THE RESONANT ECHO : REVIVING THE ANCIENT YAZH

In the heartlands of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, there exists an instrument that whispers the secrets of a culture spanning over two and a half millennia. The Yazh, an ancient open-stringed marvel, not only reverberates with the essence of Tamil tradition but is also a living testament to the rich heritage that continues to thrive.

A 2500-Year-Old Melodic Legacy

The Yazh is not just a musical instrument; it is a time machine that transports us back through the annals of history. This 2500-year-old instrument finds mention in the verses of ancient Sangam literature, a treasure trove of Tamil culture. These literary gems include illustrious works like Silapathikaram, Agananuru, Purananuru, Pathupattu, Seevaga Sinthamani, Thirukkural, and the oldest of them all, Tholkappiyam

Within these verses, we discover not just the melodies of the Yazh but also a vivid glimpse into its purpose and character. It's in the pages of Silapathikaram that we delve even deeper, where the making of this enchanting instrument and the profound musical knowledge involved in its construction come to light.

Resurrecting the Echoes: Crafting the Yazh

The Yazhs we have at Uru Custom Instruments are not mere replicas; they are living echoes of the past with a contemporary twist, painstakingly recreated by turning the pages of these ancient Tamil literary treasures. To embark on this journey of revival, we delved deep into the wellspring of ancient documents such as Tholkappiyam, Agananooru, Purananooru, Perumpaanatrupadai, Sirupaanatrupadai, Ettuthogai, Pathupattu, and Silapathikaram.

These texts held vital insights into the design, form, and technical details of the Yazh. Armed with this knowledge, we embarked on a mission to create a more contemporary version of this timeless instrument while staying true to its roots and unique character.

Our journey led to the crafting of six different variants of the Yazh, each with its distinct personality. From the Sengotti Yazh to the Kaivazhi Yazh, from the Sagoda Yazh to the Peri Yazh, and from the Seeri Yazh (7-stringed) to the Seeri Yazh (14-stringed), each variant stands as a testament to the instrument's enduring charm. But our journey doesn't stop at the Yazh alone; we've also embraced another musical treasure from the Sangam era, the Kudamuzha, which adds to the symphony of our cultural revival.

The Artisan's Path: Crafting the Yazh

Crafting a Yazh is more than just a process; it's an art form, a labor of love. Our work process is meticulous and precise, ensuring that every instrument we create is a harmonious blend of quality and tradition.

1. Material Selection: The journey begins with the selection of materials. Different applications call for specific materials, a decision rooted in the design process. Wood selection is of paramount importance, with factors like moisture percentage, density, and grain pattern meticulously considered.

2.Seasoning: Crafting a Yazh requires patience. For a rich, resonant sound, the wood needs a seasoning period of 7 to 15 years. This process ensures the wood reaches the ideal moisture level, enhancing the sound's resonance and depth.

3.Voicing & Toning of the Resonator: An acoustic sound instrument resonator is more than just an amplifier; it's a sculptor of sound. Voicing it accordingly allows us to produce a consistent tonality. The wooden body is meticulously planed to achieve the desired tone, a process that demands the active participation of the user.

4.Shaping the Curves: A unique feature of the Yazh is its absence of flat surfaces. This complexity challenges us to envision the final form from the outset. The curves must be meticulously shaped to ensure that the lines flow aesthetically.

5.Carving & Inlays: In preserving the instrument's historical craftsmanship, we adopt a minimalistic approach to ornamentation. The carvings and inlays are handcrafted with caution, ensuring they do not overpower the instrument's elegance. Mother-of-pearl inlays add a touch of grandeur while respecting the instrument's character.

6.Finishing: The Yazh is a masterpiece of curves and grace. To complement its elegance, we use the French Polishing technique, which imparts a glossy texture to the surface. It's a manual process that involves using Shellac flakes to provide a glossy, smooth, and mirror-like finish. The alcohol base of the technique ensures it doesn't compromise the instrument's sound quality.

Quality is at the

heart of our craft. We take immense pride in ensuring that every instrument we create is of world-class quality. In the heart of each Yazh lies a piece of history, a fragment of tradition, and a harmony that continues to resonate through time.