Sarangi — Lutherie Encyclopedia

SarangiType: instrumentA short-necked Indian bowed instrument with gut strings and sympathetic strings, renowned as the closest instrument to the human voice in Hindustani music.## History The sarangi is one of the most important bowed instruments in Hindustani (North Indian) classical music, with origins possibly dating back several centuries. The name may derive from "sau rang" (hundred colors), referring to its tonal versatility, or from "sur ang" (musical note body). Historically, the sarangi was the primary accompaniment instrument for vocal music and kathak dance in North Indian classical tradition. It was also closely associated with the musical traditions of courtesans (tawaif), which led to some social stigma that unfortunately discouraged many musicians from learning the instrument in the 20th century. Efforts by master sarangi players such as Ram Narayan and Sultan Khan to establish the sarangi as a solo concert instrument have been crucial in preserving and elevating the tradition. ## Construction The sarangi is carved from a single block of tun wood (Indian cedar), creating a box-like body approximately 24 to 26 inches in overall length. The body is hollowed out and covered with a goatskin membrane that serves as the soundboard. The instrument has three main playing strings of heavy gut, bowed with a heavy horsehair bow held with an underhand grip. In addition, there are 35 to 37 sympathetic strings (taraf) made of steel wire, running through small holes in the wide bridge and tuned to the notes of the raga being performed. The neck is wide and unfretted, and the player stops the strings not by pressing fingertips to the strings (as on…