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url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/faq/instruments-artforms/what-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-student-or-professional-sitar'
title: 'What should I look for when buying a student or professional sitar?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-27T01:04:06+00:00'
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summary: 'A student sitar and a professional sitar differ in the gourd and the hand work on the bridge and frets.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What should I look for when buying a student or professional sitar?

 Updated 27 October 2026

 

A student sitar and a professional sitar differ in the gourd and the hand work on the bridge and frets. A 2001 article on a Delhi workshop in the journal American Lutherie calls for a smooth, symmetrical gourd, neither flimsy nor heavy. Finer sitars carry a jawari, the buzzing bridge, of antler where most use camel bone. Makers place the frets to suit each soundboard, and the article reports bad results from necks pre-drilled for mass production.

KalaSudha sells student sitars and concert-grade sitars by master makers. We voice each jawari by hand to your gharana. Ask us for a quote, or for a sitar made to order.



 

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