mrudangam with sheesham wood- any suggestions

[josri]

Hi,

My son who is only 5 years old is showing some interest in mrudangam. We don't want to spend too much on it since he is so little and his interest might change again. The one made is jack wood costs more than $400. So, we were looking at other options like the one made with Sheesham wood. I have not seen or tried the ones made of sheesham wood. Anyone have any suggestions/opinions for me?

Thank you
Sri

[Nick H]

If you are buying in America, I'd guess that a huge part of the cost is the shipping, which then makes the material ...errr... immaterial.

If your son gives up, there may be an incoming student who might buy an instrument, especially if it has been reasonably taken care of.

[josri]

Nick, Thnx for the quick response. Yes, we are in US. It costs $150-$170 (incl. shipping). How about the sound/vibration and feel in the sheesham wood? Would that make any big difference, in future if he moves to jack wood?

Thank you
Sri

[Nick H]

You need an answer from a mridangist, and I am not. His teacher should be able to advise.

I would doubt that it would make any appreciable difference at all. It takes quite some time and practice to begin to get anything like the right sounds anyway. His hands will be growing too.

The quality of the heads is going to be more important than the wood. Do take the advice of a teacher in buying. As I say, it is hard enough to learn to make the right sounds, without having a mridangam that won't give them anyway.

[josri]

Thank you Nick. Really appreciated. We haven't decided on a teacher yet I am learning online and am planning to give him a little guidance initially. I don't have any indepth knowledge in the makings of a mrudangam. Was looking for some advice from someone who has experience with Sheesham wood. I think, as you said, may be there won't be much difference with the wood used.

Sri

[Nick H]

Best wishes to you you both in your learning. To put it bluntly, "it's made of wood" should be enough, unless you have a young UKS or TVG in the family

Hope you manage to find a local teacher.

[josri]

hmmm... You never know

Thank you
Sri