Gopiyantra

The gopiyantra, also known as the gopichand or ektara, is a common instrument in Bengal, especially amongst the Bauls. The gopiyantra is a one-headed drum with one open end. The sides of the drum are connected with two strong reeds of bamboo connected at the top. Fastened in between the two bamboo reeds is one metal string. Unlike many string-drone instruments, this one allows pitch fluctuation by compressing the reeds to produce a lower sound, or pulling the reeds apart for a higher pitched sound.

The Bachelor QS can raise tones by raising the string tension. This one can go down in pitch.

Back to home

Back to the table of contents