Ok I just watched this whole video and i dont even own a sitar. The internet is wonderful :) instead of wasting my time watching two episodes of Big Bang Theory, I saw a very intriguing video on how to string a sitar. :) Thanks for taking the time to teach others what looks like a pretty difficult task.
Thank you thank you thank you , the only inromative video in the world that describe in planty the method of re stringing the sitar. thank you so much.
I am so thankful for this video thank you so much 🙏- I bought my first sitar last summer and a string broke. I saw this video's time and thought "oh boys". As someone who ownes a double necked guitar I am used to spending 45 minutes restricting but this is a whole other thing. Now after seeing it my fears have been eased, not so bad, but I've just ordered a file and will definitely get some chalk! And maybe a little roll of string to help me practice the knots. Thank you once again
My Sitar has had the same strings since I bought it in Nepal in 1995. I just ordered new strings from your site because you not only made this look doable but interesting! Thank you so much!
I just bought a really good quality used sitar that sat for about 40 years but is in perfect condition, and the strings are toast. I've got some strings on order, and will use this video as a guide. Thanks!
Thanks again Musicians Mall! Strings arrived, I prepped my Sitar based on all the steps in this video and 3 hours later I'm finish with all stings, frets cleaned, and in tune!
Just did this process, this video was immensely helpful...it took me HOURS to complete, but really only because it was the 1st time. To reiterate some things he mentioned: I probably spent more time trying to fish the sympathetic strings thru the holes than anything else, but...once you do the 1st 3-4, it gets easier as the strings are more easily visible to snag. For the 1st 3-4 holes, when you look in the string is actually off to the right some, so you gotta fish around for it. You CAN buy pre-slip-wired strings like I did, but...invariably, the strings they send may not fit your sitar completely, some of my drone strings were so big that they broke a tooth off of my jawari bridge (!), so thankfully I had a 2nd set I cannabalized from. Also, while I tuning up a high drone string, I broke it...but good news is, thanks to this video, I was able to take the rest of the string, put my own slipknot on it, then finish stringing it up. If you do NOT have the double toomba version of a sitar like me, what I did was buy a big chuck of soft foam, cut out notches for the neck, and used that to keep the neck stable while working on the sitar. Also, these suckers take a LOT of space, I had to use most of a 4x8 folding table to lay out everything I needed...so plan accordingly! Finally...the devil is in the details, I spent so much time fretting over the restringing process that I completely forget to put my fine-tuning nuts on most of the main strings...DUOH!! I have no plans to fix that right now, will just remember next time lol
this is the only sitar re-stringing video you will ever need in your life. and also a lots of valueable knowledge being shared here besides the re-strining itself. masterpiece!
This is an absolutely brilliant video - really helped me to put what my teacher taught me into context and figure out a practical way to re-string: Thank you! 😁
Many thanks for the video, but please ask the camera operator to turn the autofocus off next time - that way, you can focus manually and we could actually see what you are doing all the time.
Thanks SOOO much for walking us through something so daunting at first! I couldn't have done it without you... well atleast not properly lol :-) Thanks again!!
Thanks so much for the wonderful video. Just finished re-string my sitar thoroughly, while this video being played background again and again. It was my first time doing this since I started learning this instrument five years ago, and it took me good six hours as well as a number of punctures on my both hands.
Now If I could just find a video that is equally good that teaches you how to tune this thing and even an introduction on playing it I’ll be in good shape. My sitar just came in the mail and I am trying to figure it out. This video is awesome.
Good job. Thanks. The Sitar technician misses many steps though. Like removing the wire from the coil and where to put each string in the grooves or holes. And this pertains to the Ravishankar style sitar and not Vilayat Khan one. One should be careful on this count.
Most times your camera is not focused on the spot where the action is, so for those who are not familiar with restringing a sitar, it is not much help. You could do this again with the help of a good video technician. But thanks. I play the sitar, and was able to guess what you meant at each step.
Hello, I just purchased a sitar and I know nothing about it. I build guitars and set them up and I understand everything in your video. I was wondering what is the best string set you recommend or the bulk spools that you used in the video. Also, what is the best place to order strings and parts from?
Can anybody tell me what the distance between the meru (nut) and the bada ghoraj (bridge for the playing/top strings) is supposed to be, as it relates to intonation?
Hello there, i live in the UK and I’m building a Sitar can you tell me what are the string spacings at the bridges and the nut, learned a lot from this video thank for that Steve.
Thank you so much for posting this, very informative! 11:55 minutes into the video, can you please tell me wha kind of string coil he uses? I couldn't figure it out. Thanks in advance.
is the high sa string being elevated up up on that chikairi post thing with the other sa string?? i can't find any close ups online and u guys didn't show the last sa in detail at the end
All your instruments are a bit more expensive, but I both make in a good quality. I was buying yesterday a Sitar, which cams directly from India 50 years ago to Costa Rica. First, I was mad about the lousy quality finish - but after checking photos in different web-sides, like Amazon, etc. I figured out: all these instruments there have the same quality standard. The most costly as well. WELL - I will finish the instrument a bit for better - but maybe I'm destroying the flair of the Indian handmade...
Hey i am looking at buying coils of string for my Sitar, do you have anywhere you recommend buying from (i live in Scotland) and if so what Gague do you buy :) Thanks Harry
Greetings from Brazil! Sorry my ignorance due to the lack of working materials I "die from" over here. My question, is this chalk that sort of old school black board chalk sticks? No wax at all, right? Thanks, man!
Great stuff, very useful now that I got my first sitar. Just one feedback, get someone who knows how to handle the camera's focus to record these tutorials. Especially on the zoom ins the focus was way off and it was hard to tell what you were showing
Thanks, will take it into account. Just in case I used to have a Canon 100D camera, it's cheap and it has a touchscreen on the back so you can just trace your finger to whatever you want it to focus. There must be more like those. I don't mean to be a PITA, you do these for free after all and they're really helpful. I just think a lot of valuable information was lost because of it.
Yesterday I was presented with a present surprised. When I open my temple door in the morning I heard a thud the door hit something luckily it didn't hurt it but it knocked a sitar to the porch floor I was shocked what a wonderful gift to leave me but now I need to string it I need to make some parts that are missing and I've got no knowledge does anybody know if there's a book with visuals on repairs and stringing this is not been helpful.
Would have REALLY helped to have you provide links to your suppliers, ie. #0, and #1 wire, and "STREET CHALK" that I only found in UK, but they will NOT ship to USA. Maybe it's that "TEA" thing????
Can someone please tell me- what is the thing that is attached to the last fret ( the one nearest to the bridge) ? And which strings are supposed to run under it. I noticed from the video that it was ignored but also notice ( from pictures) that many sitars have this.
Ok thankyou. I Have a sitar and mine doesn`t have this ` Hook` . It`s a Kharaj/Pancham style sitar made by Bina in Delhi. It must be around 30 years old but is in mint condition. I don`t know if it`s a good quality sitar or not really but it sounds pretty good. Can`t really find any information about ` Bina` online.
Oh right. I never knew that. I bought it in London when i was around 22 years of age ( i`m now 51) and i tried my hardest to learn how to play it, but back then, there was no such thing as the Internet, so trying to get any information on playing the Sitar was pretty much impossible in the UK. It ended up in my loft for 20 years. I recently regained my interest and have completely restored it, and as i said, It looks and sounds great and stays in tune too. But i don`t think it`s anything like a professional model. I`ve been looking at your website a lot recently, with a mind to buying a more professional Sitar. Not sure which manufacturer is best though for my price range. About 1000 UK pounds would be my limit. Kharaj Pancham style,Lotus pegs and lots of decoration would be favorable but sound quality and action would be a must. I have played guitar since i was 14 but the Sitar is a whole new learning curve - Even now.
I did yes, But i was leaning more towards a Mangla p.s for some reason. Bit of a minefield to know which are the better quality for the price because i know that many are cobbled together. I`ve travelled round India quite a bit. Going there again next month for the 5th time. Just a Goa Holiday this time for 2 week though .Don`t see many Sitar workshops in Goa.
What is the meaning of #3 steel. 1# 0 # etc What diameter is that. I am from Holland and cant find the inches or mm thickness of these strings. Thanks in advance!
Why didn't you clean the crap out of the Sympathetic String Bridge grooves?? There is clearly a lot of crap there, especially for "a new, unplayed" Sitar! That alone woild make a HUGE impact on resonance purity!! Especially being sympathetic resonance strings!
Видеоклипы
Ok I just watched this whole video and i dont even own a sitar. The internet is wonderful :) instead of wasting my time watching two episodes of Big Bang Theory, I saw a very intriguing video on how to string a sitar. :) Thanks for taking the time to teach others what looks like a pretty difficult task.
Thank you thank you thank you , the only inromative video in the world that describe in planty the method of re stringing the sitar. thank you so much.
Got this Sitar few weeks ago. I´m glad to know u already made a video about Re-stringing ! :)
I am so thankful for this video thank you so much 🙏- I bought my first sitar last summer and a string broke. I saw this video's time and thought "oh boys". As someone who ownes a double necked guitar I am used to spending 45 minutes restricting but this is a whole other thing. Now after seeing it my fears have been eased, not so bad, but I've just ordered a file and will definitely get some chalk! And maybe a little roll of string to help me practice the knots. Thank you once again
My Sitar has had the same strings since I bought it in Nepal in 1995. I just ordered new strings from your site because you not only made this look doable but interesting! Thank you so much!
Can you share the site?
I just bought a really good quality used sitar that sat for about 40 years but is in perfect condition, and the strings are toast. I've got some strings on order, and will use this video as a guide. Thanks!
Thanks again Musicians Mall!
Strings arrived, I prepped my Sitar based on all the steps in this video and 3 hours later I'm finish with all stings, frets cleaned, and in tune!
Just did this process, this video was immensely helpful...it took me HOURS to complete, but really only because it was the 1st time.
To reiterate some things he mentioned: I probably spent more time trying to fish the sympathetic strings thru the holes than anything else, but...once you do the 1st 3-4, it gets easier as the strings are more easily visible to snag. For the 1st 3-4 holes, when you look in the string is actually off to the right some, so you gotta fish around for it.
You CAN buy pre-slip-wired strings like I did, but...invariably, the strings they send may not fit your sitar completely, some of my drone strings were so big that they broke a tooth off of my jawari bridge (!), so thankfully I had a 2nd set I cannabalized from. Also, while I tuning up a high drone string, I broke it...but good news is, thanks to this video, I was able to take the rest of the string, put my own slipknot on it, then finish stringing it up.
If you do NOT have the double toomba version of a sitar like me, what I did was buy a big chuck of soft foam, cut out notches for the neck, and used that to keep the neck stable while working on the sitar.
Also, these suckers take a LOT of space, I had to use most of a 4x8 folding table to lay out everything I needed...so plan accordingly!
Finally...the devil is in the details, I spent so much time fretting over the restringing process that I completely forget to put my fine-tuning nuts on most of the main strings...DUOH!! I have no plans to fix that right now, will just remember next time lol
These things look daunting to re-string! Kudos to the brave man for doing it!
For reals when I first started playing guitar I thought changeing strings would be hard but now it’s nothing compared to what this mam is doing lol
this is the only sitar re-stringing video you will ever need in your life. and also a lots of valueable knowledge being shared here besides the re-strining itself. masterpiece!
Very nicely & systematically done. Thanks for this informative video.
This is an absolutely brilliant video - really helped me to put what my teacher taught me into context and figure out a practical way to re-string: Thank you! 😁
Many thanks for the video, but please ask the camera operator to turn the autofocus off next time - that way, you can focus manually and we could actually see what you are doing all the time.
Exactly!
Thanks SOOO much for walking us through something so daunting at first! I couldn't have done it without you... well atleast not properly lol :-) Thanks again!!
Thanks so much for the wonderful video. Just finished re-string my sitar thoroughly, while this video being played background again and again. It was my first time doing this since I started learning this instrument five years ago, and it took me good six hours as well as a number of punctures on my both hands.
Thank you so much, this vid is a lifesaver!!! I just bought a used sitar that is in need of new strings and I was about to do everything wrong!!! 🤣🤣🤣
great video , i want to restring my sitar , now i dare to do it myself :-) , super thanks
We have 2 strings to go and I can’t express our gratitude for this video enough
I am in your debt sir for an excellent 'how to' for the restring. I wish the camera operation matched the quality of the content.
Now If I could just find a video that is equally good that teaches you how to tune this thing and even an introduction on playing it I’ll be in good shape. My sitar just came in the mail and I am trying to figure it out. This video is awesome.
Thank you for your insight, and expertise!
Trying to do this from home now. 90 minutes in and I have all the sympathetic strings on. lol. just 7 more to go.
exquisite...very informative and perfectly done....I'm very grateful
Restringing a sitar is an adventure lol But it's a great way to learn more about the instrument and how it works
thanks for the amazing video
Outstanding video !
Excellent explaining the basic things it required.Thank you 🙏.
Thanks! This still helps a lot!
Just amazing video with a precise explanation! I wish the videographer had captured many important shots in focus.
is it just me or does this guy sound like tommy chong ... xD great video!!! helped me a lot
Thank you!
Thanks!!! awesome
Thanks for the tutorial
Thanks so much for this!
Thanks for this video!!!
Good job. Thanks. The Sitar technician misses many steps though. Like removing the wire from the coil and where to put each string in the grooves or holes. And this pertains to the Ravishankar style sitar and not Vilayat Khan one. One should be careful on this count.
Great video thanks
Thank you very much.
Most times your camera is not focused on the spot where the action is, so for those who are not familiar with restringing a sitar, it is not much help. You could do this again with the help of a good video technician. But thanks. I play the sitar, and was able to guess what you meant at each step.
there is no point in comenting after this post. this is what you need to know. many thanks for the vidiek
This is an instrument screaming for some modernisation. This is maddening.
Hello, I just purchased a sitar and I know nothing about it. I build guitars and set them up and I understand everything in your video. I was wondering what is the best string set you recommend or the bulk spools that you used in the video. Also, what is the best place to order strings and parts from?
Can anybody tell me what the distance between the meru (nut) and the bada ghoraj (bridge for the playing/top strings) is supposed to be, as it relates to intonation?
I just bought a sitar and it’s my first day and I broke a string :,)
Hello there, i live in the UK and I’m building a Sitar can you tell me what are the string spacings at the bridges and the nut, learned a lot from this video thank for that
Steve.
Wow thanks a ton. I just broke one of my sitar string and I don’t how to put it on!! Where are you guys located just in case if I need extra strings??
Thank you so much for posting this, very informative! 11:55 minutes into the video, can you please tell me wha kind of string coil he uses? I couldn't figure it out. Thanks in advance.
Roslau steel #1 coil
My main first string Ma goes off tune after some meends. Any tips to make stay in tune? Thanks 👏
Which type of sand paper used for sanding fret
how do you know the exact fret position where the fret is to be placed ?
is the high sa string being elevated up up on that chikairi post thing with the other sa string?? i can't find any close ups online and u guys didn't show the last sa in detail at the end
FOCUSSSSSSSSSS AGHHHHHHHHHHHH
36:46 second bead
What is that little bird sitting near the base of the instrument?
All your instruments are a bit more expensive, but I both make in a good quality. I was buying yesterday a Sitar, which cams directly from India 50 years ago to Costa Rica. First, I was mad about the lousy quality finish - but after checking photos in different web-sides, like Amazon, etc. I figured out: all these instruments there have the same quality standard. The most costly as well. WELL - I will finish the instrument a bit for better - but maybe I'm destroying the flair of the Indian handmade...
Hey i am looking at buying coils of string for my Sitar, do you have anywhere you recommend buying from (i live in Scotland) and if so what Gague do you buy :)
Thanks
Harry
Harry Kane
... get a pack of #3 Steel for main string, #27 Copper for Second, and a pack of #0 for Chikari, if possible add a pack of #00 too.
cdn10.bigcommerce.com/s-ta610c/product_images/uploaded_images/sitar-main-tuning-color-1.jpg?t=1420900925
www.musiciansmallusa.com/accessories/
www.musiciansmallusa.com/sitar-string-set/
Greetings from Brazil!
Sorry my ignorance due to the lack of working materials I "die from" over here. My question, is this chalk that sort of old school black board chalk sticks? No wax at all, right? Thanks, man!
Correct, wax-free chalk!
Where do you find sitar strings?
i suddenly want a sitar a lot less now...
Which material use for polishing fret
same question....in case you get the answer can you let me know. that would be great
Thanks in advance
Great stuff, very useful now that I got my first sitar. Just one feedback, get someone who knows how to handle the camera's focus to record these tutorials. Especially on the zoom ins the focus was way off and it was hard to tell what you were showing
Thanks, will take it into account.
Just in case I used to have a Canon 100D camera, it's cheap and it has a touchscreen on the back so you can just trace your finger to whatever you want it to focus. There must be more like those.
I don't mean to be a PITA, you do these for free after all and they're really helpful. I just think a lot of valuable information was lost because of it.
Thanks for this ! What string gauge would you recommend for a half size surbahar? 5+2, 10 symp.
I have a set from labella 11.008 and 3 0.009 sympathetics what goes where? Or does it matter?
Hi. We don’t use .008 but the .008 could be used for the sympathetic strings. Or please call us tomorrow. We can guide you accordingly.
14:13 taraf strings
32:50 swan
Yesterday I was presented with a present surprised. When I open my temple door in the morning I heard a thud the door hit something luckily it didn't hurt it but it knocked a sitar to the porch floor I was shocked what a wonderful gift to leave me but now I need to string it I need to make some parts that are missing and I've got no knowledge does anybody know if there's a book with visuals on repairs and stringing this is not been helpful.
We suggest "My Music My Life" by Ravi Shankar
Would have REALLY helped to have you provide links to your suppliers, ie. #0, and #1 wire, and "STREET CHALK" that I only found in UK, but they will NOT ship to USA. Maybe it's that "TEA" thing????
hello,
What cables do you use?
We use Roslau Schaff German made steel wire and USA made phosphor bronze wire
that sitar is beautiful! The guy who's doing the restringing is one hot daddy!
My sitar is 12 years old , and i must change all the frets strings ... and the sand the jawari
Is it possible for anyone to restring the sitar???
Yes
@@MusiciansMallCalifornia Only 2 strings were broken. should I restring the entire sitar or only those that were broken?
@@nirantara1341 If the other strings are good then please change only the two strings.
@@MusiciansMallCalifornia thank you for replying. I will try that
what kind of chalk is that?
Sidewalk chalk
Can someone please tell me- what is the thing that is attached to the last fret ( the one nearest to the bridge) ? And which strings are supposed to run under it. I noticed from the video that it was ignored but also notice ( from pictures) that many sitars have this.
Ok thankyou. I Have a sitar and mine doesn`t have this ` Hook` . It`s a Kharaj/Pancham style sitar made by Bina in Delhi. It must be around 30 years old but is in mint condition. I don`t know if it`s a good quality sitar or not really but it sounds pretty good. Can`t really find any information about ` Bina` online.
Oh right. I never knew that. I bought it in London when i was around 22 years of age ( i`m now 51) and i tried my hardest to learn how to play it, but back then, there was no such thing as the Internet, so trying to get any information on playing the Sitar was pretty much impossible in the UK. It ended up in my loft for 20 years. I recently regained my interest and have completely restored it, and as i said, It looks and sounds great and stays in tune too. But i don`t think it`s anything like a professional model. I`ve been looking at your website a lot recently, with a mind to buying a more professional Sitar. Not sure which manufacturer is best though for my price range. About 1000 UK pounds would be my limit. Kharaj Pancham style,Lotus pegs and lots of decoration would be favorable but sound quality and action would be a must. I have played guitar since i was 14 but the Sitar is a whole new learning curve - Even now.
I did yes, But i was leaning more towards a Mangla p.s for some reason. Bit of a minefield to know which are the better quality for the price because i know that many are cobbled together. I`ve travelled round India quite a bit. Going there again next month for the 5th time. Just a Goa Holiday this time for 2 week though .Don`t see many Sitar workshops in Goa.
What is the meaning of #3 steel. 1# 0 # etc What diameter is that. I am from Holland and cant find the inches or mm thickness of these strings. Thanks in advance!
Hi, #3 is .012”, #1 is .010” and #0 is .009”. In inches
Why didn't you clean the crap out of the Sympathetic String Bridge grooves?? There is clearly a lot of crap there, especially for "a new, unplayed" Sitar!
That alone woild make a HUGE impact on resonance purity!! Especially being sympathetic resonance strings!
I think this #Rudraveena. ?
No, this is a sitar
Saw/Paw/Maw/Grandpa----Just give us the notes!!!!
Are there Americans who manufacture Sitars too?
Kamal Hans yes
@@MusiciansMallCalifornia Any website you could share?
Kamal Hans www.musiciansmallusa.com. Check for Alan Suits
Video full out of focus
Excellent tips and demonstration. 😁 Thanks.