Indian Musical Instrument | Discover insightful articles, guides & stories

Q: Where are sitars made?A: There are sitar makers all over North India. The biggest concentration of quality makers is in Calcutta. Rikhi Ram, of course, is in Delhi. There are good makers …

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Q: Are these synthetic bridges as good as the originals?A: Synthetic bridges are now a fact of life. Horn, the preferred traditional material, is getting hard to find. The government of Beng …

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Q: What materials are used for the main bridge?A: Traditionally the best bridges are made from horn (deer antler). Bone is a cheaper option, but bone bridges are harder and don't give as swe …

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Q: What is Jawari?A: The characteristic buzzing sound of a sitar or tanpura is produced by the string vibrating on a flat bridge with a gently curved surface. "Jawari" literally means "glimm …

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Q: What difference does the upper tumba make?A: The upper tumba can be made of a natural gourd or from wood spun on a lathe like a wooden bowl. It adds some volume to the sitar, especially f …

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Q: What do the terms "Kharaj Pancham" and "Gandhar Pancham" mean?A: "Kharaj Pancham" refers to the Maihar style sitars. They have the two bass strings - Low Pa (Pancham) and low Sa (Kharaj). …

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