TablaWala: Repairs & Supplies in Australia & Japan

While based in Brisbane (usually July-January each year) I often collect and repair old tabla to be resold (hopefully to new students). I also have a stock of spare skins and wadi (strapping) and am experienced in mounting spare skins. So please don't hesitate to contact me with any question about tabla supplies.

In Japan (usually April-July each year) I may or may not have spare skins available, however I can certainly help with tabla tuning and repairs if parts are available. If contacted in advance I can also bring supplies from India (see below).

TablaWala: Professional Quality Tabla & Supplies by Anwar

Each year from January to April I am in Varanasi, where over the years I have developed a good relationship with Mohammad Anwar, one of the best tabla makers of Benares. While in Varanasi it is possible for me to arrange tabla and/or accessories such as spare skins to be sent anywhere in the world. I began sending people tabla and skins from here a couple of years ago and have had all good reports so far.

After I get your specifications I will make the order with Anwar, check for quality and if you like I'll play it a little over a couple of weeks to make sure it's really nice, no buzzing etc, then arrange shipping by EMS (or your preferred method). For this I will charge expenses plus a commission which varies according to the size of the order and necessary effort, but as a guide I generally want Rs3000 on top of the price of a set of tabla. As an example of cost, last year I sent a very nice set with 6" tabla and copper bayan, spare skins, rings, covers, hammer and hard case to US for Rs16000 (about $US350).

Anwar's spare skins are also notably reliable and beautiful. As an example of cost, last year I sent two large (6" and 6.5") skins to UK for Rs2000.

I can receive payment by Paypal (+3.7% fee). Japan and Australia residents can make direct bank deposits to my bank account. Please contact me (Shen) for further details.

Testimonials (from chandrakantha.com forum)

First off Shen is an outstanding person. I met him through his website and contacted him about getting me some tablas. Without even knowing me, he helped me get two excellent dayas, a beautiful baya and heads for all the drums as well as very durable tabla cases. I wired him the money and he came through with super quality tablas. He was quick and patient with my questions via email.

Maybe next year I will meet up with him in Varanasi and thank him personally.

Jason Rinker

Hi everyone,

I highly reccomend Shen and the tabla he sells. Myself and a student bought some drums from him last year, and we were not dissapointed. Everything was delivered as promised, with no hassles at all. Authentic drums from Benares (Varanasi) are hard to come by outside of India, so this is a good opportunity to get the real deal.

Best regards,
Shawn

Shawn Mativetsky

I know the three major and well known tabla manufaturers from Banaras - Imtiyaz Ali Munna, Bashiruddin and Anwar. Recently Anwar has made a name of producing the very best Banarasi tabla - they aren't closed as those of Bashiruddin and they do not buzz as those of Munna do sometimes +plus they keep the tune. I can recommend Anwars tabla.

alam123