How to Buy a Sarangi: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Tuning: The Sarangi is traditionally tuned to a distinctive Indian raga scale, but it can also be tuned in other ways. Be sure to check if the instrument is tuned to the raga scale before making your purchase.
2. Wood type: Sarangi is most commonly made from Sheesham or Tun wood, but can also be made from other types of wood. Consider the type of wood used when purchasing a Sarangi.
3. Number of Strings: Traditionally, the Sarangi has three or four main strings with up to thirty-seven sympathetic strings. Consider which type of Sarangi you prefer before making your purchase.
4. Size: Sarangi come in a variety of sizes, from the small-bodied chaturangi to the medium-sized tibra. Consider which size would be most comfortable for you before making your purchase.
5. Bow: The Sarangi is traditionally played with a bow. Be sure to check if the instrument comes with a bow included before making your purchase.
6. Accessories: Accessories such as stands, strings, tuners and mutes can be helpful when playing a Sarangi. Consider which accessories will be most useful for you before making your purchase.

Pros

• Beautiful sound: The Sarangi produces a unique sound that is mellow and resonant. It is a popular instrument for classical Indian music because of its capacity to recreate complex microtones.
• Versatile: The Sarangi has a wide range of possible tunings, and can be used in various types of music, such as folk and classical.
• Easy to maintain: The Sarangi is relatively easy to maintain and requires minimal tuning. It can also be stored for long periods without damage.
• Portability: The Sarangi is relatively light and portable, and can be taken on trips or performances. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other string instruments.

Cons

• Price: Sarangi can be quite expensive, with some models costing thousands of dollars.
• Size: Sarangi are larger than regular stringed instruments and can be quite unwieldy, making them difficult to transport.
• Learning Curve: It takes a lot of practice to learn how to play the Sarangi and the instrument is difficult to master.

1. Veena – A stringed instrument that offers a softer, more melodic sound than the Sarangi.
2. Esraj – A bowed instrument that is similar to the Sarangi although not as loud and can be plucked for a softer sound.
3. Sitar – A plucked stringed instrument with a long neck and drone strings that produces a high-pitched sound.
4. Tambura – A drone instrument that is used to provide a constant rhythm and tonal background for other instruments.
5. Harmonium – A free-reed pump organ that produces a very soft, mellow sound ideal for accompanying vocalists.