Description
Walnut Tombak by Mousavi (TM2) — A Persian Zarb
The walnut tombak TM2 is the larger of Mousavi‘s two hand-turned Persian zarbs, built in his Tehran workshop over some twenty-five years of shaping goblet drums. Its slightly wider 26.5 cm head gives a touch more depth and volume than its sibling, while keeping the same clear articulation — the deep tom at the centre and the bright bak at the rim that give the instrument its name.
A Single Walnut Shell
As with every Mousavi tombak, the body is turned from one piece of walnut, prized by Iranian makers for its warm tone and strong projection. A matte natural finish keeps the grain open underhand, and fine incised rings around the bowl and turned pedestal foot add a quiet, traditional touch. The open goblet base lets the larger body resonate freely.
Calfskin Head & Sound
The 26.5 cm playing surface is a natural calfskin head, bound to the shell in the traditional way. The broader head lends a fuller low end under the tom while preserving a crisp, cutting tek at the rim and the rapid riz finger-rolls central to the repertoire. As a natural skin, it breathes with the room — the living response Persian players value.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maker | Mousavi (Tehran, Iran) |
| Instrument | Persian Tombak (Zarb) |
| Body | Walnut — single turned shell |
| Head | Natural calfskin |
| Head diameter | 26.5 cm |
| Height | 46 cm |
| Weight | 3.0 kg |
| Finish | Matte natural |
| Decoration | Incised ring detailing |
| SKU | TM2 |
Who It’s For
A full-scale concert tombak for the intermediate to advanced player who wants a fuller, slightly weightier voice — at 26.5 cm and 3.0 kg it sits at the larger end of the hand-drum range, suited to solo performance and ensemble work alike.
In the Persian Repertoire
The tombak anchors the Persian dastgāh tradition, driving radif performance and accompanying the tar, setar and santur, and it carries equally into folk and cross-cultural projects. If you prefer a slightly smaller, lighter drum, see the Walnut Tombak by Mousavi (TM1); browse more Persian tombak drums in our percussion collection.
Care & Maintenance
Keep the calfskin head away from direct heat and sudden humidity swings, and let the drum settle into a new room before playing. Wipe the walnut shell with a dry, soft cloth — the matte finish needs no polish. Well kept, the instrument deepens in tone over the years.
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