How to Buy a Sarangi: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Sarangi

Overview

The Sarangi is an ancient and beloved stringed instrument of India, highly respected for its beautiful sound and intricate construction. This buying guide will provide an overview of the Sarangi, its different components, sound qualities, and the important factors to consider when purchasing the instrument. By the end of this guide you will have the knowledge and skills needed to make an informed purchase that will bring you the best quality Sarangi experience.

Key features

  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.

See the most popular Sarangi on Amazon

Important considerations

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.

Best alternatives

  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.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bow - A curved stick with strings of horsehair attached to it, used to play the Sarangi.
  • Finger Picks - Small metal-tipped picks worn on the finger to pluck the strings.
  • Tuning Pegs - Metal pegs inserted into the neck of the Sarangi to adjust the tension of the strings.
  • Bridge - A small wooden piece that sits on the body of the Sarangi and supports the strings.
  • Strings - Thin strands of metal or gut that are attached to the bridge and tuned with the tuning pegs.
  • Tailpiece - A metal piece that connects the strings to the bridge.
  • Pickguard - A thin piece of plastic, wood, or metal that protects the Sarangi's finish from scratching and wear.
  • Rosin - A sticky substance used to help the bow grip the strings.
  • Plectrum - A flat, rectangular pick used to strum the strings.
  • Cleaning Cloth - A soft cloth used to clean and polish the Sarangi.

Common questions

  1. What is a Sarangi?
    A Sarangi is a bowed string instrument from India that is often used in traditional Indian folk and classical music.
  2. What construction materials are used for Sarangi?
    A Sarangi is traditionally made from a combination of wood, leather, brass, and metal strings.
  3. What are the usual sizes of a Sarangi?
    The typical size of a Sarangi ranges from 16 to 22 inches in length and 8 to 12 inches in width.
  4. What kind of fingerboard is used on a Sarangi?
    The fingerboard of a Sarangi is usually made of ebony or rosewood, and it is usually flat.
  5. How many strings are on a Sarangi?
    A Sarangi typically has between 3 and 4 strings.
  6. What type of sound does a Sarangi produce?
    The sound produced by a Sarangi is mellow and penetrating, with a distinctive buzzy quality.
  7. What is the best way to learn to play the Sarangi?
    The best way to learn how to play the Sarangi is to find an experienced teacher who can provide instruction and guidance. Additionally, there are a variety of books and online resources available to help learn how to play the Sarangi.

Trivia

The Sarangi is considered to be a very ancient and sacred instrument. In fact, according to legend, it is believed that no one is allowed to touch the Sarangi except the person who is playing it. This unique rule is said to come from the fact that it is believed to be the musical embodiment of the Hindu god Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is the god of music and destruction, so the instrument is viewed as a holy item that should be respected and kept away from any form of harm. This fascinating story is widely seen as one of the reasons why the Sarangi is so popular and well-loved among Indian classical musicians. Source: Indian Music Only

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.