Surbahar

Surbahar

Besides the two main types of sitars, there's another option for music lovers. The "Surbahar" or bass sitar, is a larger type of sitar that typically employs very thick strings and a much wider neck. The surbahar sports a broader fret-board, as well. This type of sitar offers a deeper tonal quality, as well. Among sitar enthusiasts, this type of sitar is considered much more difficult to play than other types.

Surbahar is essentially a bass sitar.  It is substantially larger and is tuned anywhere from four steps to an octave lower than a regular sitar.  Its technique is similar enough to sitar so that musicians have no trouble going from one instrument to another.  The surbahar has an advantage over sitar in that it has a longer sustain and ability to meend (glissando) up to an octave in a single fret.  Therefore it is possible to play complex melodies without using more than a single fret.  This instrument is very well suited to long slow alaps.  The instrument's main weakness is that its long sustain causes a fast jhala to become indistinct and muddy.

Our Product Range

• Teak wood carved professional model Surbahar