Originally hailing from Northern India, the sitar has a rich history of thousands of years. It has been incredibly prominent as the featured stringed musical instrument in Hindustani cultures and has become a centerpiece of communal practices, traditional Indian music, and music around the world.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the process of how sitars are made from the assembly, shape, wood carvings, and more. Focusing on the three main types of this Indian musical instrument: the Ravi Shankar style, known for its deep, resonant sound; the Vilayat Khan sitar, which is lighter with a brighter tone; and the Surbahar bass sitar, offering deeper tones.
Where Did Sitars Come From? Who Makes Them?
Sitars originally came from and still are traditionally handcrafted by skilled artisans in Miraj, a town in Maharashtra, India, renowned for its musical instrument craftsmanship. These artisans, often from families with generations of experience, use meticulous techniques to create sitars, tanpuras, and veenas.
The instruments are crafted from materials like teak wood and gourd (such as pumpkin), and include decorative inlays, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Miraj’s sitar makers are highly regarded by musicians across India for their dedication and expertise, sustaining this age-old tradition.
The sitar, a classical string instrument, has origins rooted in Persian and Indian musical traditions, evolving during the Mughal era. Combining Persian influences with indigenous Indian designs, it became a cornerstone of Hindustani classical music.
Over time, Miraj emerged as a hub for crafting sitars, blending cultural heritage with artisanal skill to meet the demands of classical musicians worldwide.
What Makes A Sitar Different
A typical instrument consists of five melody strings, two Chikari strings that are rhythmically oriented, and five or six drone strings depending on the manufacturer.
This Indian musical instrument is similar to the guitar in its design however, the typical guitar has six strings whereas the sitar has around 20. Both instruments have a neck, but the guitar’s neck is simple, contrasted with the sitar, which has a complicated neck that is not always entirely a part of the body shape. What makes the instrument different are the levels of deepness and sophistication in sound that it provides due to the unique shape and string structure.
The process of how sitars are made begins with getting a pumpkin or other gourd, which is used for the sound box, while also accumulating high-quality teak wood for the soundboard and neck. The strings needed are generally steel or bronze to go over the bridges similar to a guitar. It takes around a month to assemble a sitar once all materials are in place. The person who puts together the Indian musical instrument has to have patience, craftsmanship abilities, and great care for it as there are multiple complexities and each version is unique.
The ability to play the sitar can be learned by yourself or with a teacher. Many prefer to have an apprenticeship with a master who has a vast knowledge of not only the skills to play eloquently but also the history of how the music originated.
Most Popular Types
As the instrument has been around for thousands of years, the styles in how it is created have differed over time and been altered by some of its brightest stars.
The two most popular sitars are the “Ravi Shankar” and the “Vilayat Khan” named aptly after the superstar artists that influenced their creation. The Ravi Shankar has 12-14 sympathetic strings and has an emphasis on bass with strings of its own included. A main standout difference in this string instrument is the additional gourd near the top, which results in a more bass-heavy sound of this Indian musical instrument throughout your play. They are generally carved with beautiful artwork.
The other most popular, the Vilayat Khan, has a smaller shape and form in comparison and is easily differentiated by having one gourd rather than the previous two on the RS version. There are no bass strings and fewer strings overall in general, reducing the bass sound of the VK model. Instead, a rhythmic string called the “chickaree” is added for a very full sound and comprehensive chords. The image below on the left is the RV model and the right is the VK model.
Sitar Variations Are Far and Wide
The sitar has additionally been adapted for more modern times with an electric version and there is a popular non-electric deeper tone adaptation as well. This version has amplified sound and is created to emulate the traditional one while channeling its characteristics and nature in the music output. The majority of players perform with the original instrument versions, but it is interesting to showcase how the instrument has evolved with time and technology.
What sets the sitar apart is its lush and complex harmonies which is a result of the dual set string structure. Similar to the other instruments with strings that require plucking to play, the sitar is generally played with a pick like a guitar is. As there are two different sets of strings, each hand plays a role in producing sound.
Shaping a Sitar Into Its Form
As discussed earlier, the pumpkin/gourd is used in the making of the instrument, and similar shaped objects have been experimented with as well with coconuts and even formed paper. After you have a neck and a gourd for the body you must attach a soundboard. Once all is fastened and held together firmly, the tuning pegs, frets, and strings can be placed as the shape of the instrument is present. This is a timely process that requires sophistication and patience.
The origin is similar to other stringed instruments, born from a desire for the community to play its sound. The construction of how the sitar is made consists of teak or toon wood, a gourd, wood pegs, a camel bone bridge, frets from thin wood, and steel or bronze strings. With relatively simple materials required, the complexity varies based on the level of craftsmanship desired with engravings of great detail something many of the most respected musicians have.
About Sitars.net
If you’re inspired by the incredible process of how the sitar is made and want to learn more about it, then you’ll enjoy exploring the rest of Sitars.net.
This website is dedicated to providing comprehensive information about this iconic instrument, from lessons on how to play the sitar to its rich historical background. We also offer resources on instrument history, including some of the details in this blog.
At Sitars.net, you’ll find links to buy sitars, download sitar music, and access video lessons. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or a seasoned player seeking new inspiration, our site has something for everyone. We also explore the different types of sitars, including electric sitars, and their role in meditation practices.
We have even just discovered an AI bot whom you can ask questions about this amazing instrument.
Craftsmanship: The Heart of Every Sitar
While the world is filled with countless musical instruments, the sitar stands out with its captivating creation story. Unlike most instruments, the sitar uniquely incorporates a gourd into its design, producing a truly one-of-a-kind sound.
The intricate craftsmanship involved in making a sitar reveals the artistry and attention to detail that every artisan pours into their work. We invite you to dive deeper into the fascinating world of sitars on our site—where the magic of music meets meticulous handiwork! Feel free to drop us a note if you’d like to contribute!
