--- url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-should-i-check-when-buying-a-sitar' title: 'What should I check when buying a sitar?' author: name: rajeevk url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-in/user/fce96177fd193d3a' date: '2026-10-19T14:58:26+00:00' updated: '2026-10-25T10:07:51+00:00' type: website summary: 'Check a sitar in daylight: squeeze the gourd for cracks, check the pegs and the neck joint, and expect even a new one to need setup.' tags: - 'Instruments & artforms' image: 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' published: true og: site_name: KalaSudha 'image:url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' 'image:secure_url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg' 'image:type': image/svg+xml 'image:alt': KalaSudha --- FAQ · Instruments & artforms # What should I check when buying a sitar? Updated 25 October 2026 When buying a **[sitar](/en-in/instrument/sitar)**, inspect it in daylight. Squeeze the gourd gently to reveal cracks, check the seven main pegs and their holes for cracks, and check the joint between neck and soundboard by the last fret. Expect even a new sitar to need a setup. Hairline gourd cracks can often be left alone, but visible cracks that buzz need repair. Ask us: we repair any sitar, wherever you bought it. Was this answer helpful? [ ](/en-in/user/login?flag_anon=faq_helpful-840&destination=/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-should-i-check-when-buying-a-sitar) [ ](/en-in/user/login?flag_anon=faq_not_helpful-840&destination=/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-should-i-check-when-buying-a-sitar) Thanks for your feedback! ## Related pages 1 page mentions this question ### 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-in/instrument/sitar) [ Previous question What should I check when buying a kanjira? ](/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-should-i-check-when-buying-a-kanjira) [ Next question What should I check when buying a tavil? ](/en-in/faq/instruments-artforms/what-should-i-check-when-buying-a-tavil)