All About Santoor

Delve into the captivating world of the Santoor, a traditional Indian musical instrument renowned for its ethereal melodies and rich cultural heritage.
Explore Musical Instruments
3 min
11-June-2024

The santoor is a traditional Indian stringed musical instrument, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Kashmir. It holds a significant place in Indian classical music due to its unique, ethereal sound. The santoor's melodic and rhythmic capabilities make it an essential instrument in Hindustani classical performances. Its delicate, resonant tones are created by striking the strings with lightweight mallets. The instrument's popularity has been elevated by maestros like Shiv Kumar Sharma, who have showcased its versatility and beauty.

Uncover a wide array of santoor on Bajaj Mall, or visit our partner stores for a diverse selection from trusted brands. Select the ideal model that fits your lifestyle, and take advantage of zero down payment options, ensuring a smooth and effortless purchase experience.

Anatomy of the santoor

  • Strings: The santoor typically features around 91 strings, arranged in a series of bridges, which are struck with wooden mallets called "mezrabs" to produce sound.
  • Resonating chambers: These chambers, usually made of walnut wood, amplify the sound vibrations created by striking the strings, enhancing the instrument's tonal richness.
  • Bridge system: The strings are divided into multiple groups, each spanning over a movable wooden bridge, allowing musicians to adjust the pitch and tone as needed.
  • Tuning pegs: Located at the sides of the santoor, tuning pegs enable players to tune the strings to the desired pitches, ensuring accurate and harmonious melodies.
  • Hammers or Mezrabs: These small wooden hammers, held by the player's hands, are used to strike the strings, producing a melodic and percussive sound characteristic of the santoor.
  • Sound holes: Some santoor designs feature sound holes on the underside, contributing to the instrument's resonance and projection of sound.
  • Decorative elements: Many santoor instruments are adorned with intricate carvings, inlays, and designs, adding to their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.
  • Playing technique: Musicians play the santoor by striking the strings with mezrabs held between the fingers, creating complex rhythms and melodies through controlled strikes and movements.
  • Mallet control: Mastery of mallet control is crucial in santoor playing, as it determines the dynamics, articulation, and expression of the music produced.

Santoor playing techniques

  • Play with both hands simultaneously, using a pair of wooden mallets or hammers to strike the strings.
  • Employ a combination of striking and gliding techniques to produce different tones and effects.
  • Focus on finger positioning and pressure to control the volume and resonance of the notes.
  • Experiment with varying the speed and intensity of strikes to create dynamics and expressiveness in your playing.
  • Practice rhythmic patterns and sequences to develop coordination and precision in your santoor performance.

Learn more about musical instruments on Bajaj Mall.

Santoor instrument price and buying guide

Model

Features

Price

Beginner's santoor

Basic design, suitable for new players

Rs. 10,000

Intermediate santoor

Improved materials, better sound quality

Rs. 20,000

Professional santoor

High-quality wood, superior craftsmanship

Rs. 35,000

Custom santoor

Tailored design, premium materials

Rs. 50,000

Antique santoor

Vintage models, collectible value

Rs. 60,000

 

Disclaimer: The features, availability, and pricing of each model are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website.

Financing options with Bajaj Finserv

Welcome to Bajaj Mall, your virtual haven for irresistible offers on banjos. Once you have gathered all the details, journey to the closest Bajaj Finserv partner outlet to hand-select your perfect sewing companion. Seamlessly transact with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, offering pre-approved limits and flexible repayment options, ensuring your shopping venture is as smooth as satin.

Benefits of shopping using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card:

Competitive prices: Benefit from competitive pricing on Bajaj Mall, ensuring your purchase remains budget-friendly.

Easy EMIs: Enjoy hassle-free shopping with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. Choose your preferred repayment tenure and settle with affordable EMIs.

Zero down payment: Some products qualify for our zero down payment policy, eliminating the need for an initial lump sum payment.

Options and accessibility: Explore a wide range of products available at partner stores across multiple cities through the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network.

Exciting deals and cashback offers: Avail exciting deals and cashback offers when using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card for your banjo purchase.

Free home delivery: Select products come with the added convenience of free home delivery.

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of santoor?
The santoor has various types, primarily distinguished by regional variations and construction methods. The Kashmiri santoor is the most well-known, featuring around 100 strings. There are also Persian and Indian variations, differing in size, number of strings, and tuning. Each type offers unique tonal qualities suited to different musical styles.
What genres of music are the santoor used in?
The santoor is predominantly used in Indian classical music, particularly in the Hindustani tradition. It is also featured in folk music from the Kashmir region. Additionally, the instrument has been adapted into contemporary fusion genres, where it blends with Western instruments, showcasing its versatility and wide-ranging appeal.
How many strings does a typical santoor have?
A typical santoor usually has around 100 strings, grouped in sets of three or four. These strings are stretched over a wooden frame and played with lightweight mallets. The number of strings and their arrangement allow the santoor to produce a wide range of notes and complex melodic patterns, characteristic of its distinctive sound.
Show More Show Less