About

Discover the Future of Tabla Drumming with TransTabla

We're revolutionizing the world of tabla drumming by crafting instruments that are more accessible, versatile, and easier to play than ever before. Our patented tuning mechanism transforms traditional tablas into modern masterpieces, allowing users to adjust pitch and maintain perfect tension with a simple twist. No more strap pulling required! TransTabla is committed to products of the highest quality and beauty, designed to serve you for a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate beginner, TransTabla empowers you to express your musicality with ease and precision.

All parts are backed by our guarantee against defects. If we develop an improvement to any TransTabla components, we’re happy to offer the updated parts to our existing customers at no additional cost. If you’re not completely satisfied, you may return your purchase within 10 business days for a full refund, if the condition is the same as when sent.

Join us in redefining the tabla experience!

The patented TransTabla system uses a robust mechanism installed in the bottom of the tabla shell. Using a provided tool, the mechanism tightens or loosens each strap simultaneously with low effort.  The system allows fine control over the tension applied to the “pudi” or drumhead, and removes the strain of the re-heading process.

Transtablas use an advanced material for tabla straps known commercially as Vectran.  This polymer strap has no stretch, incredible strength, won’t rot or mold, and is cut resistant. Transtablas also use a stainless steel base ring to give even more stability to the Tabla head, and a smooth surface for the straps to weave around.

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Tabla pegs or "gatta" are used to compensate for stretch and maintain balance. Tablas that are pulled by hand are configured with 1 strap over each adjustment peg to start. Once stretching causes the pitch to drop, another strap is pulled over the peg. This continues until the slack in the straps needs to be taken out by hand again, and then put back on 1 strap. This pulling process requires technical skill, and high physical strength. Because of this, many newcomers to the instrument simply stop playing once their tablas go out of tune.

Instead of pulling straps over pegs when you need more tension, simply turn the mechanism on the bottom of your Transtabla. Users can keep their drum on the most balanced configuration of 4 straps indefinitely.

Pegs on Transtablas are only used for balance compensation of the organic drumhead, and rarely need adjustment after their initial setting.  Overall tension is controlled by the base mechanism, which tightens or loosens each strap uniformly, and simultaneously.  For more information on this topic please see our tuning video.

Entire pitch adjustments can be quickly performed with the tuning mechanism, and allow a single TransTabla to replace 3 or more tablas in a players repertoire.

When it's time to re-head the drum, it can be done under little to no tension, and requires minimal physical strength. All TransTablas ordered as complete drums will come pre-tensioned, balanced, and ready to play.

Tablas are tuned with a metal hammer, and striking the pegs causes the drum to be covered in nicks and gouges. This makes fine wood finishes impossible to maintain and a waste of time for the makers.

TransTablas make peg striking unnecessary, and shells can now be smoothed and polished for a unique, and lasting professional appearance.

TransTabla founder David Yovino is an inventor, musician, and mechanical engineer. He studied for 10 years under tabla master Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California.