Tombak

DESCRIPTION Tombak

The tombak (or tonbak), also known as the Persian tombak or zarb, is a wooden goblet drum and the most commonly played percussion instrument in Persian folk music and classical Persian music of Iran. The tombak is known for its distinctive sound and versatility, allowing it to be played in a variety of musical styles ranging from classical to contemporary.

History of Tombak

The origins of the tombak date back to ancient Iran, where the tonbak was used in religious ceremonies and later became an integral part of classical Persian music. In the early 20th century, tombak playing techniques were standardized by renowned musician Hossein Tehrani, who developed a notation system for the instrument.

Properties of Tombak

A unique feature of the tonbak is its ability to produce a wide range of sounds and tones. Players can use a variety of techniques to produce different sounds, including open and closed strokes, finger snaps and claps. These techniques can be used to create intricate rhythms and melodies that are characteristic of Persian music.

musical styles

The Iranian tombak is used in a variety of musical styles, including classical Persian music, folk music and contemporary music.

• In classical Persian music, the tonbak is often played as a solo instrument or as part of an ensemble with other traditional Persian instruments such as the satur, tar and setar .
• In folk music, the tonbak is often used to accompany dance and songs. It is played in a variety of regional styles, each with its own unique rhythms and techniques. For example, the Khorasan style of tombak playing is characterized by fast, intricate rhythms, while the Bushehr style is known for using slow, melodious patterns.
• In contemporary music, the tonbak has been used by many musicians to bring a unique sound to their compositions. Musicians such as Hossein Alizadeh and Mohammad Reza Shajarian have incorporated the tonbak into their music, blending traditional Persian styles with modern influences. Whether played in traditional Persian styles or integrated into contemporary music, the tombak remains a popular instrument that showcases Iran’s rich cultural heritage.

Care and maintenance of the Tombak

To keep the tombak in good condition, it is important to keep it clean and free from dust and dirt. It is also important to store it in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. The tombak should be tuned regularly, as temperature changes and humidity can affect the sound and pitch.

The unique feature of the Tombak from Majid Drums

Tunable percussion instruments are a great choice for percussionists who want to expand their musical skills and explore new sounds and possibilities. The Tombak from Majid Drums is tunable, making it even more interesting to play and listen to. It gives the player greater control over the sound and allows them to achieve the perfect balance and tone. The air tube system allows the tension of the skins to be changed by inflating or deflating the drum head with a bicycle pump. This method is preferred over manual tuning because it saves time and produces more consistent results. By using this method, heating or moistening the drum skin is no longer necessary. This means that the problem of tuning with changing humidity or heat stress is a thing of the past.