A tanpura is always conspicuous by its absence. Nobody would feel the necessity of having a Tanpura till the time he would listen to any performance without it. It is also gaining
popularity in meditation centers because of its beautiful, rich, soothing sound that has a very relaxing effect.
A tanpura is made of wood and has a larger base (toomba) than a sitar. The toomba, like that of sitar, is made of pumpkin. It has four strings and comes in two pitches, male and female. It is
used to produce deep resonating sound to give continuity to the music and a sense of balance.