the tumbi actually takes a lifetime to master. i dont have that long and im not in the culture. this one has the body of a coconut and i made it extra long in a guitar scale im more familiar with. it would sound better with a wood bridge instead of the sacreligeous pig rib and would stay in tune better with a machine tuner. a real E1st guitar string instead of a bike brake cable strand would also sound better. this was my first attempt and playing blues in G on the tumbi. i usually play an oriental riff or zepplins four sticks on it. it was an experiment to see if a homemade guitar with a harmonica on the neck or body is possible. and with work and practice i think it is. i also have a sore throat and the tumbi is unamped so i appologise. this instrument is played by a caste of untouchables in rajistan india and south pakistan. these people are leftovers from the arab slave trade which lasted from 650-1900 africans, italians, spanish and portuguese were traded as far away as china. a similar fingered diddley bow is played by africans in suriname.
Last Edited by on Jul 04, 2012 9:43 PM
It get's a nice traditional sound, in sort of strange round about way. I bet that rig would do great for busking. Good sound and a strange enough presentation that it will draw people to see what is going on.
I have a vague recollection of seeing a harmonica combined with a tambourine somewhere.
