Dear Friends,

Buying an instrument is probabely one of the fist steps in someon's
musical journey.

I am not in any mean an expert in Tar and it's purchase but I have
done some research and asking around so it is therfore I thought I
can start a discussion or provide some feedback on makes of Tar.

People who play and own a Tar can easily tell you who they think
makes the best Tars ans what people should be looking for when they
think about buying a Tar. However, this question is not easily
answered for a new starter (speciaaly for people who have been away
from Iran for a long time).


When I was buying my first Tar I really wanted to know what are the
famous makes of Tar so I can have a base to start my search for an
instrument.

I did a lot of asking around and research and found that the
following names repeating over and over again so I thought it will be
useful to list them for you just in case you are asking the same
question which is "who makes the best Tars in Iran?"

This question is not very easy to answer because Tar's sound and
playability are very different and individual to the instrument so
the list can not and does not represent a grading system. You may
find Tar players who prefer a differnt make of Tar even to Yahya due
to their style of playing.


But before you read the list please note that:

*** The list is not a graded list and these are not the only makers
of Tar in Iran ***



Makers of Tar (old)
--------------------
Yahya

Jafar sanat

Os Abbas

Malcom

Haj Agha

Shahrokh



Makers of Tar (current) Top of the range and higher price
----------------------------------------------------------
Mr Pourya

Mr Farahmand

Mr Jazayeri

Dr Naji

Mr Shahram Mirjalali (he is a player too)



Makers of Tar (current) Mid range and relatively lower price
------------------------------------------------------------
Mr Abbasi

Mr Alipoor

Mr Jaleh

Mr Saadat


I must apologise if I left any one's name off the list and invite you
to send us the name of makers who you think are missing from this
list.

I am sure we like to know your experience and feedback about Tars and
Tar makers too.


All the best
E.M.