Chandramouli Rao

If you are looking for natural (real) Hindustani Music tanpura, then I would recommend either Miraj or Calcutta made tanpuras. They have great tonal quality and also good resonance. If on the other hand if you are looking for an electronic version, then I would highly recommend an tanpura app iTablapro on Apple platform. It is the best that is currently available and not that expensive as well. if you want the contact details of the Miraj /Calcutta tanpura unicast me on my id. Regards

From Indian Classical Music stand point, I will answer this in two parts - Firstly once should develop the musical sense by constant "hearing" of the legends/masters/gurus. This will enhance ones internal musical canvas. Secondly that divine internal music will have to be rendered on any instrument - Violin, Veena, Bansuri, Sitar etc.. In case of Violin which has the capability to render almost similar to human voice music, one must learn the basics from a good teacher both in terms of using the bow and the finger movements on the finger. There are several styles one can play - this depends on the type of music one would like (as mentioned in the first part). One would need lot of patience - both teacher and student since this instrument is very unforgiving if played out of tune. Initially even the basic sitting posture itself can be very bodily demanding; hence being physically fit is a good thing. Lastly one can achieve great results if their playing palms are dry and not sweaty. Of course whatever Mr. Shankar Raman has shared above is the most vital trait without which nothing would work.