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

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.