The Tapadum Persian Instruments collection brings together a rich family of instruments from the depths of Iranian music: Santur, Setar, Tar, Tanbour (Tamboor), Shourangiz, Tombak and Daf. Each one is considered the voice and soul of a centuries‑old musical tradition. Tapadum carefully selects these instruments, all handmade, well‑set up, and ready to play, and ships them worldwide.

Whether you are drawn to Iranian classical music and the Radif tradition, Sufi music, sound healing, or world music, the Persian Instruments collection at Tapadum offers strong options for stage, studio, and education.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The materials used in Tapadum’s Persian instruments are carefully chosen for both durability and rich tone:

• Bodies: High‑quality woods such as walnut, mahogany, mulberry, and maple
• Strings: High‑grade steel, bronze, or nylon string sets
• Skins (for percussion): Selected natural goat skin or professional‑grade synthetic heads
• Finish: Matte or semi‑gloss varnish that preserves natural resonance
• Craftsmanship: Each instrument is handmade by experienced luthiers and masters, and carefully set up to be ready to play

This approach ensures that every Persian instrument is not only visually beautiful but also excels in projection, resonance, and durability.

Persian Santur – Crystal Tones Struck by Hammers

The Santur, with its trapezoidal body and many strings, is one of the most characteristic instruments of Iranian music. Played with small wooden mallets (mezrab) on metal strings, the Santur produces a clear, crystalline sound that stands out in both solo and ensemble settings.

The Persian Santur models at Tapadum:

• Typically use walnut or mahogany for the body
• Offer rich overtones and a wide dynamic range
• Include different models and price levels suitable for professional stage and studio use as well as beginners and intermediate players

Each Santur is shipped in tune, ready to play, and securely packed, making it ideal for musicians buying their Santur online.

Setar – Infinite Expression in a Minimal Form

The Setar is one of the most delicate representatives of Iranian classical music, with a thin and intimate tone. Usually made from mulberry or walnut, the Setar’s light structure and sensitive sound make it especially suitable for solo performance and meditative practice.

Tapadum’s Setar models:

• Often feature a slim neck and ergonomic shape for comfortable long sessions
• Cater to both professional performers and those just stepping into this world
• Support various string and tuning setups that fit the Dastgah system of Iranian modes

For guitar, bağlama, or oud players, the Setar can open a powerful new space for musical expression.

Tar – The Symbol of Iranian Classical Music

The Tar, with its double‑chambered body and skin soundboard, holds an iconic place in Iranian music. It provides a rich, strong, and characteristic tone in the mid and upper frequencies. Its sound projection makes it clearly audible both in solo and ensemble contexts.

The Persian Tar instruments at Tapadum:

• Typically use mulberry or walnut for the body
• Feature carefully stretched skin heads for a sound that is both sensitive and powerful
• Consist of well‑balanced models suitable for concerts, studio recording, and teaching

Because Tar is considered the “main voice” of Iranian classical music, Tapadum pays particular attention to craftsmanship and tuning stability when selecting these instruments.

Tanbour (Tamboor) – Spiritual and Meditative Melodies

Tanbour / Tamboor holds a deep spiritual place in Sufi and regional Iranian music. With its deep, bowl‑shaped body and unique tone, it is an ideal instrument for meditative and introspective melodies.

Tapadum’s Tanbour models:

• Are usually carved from solid mulberry or walnut
• Offer long sustain and a warm, singing tone
• Are designed to work equally well for authentic traditional performance and modern world music projects

For guitar or bağlama players, Tanbour is an inspiring Iranian instrument that helps develop new rhythmic and melodic ideas.

Shourangiz – Tradition with a Modern Touch

Shourangiz is a special instrument that fuses traditional Iranian instrument aesthetics with modern design. Its body and construction preserve the core Persian character while offering more flexibility on stage and in the studio.

The Shourangiz instruments at Tapadum:

• Have slim, ergonomic bodies for comfortable long‑term playing
• Provide a broad frequency spectrum and balanced projection
• Are especially favored by musicians working in world music, film scoring, and contemporary composition

For those who want to carry the traditional Iranian sound into modern projects, Shourangiz is one of the most unique pieces in the Tapadum collection.

Tombak – The Heart of Iranian Percussion

Tombak (also called Zarb) is the main percussion instrument of Iranian music and appears in almost every traditional ensemble. With its single‑block wooden body and skin head, it produces incredibly rich rhythmic textures using finger and hand techniques.

Tapadum’s Tombak models:

• Are carved from a single piece of walnut (or similar hardwood)
• Use carefully selected and tensioned natural skins for a tone that is both warm and clear
• Offer a range of options suitable for beginners and professional stage percussionists alike

For those looking to deepen their rhythm world and discover Iranian percussion techniques, Tombak is indispensable.

Daf – The Essential Frame Drum of Sufi Circles

The Persian Daf is one of the most impressive instruments of Sufi music and zikr circles. With its large wooden frame, natural skin head, and metal rings inside, it creates a rhythmic yet meditative atmosphere.

The Daf models at Tapadum:

• Have light yet durable frames that do not tire the arm and wrist in long performances
• Use thin, resonant skins that produce rich overtones and a deep “drone‑like” feel
• Feature internal metal rings that create the flowing, trance‑inducing texture so important in Sufi music

Daf is used not only in religious or ritual contexts but also in modern stage projects, sound healing sessions, and world music concerts.

Brief Notes on Tuning and Technique

• Santur: Can be tuned to different Iranian modal systems. Tapadum ships each Santur in a standard tuning setup; you can then adjust it to your personal taste and repertoire.
• Setar / Tar / Tanbour: Support multiple tunings that match modal systems such as Dastgah, Makam, and Radif scales. Players coming from guitar or bağlama can start with simpler tunings and gradually move to more traditional ones.
• Tombak / Daf: Basic Iranian rhythmic patterns are first learned with simple strokes, then developed into more complex finger and hand techniques over time.

In all these stages, Tapadum provides guidance through product descriptions, online lessons, and video content.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Musicians buying Persian instruments for the first time — especially online — often make a few typical mistakes:

1. Choosing a model that doesn’t match their level
   A beginner buying a very heavy, demanding professional model may lose motivation. Conversely, an advanced player using a very basic student model can feel limited. Tapadum indicates skill level in product descriptions and is available to help you decide.

2. Neglecting wood and skin care
   Sudden temperature changes, excessive humidity, or very dry environments can damage both wood and skin heads. Keep the instrument away from direct sunlight and heaters, and store it in a stable, moderate‑humidity environment.

3. Deciding based only on price
   Going straight for the cheapest option can be tempting in the short term, but often leads to issues in sound quality and durability. Tapadum carefully selects instruments with a good price/performance balance and long‑term reliability.

4. Using the wrong case or transport method
   Instruments such as Santur, Tar, Daf are sensitive and benefit greatly from proper soft cases or hard cases. Correct transport conditions extend their lifespan and improve tuning stability.

Continue Learning with Tapadum Music Academy

Buying the instrument is just the beginning of your musical journey. Tapadum Music Academy supports Persian instruments with:

• Online one‑to‑one lessons
• Group workshops
• Video lesson series for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels
• Tuning and maintenance guides

With dedicated learning content for Santur, Setar, Tar, Tanbour, Tombak, and Daf, you can develop your technique while also deepening your understanding of the cultural background of Iranian music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the instruments in the Tapadum Persian Instruments collection handmade?
Yes. All Santur, Setar, Tar, Tanbour, Shourangiz, Tombak, and Daf models at Tapadum are handmade by experienced masters and luthiers, and each piece is individually checked.

Which Persian instrument should I choose if I’m a complete beginner?
For a melodic and expressive start, Setar or Tanbour is a great choice. For a rhythm‑based entry, Tombak or Daf is ideal. For a harmonically rich world, Santur is an excellent option. Your decision should follow your musical taste and goals.

Do the instruments arrive tuned?
Yes. All Persian instruments are shipped in a basic standard tuning, ready to play. Small adjustments may be needed after shipping due to climate changes; the included information and online videos will help you with this.

Do you ship to Turkey and other countries?
Tapadum is based in Italy and ships worldwide. Instruments are packed with special protective materials. In case of shipping damage, exchanges or returns are possible according to the store’s policy.

Can I also buy spare strings, skins, and cases from Tapadum?
Yes. You can find suitable string sets, skins, gigbags, and hard cases for Santur, Setar, Tar, Tanbour, Tombak, and Daf. This makes it easy to maintain your instrument over the long term directly through Tapadum.

Can I hear the instrument before buying it?
Many models have audio and video samples available. You can also watch performances of Persian instruments on Tapadum’s YouTube channel to better feel the tone and character.

The Tapadum Persian Instruments collection brings the traditional soul of Iranian music together with the needs of the modern musician. Whether you play on professional stages or in the quiet of your home, the right Persian instrument can completely transform the color of your music.