Shahi Baja & Banjo
Shahi baaja and bulbul tarang, the Indian keyed banjo, from Paloma and our own workshop. Used across Punjabi folk, bhangra and kirtan.
Choosing yours
Both instruments use a typewriter style key action to fret the strings, so a melody can be played without left hand technique. That makes them the easiest melodic Indian instruments to start.
The shahi baaja is amplified for stage volume; the bulbul tarang is acoustic. Otherwise they are the same family.
Drone strings run alongside the melody strings and give the characteristic wash of sound behind the tune.
Questions we get asked
Is it easier than a sitar?
Much easier to start. The keys fret the strings, so there is no left hand technique to build before you can play a melody.
What is the difference between shahi baaja and bulbul tarang?
The shahi baaja is amplified for stage use. The bulbul tarang is acoustic. The playing is identical.
What music is it used for?
Punjabi folk, bhangra and kirtan, rather than classical repertoire.