Surbahar
Surbahar, the bass sitar, from Monoj K Sardar and our own workshop. Built for slow alap and the deep meend that a sitar cannot reach.
Choosing yours
A surbahar is larger and lower than a sitar, with heavier strings and wider fret spacing. It is played slowly, and it exists for alap, the unmetered opening of a raga.
It is not a beginner's instrument. Most players come to it after years on the sitar, and the string tension alone demands developed hands.
Care and climate
Heavier strings mean more tension on the neck. Slacken them for any storage longer than a few weeks, and keep the gourd away from dry heat.
Questions we get asked
What is a surbahar?
A bass sitar, larger and lower, with heavier strings and wider frets. It is used for slow alap and deep meend rather than fast passages.
Can I learn on a surbahar?
Most players come to it after years on the sitar. The string tension and fret spacing both demand developed hands.
How is it tuned?
Lower than a sitar, typically a fourth or fifth below. The exact tuning depends on the player and the raga.