---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-the-difference-between-open-and-closed-jawari'
title: 'What is the difference between open and closed jawari?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T14:58:18+00:00'
type: website
summary: 'Open jawari on a sitar gives a brighter, buzzier tone; closed jawari a warmer tone with more sustain; round jawari sits between.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the difference between open and closed jawari?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

On a **[sitar](/en-gb/instrument/sitar)**, open (khula) jawari gives a brighter, louder and buzzier tone. Closed (band) jawari gives a warmer, plainer tone with more sustain, and round (ghol) jawari sits between them. Ravi Shankar's sitar is the usual open example; Nikhil Banerjee's and Vilayat Khan's are cited as closed. Open jawari also wears faster and needs re-filing sooner.



 

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## Related pages

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###  Instruments (1) 

- [   Sitar A concert sitar hand-built from seasoned toon and Miraj gourds, with 18 to 21 strings, movable frets for microtonal bends and a hand-voiced jawari, serviced…     ](/en-gb/instrument/sitar)
 
  

 

 

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