Tabla:
The system used here to map the bols (tabla syllables) to MIDI notes involved creating an interpretation of the tabla compositions for a Roland U220 tabla sample. Some compromise was necessary to arrange the material first for tabla samples, as they were not as complete as would be ideal, and then for General MIDI conga and bongo, but the general feeling of the compositions come through.
The Bayan Drum
The bayan is the larger and lower in pitch of the two drums that comprise the tabla set. Its pitch is variable. To simulate this using the Roland U220 sample, an auto bend function was used. The parameter was set so that it would not activate on staccato notes. Staccato notes where set to decay quickly, which allowed for the simulation of both an open variable pitch sound and a closed staccato sound with one sample. The notes were then mapped to coincide with the conga samples in the GM Standard MIDI setup.
Suggested substitutions: If bayan samples are not available, try mixing a timpani sample with a conga sample.
The Tabla Drum
The tabla is the smaller and higher in pitch of the two drums that comprise the tabla set. The tabla has both open and closed sounds. The most completely open sound of the tabla is a minor or major seventh below the tonic that the drum is tuned to.
Suggested substitutes: sampled string harmonics mixed with sampled conga or bongo.
MIDI Maps
Tabla MIDI map (all channel 10): Tabla Bols D#3 = open sound, 7th below tonic di, din, ti, tun D3 = slightly dampened sound, tonic di C#3 = half dampened sound, tonic na, ta (long a) C3 = dampened sound ne, te, tet, ti, re, ri C3/D3 = half dampened sound, tonic tin C3/C#3 = dampened sound ta (short a) C#3,C3,D3,C3 = flam of four dampened terikita (te,ri,ki,ta flam) Bayan MIDI map (all channel 10): Bayan Bols E3 = open bayan ga, ge, gen D3 = closed bayan ka, kat, ke, ki Tabla/Bayan MIDI map (all channel 10): Tabla Bayan Bols C3 = dampened E3 = open de (re + ge), dhe (te + ge) C#3 = half dampened E3 = open dha (na + ge) C3/D3 = half dampened E3 = open dhi, dhin (tin + ge) D#3 = open E3 = open dhi (tun + ge) C3 = dampened D3 = closed ka, kat, kre (ka,te flam), tre (re + ka)
