Santoor Musical Instrument Facts

Santoor Instrument Summary

The Santoor is a traditional Indian string instrument known for its delicate, shimmering sound and trapezoidal shape. It has over 100 strings that are struck with wooden mallets called “mezrab.” The santoor is a key instrument in Kashmiri folk music and has been adapted into Hindustani classical music, admired for its vibrant tonal quality and intricate melodic possibilities.

Detailed Instrument Description

Instrument Name	Santoor
Instrument Family	String
Alternative Names	The santoor is also referred to as “Shata-Tantri Veena,” which means “hundred-stringed lute.” In Kashmir, it is simply called “santoor.”
Geographical Presence	The santoor is primarily played in the Kashmir region of India, where it is integral to traditional Sufi and folk music. It has also gained popularity in Hindustani classical music across India and has found a place in world music ensembles globally.
Instrument Classification	The santoor falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 314.122, identifying it as a hammered box zither chordophone. This system classifies musical instruments based on how they produce sound, with the santoor classified as a chordophone where sound is produced by striking strings.
Unique Features	The santoor is known for its distinctive trapezoidal wooden body and its numerous strings, typically ranging from 72 to 100 or more. The strings are stretched over a series of bridges and are struck with lightweight wooden mallets called “mezrab.” The instrument’s design allows for a wide range of melodic and rhythmic expressions, producing a bright, shimmering sound with a rapid decay.
Sound Characteristics	The santoor produces a bright, resonant, and sparkling sound with a quick decay. Its tone is crisp and clear, making it ideal for fast-paced melodic passages and rhythmic accompaniment. The instrument is capable of producing intricate melodies and rapid sequences, which are characteristic of both folk and classical music styles. The sound of the santoor is often described as ethereal and soothing, yet vibrant.
Typical Music Genres	The santoor is used primarily in Kashmiri folk music and Sufi music. It has also been adapted into Hindustani classical music, where it is used to perform ragas. Additionally, the santoor is featured in film music, fusion genres, and world music.
Components	Body, Strings, Bridges, Tuning Pegs, Mezrab (mallets)
Construction	The santoor typically has a trapezoidal wooden body made from walnut or maple wood. The strings, usually made of steel or brass, are stretched over wooden bridges, which are movable to allow for fine-tuning. The tuning pegs, located on the sides of the instrument, are used to adjust the pitch of the strings. The mezrab, or mallets, are made of lightweight wood and are used to strike the strings, producing sound. The body often features intricate carvings or inlays, adding to the instrument’s aesthetic appeal.
Size and Weight	The santoor generally measures around 75 to 90 centimeters (29 to 35 inches) in width and 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) in height. The weight can vary between 3 to 6 kilograms (6.6 to 13.2 pounds), depending on the materials used.
Variations and Customizations	Variations of the santoor include differences in the number of strings and the materials used for the body and bridges. Some santoor instruments are designed with more strings for a broader range of notes, while others may be smaller and more portable. Customizations might include decorative inlays, carved designs, and the use of different types of wood. Some modern santoors may also feature built-in pickups for amplification.
Instrument History	The santoor has ancient origins and is believed to have evolved from similar string instruments in the Middle East. It became a central instrument in Kashmiri folk music and was later introduced into Hindustani classical music by musicians such as Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. The instrument has since gained widespread recognition and is now a staple in both traditional and contemporary music settings.
Similar Types of Instrument	Santur (Persian), Hammered Dulcimer, Yangqin
Playing Technique	The santoor is played by placing it on the lap or on a flat surface. The player strikes the strings with the mezrab (mallets) to produce sound. Techniques include rapid strikes, glissandos, and rhythmic patterns. The left hand often controls the dynamics by striking harder or softer, while the right hand manages the tempo and rhythm. The movable bridges allow for fine-tuning and the creation of different scales or ragas.
Notable Composers	Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Bhajan Sopori, Rahul Sharma
Famous Works	Pandit Shivkumar Sharma’s “Raga Jhinjhoti,” Bhajan Sopori’s “Raga Ahir Bhairav,” Rahul Sharma’s “Call of the Valley”
Maintenance	Regular maintenance includes cleaning the instrument, tuning the strings, and occasionally replacing strings. The santoor should be kept in a case to protect it from environmental changes and physical damage. Proper humidity levels should be maintained to prevent warping of the wood or corrosion of the strings.
Learning Difficulty	Moderate to high; while the basic playing technique can be learned relatively quickly, mastering the santoor’s intricate melodic and rhythmic patterns requires significant practice. Learning to control the dynamics, tempo, and fine-tuning is essential for effective playing.
Prominent Players	Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Bhajan Sopori, Rahul Sharma
Notable Performances	Notable performances include concerts by prominent santoor players at major venues and festivals worldwide, such as the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival in Pune.
Famous Orchestras/Bands	The santoor is featured in many Indian classical music ensembles and fusion bands, often as the lead instrument. It is also used in orchestras that explore world music genres.
Price Range	Santoors range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the craftsmanship, materials, and features.