Sitar

A professional Sitar is a wonder of organic engineering. The foundation of the instrument is the Tumba (resonator), made from a large, dried calabash gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). At KalaSudha, we source our gourds exclusively from the Miraj region of Maharashtra, where the soil and climate produce gourds with the thick, uniform walls necessary for superior acoustic projection. 

The Tabli (soundboard) is the most important component for sound quality. It is hand-carved from well-seasoned Toon (Indian Mahogany) aged for at least 15 years. The thickness of the Tabli must be graduated with accuracy; it must be strong enough to support the downward pressure of the bridge, which carries the tension of over 20 strings, while remaining flexible enough to vibrate with the slightest touch. Our luthiers use traditional hand planes to ensure the wood's grain is precisely aligned for maximum resonance.

The defining characteristic of the Sitar is its unique "buzzing" or "twangy" sound. This is not a byproduct of the strings, but a result of the Jawari, the elaborate shaping of the main bridge. The bridge, typically made of camel bone or deer antler, is carved with a slight, particular curvature. As the string vibrates, it grazes this flat surface, producing a rich array of upper harmonics. 

A "Deep Jawari" produces a very resonant, buzzing tone favoured by the Vilayat Khan school, while a "Closed Jawari" produces a clearer, more bell-like tone favoured by the Ravi Shankar school. At KalaSudha, we offer custom Jawari services, allowing the professional to "voice" their instrument according to their particular Gharana requirements. This level of technical customisation establishes us as an eminent authority for South Indian music instruments and North Indian specialists alike.

The Sitar uses a complex array of strings that include steel, brass, and bronze. The main playing string is typically made of high-tensile steel to withstand the pulling of notes, up to five semitones on a single fret. The Taraf (sympathetic strings) are tuned to the notes of the Raga and vibrate automatically when the corresponding note is played on the main string. 

This sympathetic resonance gives the Sitar its "celestial" aura. From a business perspective, the quality of the strings and the accuracy of the Kuntis (tuning pegs) are of utmost importance. Our instruments feature pegs made of premium Rosewood or Ebony, hand-fitted to the neck using friction-lock techniques that ensure the Sitar stays in tune even under the heat of stage lights. 

A professional Sitar is a high-value asset that calls for meticulous maintenance. Because it is made of organic materials, gourd, wood, bone, and silk, it is highly susceptible to humidity. We provide our clients with a comprehensive maintenance guide, emphasising the use of digital hygrometers and specialised cases. 

For the UK and international markets, we offer "climate-treated" instruments. These Sitars have been acclimatised to reduced humidity levels to prevent the Tumba from cracking or the Tabli from warping. We also specialise in the Gulu joint, the point where the neck meets the gourd. This is the "Achilles' heel" of the Sitar; our professional models feature reinforced Gulu construction to ensure the instrument survives international travel and varying climates.