New Bamboo Been

[westsea]

Altab, of Saraswati Tantuvadya Cendra,
http://www.rudraveena.org/Saraswati_Tan ... endra.html
has provided some photos of
a traditional style been that he just completed building, from bamboo.
It looks really nice!
http://www.rudraveena.org/bamboo1.html
http://www.rudraveena.org/bamboo2.html
http://www.rudraveena.org/bamboo3.html

[povster]

I love the design. It has a wonderful older feel to it.

[trippy monkey]

It really IS lovely, isn't it. Almost worth a trip down to Miraj on my next India journey in Jan next year.
Beautifully finished but would love to hear it.

Nick

[trippy monkey]

It used to be made from bamboo originally, wasn't it?
All the 'folkie' ones seem to be!!

Nick

[musicslug]

using teak was a Z.M.Dagar innovation, starting in the (early I think) 60's. bamboo daands have short life-spans, are susceptible to splitting, so beenkars bought new instruments about every 10 years. in a more hospitable climate (not in India, with its alternating monsoons and dry/hot seasons...) they'd probably last a lot longer, but I'm skeptical they'd last anywhere near as long as hardwood, esp. one as indestructible as teak. I imagine they'd sound considerably different (louder, brighter?) too.

[westsea]

Some added photos, showing construction.
http://www.rudraveena.org/bamboobeen.html

[trippy monkey]

What kind of guarantee could the makers possibly put on this instrument?

Nick

[westsea]

What kind of guarantee could the makers possibly put on this instrument?

Nick

Have you ever had a maker give you a guarantee on an instrument?
Suvir has built 4, from bamboo, and said they are fine, after 8 years.
As musicslug suggests, just keep if from temperature extremes.

[trippy monkey]

westsea
I was being a little ironic. Or sarcastic if you like!!!
I'd prefer a 'real' wood one.

Nick

[westsea]

I'd prefer a 'real' wood one.

Fair enough.

[trippy monkey]

Although I WOULD love to try out one of these bamboo ones, just bothered about the lack of time you might have it.

Nick