Frequently Asked Questions — Punjab Music House

Can't find your answer here? WhatsApp us directly at +91 88722 71507 — we typically respond within a few hours.

About Our Tabla

Are your tabla sets really handmade?

Yes. Every tabla we sell is made by our karigars in our workshop in Khamanon, District Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. Handmade means a karigar shaped, stitched, and tuned that specific drum — not a factory assembly line. The syahi (the black disc on the dayan) is hand-applied in multiple layers by the same karigar who built the drum. If you want to verify, WhatsApp us and we will send a video of your tabla being made or packaged.

What wood are your tabla made from?

Our dayan (right drum) shells are made from sheesham (Indian rosewood) — the traditional and best-quality wood for tabla. Sheesham is dense, resonant, and dimensionally stable. We do not use mango wood or plywood. The bayan (left drum) is brass, copper, or clay depending on the tier and your preference.

What pitch will the tabla arrive in?

Our standard beginner sets are tuned to C# (Do sharp) or D — the most common learning pitches. If your teacher has specified a different pitch, tell us when you WhatsApp before ordering. We will set the tabla to that pitch before shipping.

What quality tier should I buy — Beginner, Professional, or Premium?

This depends on the student's current level:

• Beginner: First 1-3 years of learning. Suitable for daily practice up to an hour.
• Professional: Students past the foundation stage, practicing 1+ hours daily, preparing for performances.
• Premium / Concert: Performing artists, teachers, and recording musicians. Made to order.

If unsure, WhatsApp us. We will ask you a few questions and give you an honest recommendation.

What is the difference between your tabla and what I see on Amazon or Flipkart?

Most listings on large marketplaces are resellers of factory-produced sets. The shells may be softer wood. The syahi is typically machine-applied in a single layer. The leather is selected for cost, not resonance. A teacher with any experience can hear the difference within the first few strikes. We are the manufacturer — we made the tabla you are buying, and we can tell you exactly what is in it.

Ordering

Can I see the tabla before I buy?

Yes — two ways. If you are near Khamanon (District Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab), you are welcome to visit our workshop. WhatsApp us to arrange a visit. Alternatively, WhatsApp us before ordering and we will send a sound test video of the specific tabla we will ship to you. This is our standard process for all orders.

How do I place an order?

You can order directly through this website by adding to cart and checking out. Alternatively — and many customers prefer this — WhatsApp us at +91 88722 71507 first. Tell us what you need, we confirm the right tabla, and then you complete the order. We are also reachable by phone at +91 62398 43298.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), bank transfer (NEFT/IMPS), and Cash on Delivery (COD) for orders within India where available. Razorpay handles card payments through the website checkout.

Can I order a custom-pitch tabla?

Yes — for professional and premium tiers. Tabla players often need specific pitches for different ragas. WhatsApp us with your pitch requirement and we will confirm if we have a set at that pitch or can make one to order. Delivery time for made-to-order sets is 7-14 working days.

Can I order in bulk for a music school or gurugharh?

Yes. We supply music schools and teaching studios across Punjab and North India. WhatsApp us about bulk requirements — 5 sets, 10 sets, or more. We offer consistent quality across the batch and can arrange volume pricing.

Shipping & Delivery

Do you ship across India?

Yes — we ship to all states and union territories in India via reputable courier services (Bluedart, DTDC, and others depending on your pin code). International shipping is available — WhatsApp us for international rates.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery time depends on your location:

• Punjab cities (Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala): 1-2 working days
• Amritsar, Chandigarh: 2-3 working days
• Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida: 3-4 working days
• Other North India cities: 3-5 working days
• South India, East India, Northeast: 5-8 working days
• Made-to-order premium sets: Add 7-14 working days to the above

Once your order is dispatched, we will share the tracking number via WhatsApp.

How is the tabla packaged for shipping?

Each drum is individually wrapped in foam and bubble wrap. The two drums are packed separately inside a strong outer carton. The hammer is wrapped and placed separately so it cannot knock against the drum face during transit. We have shipped thousands of sets across India — damaged arrivals are very rare because of how we pack.

What is your damage-on-arrival policy?

If your tabla arrives visibly damaged (box damage, leather damage, cracked shell), report it to us within 24 hours of delivery with photos via WhatsApp. We will arrange a replacement. We cannot process claims reported after 24 hours, so please inspect your order on the day it arrives.

Can I return the tabla if I change my mind?

Tabla is a handcrafted instrument — returns for reasons other than manufacturing defects or shipping damage are not part of our standard policy. If you have a specific quality concern after receiving your order, WhatsApp us immediately and we will assess it directly. Our interest is that you have a tabla you are happy with.

After Purchase

My tabla arrived — how do I tune it for the first time?

Your tabla is shipped tuned. If it has shifted slightly in transit, it will need a small adjustment. Our step-by-step tabla tuning guide covers the exact process. You can also WhatsApp us — we will walk you through it.

How do I take care of my tabla?

Read our complete tabla maintenance guide — 8 specific tips from our workshop. The short version: always store covered, keep the syahi completely dry, oil the baddhi monthly, tune in small increments, store away from direct sun and AC vents.

The syahi is cracking / the leather sounds flat. What should I do?

WhatsApp us a short voice note describing what you hear, and a photo if there is visible damage. We will diagnose whether it is a tuning issue (fixable yourself), a maintenance issue (fixable with our guidance), or a repair/replacement issue. Do not keep hammering gatthas if the sound does not improve — that makes it worse.

Can I replace just the leather head (pudi)?

Yes — this is a normal part of a tabla's lifecycle after years of use. WhatsApp us about replacement pudiis. We can also advise whether the existing head needs replacement or whether tuning and care will resolve the issue.

Contact

WhatsApp (fastest): +91 88722 71507
Phone: +91 62398 43298
Email: baljinder4747@gmail.com
Workshop: Punjab Music House, Khamanon, District Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab

We respond to WhatsApp messages within a few hours during business hours (9 AM to 8 PM IST, seven days a week).