Our Story
From a single Cajon box to India's handcrafted box tanpuras, this is how Selcouth Percussion came to be.
Where It All Started
We didn't start out to build tanpuras. Selcouth Percussion began with a single instrument, the Cajon box, made with nothing more than curiosity and a love for sound.
It was during a visit to a friend's home that everything changed. There, we met our Guruji, Ninad Mulaokar Sir, a moment that would go on to shape the very identity of Selcouth Percussion.
A Question That Changed Everything
After seeing our work on the Cajon box, Guruji posed a question we hadn't considered before: Could we build a box, shaped like a tanpura, with four strings and a bridge?
It wasn't just a request. It was a challenge, one that pushed us to think beyond percussion and into the world of resonance, tuning, and traditional string instruments.
We said yes.
It wasn't just a request. It was a challenge, one that pushed us to think beyond percussion and into the world of resonance, tuning, and traditional string instruments.
We said yes.
Building the First Tanpura
What followed were days of experimentation, learning, and refinement. We studied the mechanics of a traditional tanpura and worked to translate its essence into a compact, box-shaped form, without losing the depth of sound it's known for.
When we finally demonstrated the finished instrument to Guruji, it exceeded every expectation. He was genuinely impressed, and that moment of validation became the foundation of everything we do today.
Building the instrument was only half the journey. Guruji personally guided us through the intricate process of tuning and testing, an art that requires patience, precision, and a trained ear.
Under his mentorship, our founder Aditya mastered these techniques, learning not just how to tune an instrument, but how to listen for the subtle qualities that separate a good tanpura from an exceptional one.
Under his mentorship, our founder Aditya mastered these techniques, learning not just how to tune an instrument, but how to listen for the subtle qualities that separate a good tanpura from an exceptional one.
On 25th August 2018, Selcouth Percussion was officially born. What started as a challenge from a mentor has grown into a dedicated craft, handcrafting box tanpuras that carry the same spirit of that very first instrument: precision, authenticity, and respect for tradition.
Every tanpura we make today is built the same way that first one was, with patience, care, and an unwavering commitment to sound.
Every tanpura we make today is built the same way that first one was, with patience, care, and an unwavering commitment to sound.
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Handcrafted for the Modern Musician
We believe great instruments shouldn't be a compromise between tradition and convenience. That belief, sparked by a simple challenge years ago, continues to guide every instrument we craft today.
From framing to fine-tuning, each piece takes nearly a week to complete. No shortcuts. Just precision, patience, and a deep respect for traditional sound.
From framing to fine-tuning, each piece takes nearly a week to complete. No shortcuts. Just precision, patience, and a deep respect for traditional sound.
