Best Tamburas of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Tamburas are a type of stringed musical instrument that originated in India. They are often used in traditional Indian music and are known for their soothing and meditative sound. Tamburas typically have four strings and are played by plucking the strings with a plectrum or by using the fingers. They come in various sizes and shapes, with some having a long neck and others having a shorter one. Tamburas are popular among musicians and music enthusiasts who enjoy the unique sound and cultural significance of this beautiful instrument.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

MAHARAJA Swarmandal Tanpura 2-in-1 Cover #TOP 1
MAHARAJA Swarmandal Tanpura 2-in-1
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Iktara Tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument by GENERIC Cover #TOP 2
Iktara Tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument by GENERIC
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Karuna Tanpura String Set Cover #TOP 3
Karuna Tanpura String Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tamburas

#TOP 1

MAHARAJA Swarmandal Tanpura 2-in-1

MAHARAJA Swarmandal Tanpura 2-in-1 Cover
MAHARAJA Swarmandal + Tanpura - 2 in 1 - Tun Wood (PDI-AAJ)

The Maharaja 2-in-1 Instrument is a brand-new musical product crafted from high-quality Tun wood. This professional-grade instrument combines both a Swarmandal and a Tanpura, providing you with versatile options for your musical endeavors. Its natural color and thoroughly dried Tun wood not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also ensure durability and excellent sound quality. When you choose this handmade instrument, you invest in a reliable tool that can elevate your music practice and performance, making it easier for you to create beautiful melodies.

What We Like
Handmade quality
Durable Tun wood
Versatile 2-in-1 design
Natural color finish
#TOP 2

Iktara Tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument by GENERIC

GENERIC
JPTAPASTR76
Multicolor
Standard
Iktara Tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument by GENERIC Cover
Iktara tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument Ektara Handmade Fine Crafted Indian Musical Instruments Wooden Playing Iktara (Tumbi)

The GENERIC Iktara Tumbi is a beautifully crafted musical instrument that delivers excellent sound quality. Its handmade design ensures that each piece is unique, making it perfect for both playing music and serving as an eye-catching decorative item. You can use it as a thoughtful gift for corporate events or personal occasions, adding a cultural touch to your presentations. Additionally, it serves as a stunning piece of decor for your home or office, enhancing the ambiance of any space. This versatile instrument is not only fun to play but also enriches your environment.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Unique handmade design
Great for gifting
Decorative and functional
#TOP 3

Karuna Tanpura String Set

Pools Soodls
Silver
Karuna Tanpura String Set Cover
Tanpura, Tambura, String Set, Karuna Brand, For Female Tanpura, 4 Strings

Karuna Tambura Strings is a set of four strings imported from India and pre-cut for a full-size Vocal Tanpura/Tamboura. These high-quality strings are commonly known as the house brand of strings. With Karuna Tambura Strings, you can expect a special quality that is perfect for Female Tanpura. The strings are easy to install and matched for convenience. They are durable and produce a rich, full sound that is perfect for traditional Indian music.

What We Like
Imported from India
High-quality sound
Durable
#TOP 4

Iktara Tumbi 15" Musical Instrument

GENERIC
JPTAPASTR77
Multicolor
Standard
Iktara Tumbi 15" Musical Instrument Cover
Iktara tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument Ektara Musical Instruments Tumbi(Ek Tara) 15" Long

The Generic Tumbi Musical Instrument is a traditional Punjabi folk instrument that is both lightweight and easy to handle. With its unique one-string design, it allows you to create beautiful sounds effortlessly, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. This instrument, also known as 'ektara,' offers a simple way to explore music, whether for personal enjoyment or performance. Its small size means you can easily transport it wherever you go, ensuring you can share your music with others at any time.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Easy to learn and play
Traditional Punjabi design
Perfect for beginners
#TOP 5

Chopra Raagini Digital Tanpura

Chopra
brown
Chopra Raagini Digital Tanpura Cover
NEW RAAGINI DIGITAL ELECTRONIC ~ TANPURA TAMBORA WITH TABLA, ESRAJ,SITAR RDS 220

The Chopra Raagini Digital Tanpura is a versatile electronic instrument designed for Hindustani and Carnatic music styles. With its in-built SMPS and universal power supply, you can use this instrument anywhere in the world. The large pitch range spanning over an octave allows for easy tuning with both vocalists and other instruments. The instrument is set to play Pa, Sa, Sa Sa (Kharaj) in both 6 Matras for Carnatic music style and 5 Matras for Hindustani music style. This Tanpura Tambora with Tabla, Esraj, Sitar combination is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store. Whether you are a professional musician or a beginner, the Chopra Raagini Digital Tanpura is a convenient and versatile instrument that will enhance your musical performance.

What We Like
Versatile
Compact
Easy tuning
#TOP 6

Electronic Tanpura - RADEL Saarang Ranjani Plus 5 Digital Tanpura

Radel
brown
Electronic Tanpura - RADEL Saarang Ranjani Plus 5 Digital Tanpura Cover
Electronic Tanpura - RADEL Saarang Ranjani Plus 5 Digital Tanpura, In USA, 5 Strings, Electronic Tambura Box, Instruction Manual, Bag, Power Cord (PDI-AEH)

The RADEL Saarang Ranjani Plus 5 Digital Tanpura is an electronic tambura box that produces a rounded and sustained sound, typical for this tanpura variant. The product features excellent craftsmanship and uses the finest materials. It comes with mizrabs, an extra set of strings, and a tuning string. Additionally, it offers free and fast shipping, and a risk-free shopping experience with 30 days of easy returns and a pre-paid shipping label.

What We Like
Produces a typical rounded and sustained sound
Excellent craftsmanship using the finest materials
Comes with mizrabs, extra set of strings, and tuning string
#TOP 7

Generic Raagini Plus Tambura Machine

Generic
2024
White
Generic Raagini Plus Tambura Machine Cover
Generic Sound Labs Raagini Plus Tambura Digital Electronic Machine Tanpura

The Generic Tambura Machine offers a variety of features to enhance your musical experience. You can easily control the volume with simple up and down buttons, allowing you to adjust it to your liking. Fine-tuning your pitch is effortless with the SA Fine buttons, ensuring that you achieve the perfect sound. The Select button lets you choose between different styles of play, adapting to your musical preference. Additionally, you can manually adjust the Nishad pitch, giving you the flexibility to customize your music even further. Each feature is designed to make playing more convenient and enjoyable for you.

What We Like
Easy volume control
Fine pitch adjustment
Multiple playing styles
Manual Nishad tuning
#TOP 8

Iktara Tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument

GENERIC
JPTAPASTR74
Brown
Standard
Iktara Tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument Cover
Iktara tumbi Handmade Musical Instrument Ektara Hand Made Tumbi Ektara Musical Instrument(Brown)

The Generic Handmade Ektara is designed for ease of use, allowing you to play without any hassle. Its durable construction ensures that you can enjoy this instrument for years to come, making it a worthy investment. Each piece is meticulously crafted and tested, guaranteeing that you receive a high-quality product. Plus, its unbreakable design means you can play with confidence, knowing that it can withstand regular use. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, this tumbi will enhance your musical experience.

What We Like
Easy to play
Durable construction
High-quality craftsmanship
Unbreakable design
#TOP 9

RADEL Saarang Maestro Dx Electronic Tanpura

Radel
Multicolor
RADEL Saarang Maestro Dx Electronic Tanpura Cover
Electronic Tanpura - RADEL Saarang Maestro Dx Electronic Tanpura - Tambura, Digital Tanpura Box, DJ Sound Machine, Tanpura Sampler, Instruction Manual, Bag, Power Cord (PDI-BHG)

The RADEL Electronic Tanpura is a versatile digital tambura box that can be used as a single or dual tanpura with automatic tuning of 4 notes and manual tuning of the 5th note. It has a stereo output and offers a choice of pluck styles for North or South Indian music. The sleek and lightweight ABS plastic cabinet makes it easy to carry around, and it comes with an instruction manual, carry bag, and mains power cord. With free and fast shipping and 30 days of risk-free shopping with pre-paid shipping label, you can buy the RADEL Electronic Tanpura with confidence. Whether you're a musician or a DJ, this digital tanpura box is perfect for creating authentic Indian music, and it's an ideal choice for beginners and professionals alike.

What We Like
Automatic tuning
Stereo output
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 10

Radel Saarang Micro V6 Tambura

Radel
LS SB 02
Black
Radel Saarang Micro V6 Tambura Cover
Radel Saarang Micro V6 Digital Tambura Sruthi Box

The Radel Micro V6 Tambura is a digital sruthi box that enhances your musical experience. It is designed to provide a clear and stable drone, which is essential for practicing and performing. The convenience of its digital features means you can easily adjust the tuning to suit your needs, allowing for a personalized touch to your music. Additionally, the compact design makes it portable, so you can take it anywhere. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this tambura is a valuable tool for improving your skills.

What We Like
Digital tuning adjustments
Portable design
Stable drone sound
Easy to use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of the tambura?

The tambura is an important instrument in South Asian classical and folk music. It provides a drone accompaniment and serves as a tonal foundation for singers and instrumental soloists to develop the melodic and rhythmic framework of the music, known as the raga.

2. What is the difference between a sitar and a tambura?

While the tambura and sitar share a similar body shape, the tambura has no frets. Its strings are always plucked at their full lengths. The tambura is primarily used to accompany vocalists or instrumentalists, providing a drone background.

3. What is the tambura made of?

The tambura is almost exclusively made of inedible gourds that are grown by a small number of farmers in the Pandharpur region of Maharashtra. These gourds are used by specialized craftsmen, known as sitarmakers, to create the tambura.

4. What does the tambura symbolize?

According to Indian music traditions, the tambura symbolizes the resonant sound that permeates all of creation, often represented by the sacred syllable 'om'. The sustained notes produced by the tambura are inspired by the natural sounds found in the environment and serve as a source of inspiration for musicians.

5. What is the tambura famous for?

The tambura, also known as the tanpura, is famous for its role in classical Indian music. It produces the adharaswara (base note) for compositions and adds to the atmosphere of stage performances. The drone created by the tambura follows a pattern of repeating notes from the melody of the composition.

6. Is it hard to play tambura?

The most challenging aspect of playing the tambura is tuning, which requires patience. Fluctuating room temperatures or drafts can make tuning difficult, even for musicians with a trained ear.

7. What are the benefits of tambura?

The tambura is considered the perfect accompaniment for vocal practice. It helps singers achieve control over their pitch and ensures their singing is in sync with the melody and rhythm of the music.

Editor's Notes

During our tambura research, we found 24 tambura products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,666 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tamburas list. We found that most customers choose tamburas with an average price of $140.67.

The tamburas are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tamburas, including Maharaja Musicals, GENERIC, Artist Unknown, Chopra, Radel. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 920 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.