument. Eight main strings are plucked or strummed with picks while depressing keys to change the notes. Instrument has two sympathetic strings. The main strings on a banjo are all tuned to the same note. Marred finishes, dents, dings, surface imperfections and general blemishes are standard. We do sort through the shipments when they arrive and take the most blemished out of the first quality inventory. However, you should not expect an Indian Banjo to be un-marred. Made in India.

Only: $75.00

Qty:

( BANL ) Bulbul Tarang, 36 inches Long (Indian Banjo) 36" long. This is not a Kentucky banjo. The case is integral to the instrument. 10 steel strings the 8 main steel strings are plucked or strummed with picks while depressing keys to change the notes. The main strings on a banjo are all tuned to the same note. Marred finishes, dents, dings, surface imperfections and general blemishes are standard. We do sort through the shipments when they arrive and take the most blemished out of the first quality inventory. However, you should not expect an Indian Banjo to be un-marred. Made in India.

Only: $110.00

Qty:

( BANJS ) Banjira Bulbul Tarang String Set The Banjira Bulbul Tarang String Set contains 10 steel strings with looped ends. The strings on a Bulbul Tarang are arranged in two groups, one group for drone and one group for melody. The melody strings are commonly tuned to the same note, or in octaves, while the drone strings are tuned to the 1st and 5th of the melody strings. Tuning and String Gauges: 1-10. 009 .234 Steel. Made in USA.

Only: $12.90

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( BANJS ) Bulbul Tarang, 23 inches Long, 10-String Set Replacment strings, set of ten, for the 23 inch Bulbul Tarang (Indian Banjo). Strings are stainless steel, 28 inches long, .080 thick, and pre looped at one end. Made in India.

Only: $15.90

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( BANLS ) Bulbul Tarang, 36 inches Long, 10-String Set Replacment strings, set of ten, for the 36 inch Bulbul Tarang (Indian Banjo). Strings are stainless steel, 32 inches long, .080 thick, and pre looped at one end. Made in India. (Out of Stock)

Only: $15.90

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( BANT ) Bulbul Tarang, Tuning Tool and Picks Replacement tuning tool for the Indian Banjo, also called the Bulbul Tarang. Includes two Bulbul Tarang picks. Fits the BANJ and BANL. Made in India.

Only: $11.90

Qty:

Ethnic Musical Instruments