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Discover the Timeless Sound of Indian String Instruments
Authentic sitars, sarods, tanpuras, and more — handcrafted for classical, folk, and devotional music .
Indian string instruments form the melodic and rhythmic soul of classical, folk, and devotional music traditions. Explore sitars, tanpuras, sarods, veenas, santoors, and dilrubas crafted by India’s most trusted instrument makers, suited for beginners, accompanists, and professional performers alike. Experience resonant tonewoods, precise fretwork, and rich sustained tone in every instrument. Whether you’re starting your musical journey or performing on stage, find an instrument built to match your artistry
TYPES OF STRING INSTRUMENTS
Find the Right String Instrument
Explore different types of Indian string instruments designed for various musical traditions and playing styles. Whether you need a sitar for classical solos, a tanpura for drone accompaniment, or a sarod for its deep, introspective tone, there’s an instrument built to match your musical journey.
Sitar
Classical Favourite
The most popular Indian string instrument, the sitar is prized for its sympathetic strings and expressive gliding tone, ideal for Hindustani classical performance.
Classical Favourite • Rich Resonance
Tanpura
Drone Instrument
Essential for vocal and instrumental accompaniment, the tanpura produces a continuous harmonic drone that anchors every classical performance.
Drone Instrument • Meditative Tone
Sarod
Deep Tone
Known for its deep, weighty sound, the sarod’s fretless metal fingerboard allows for smooth glides favoured in Hindustani instrumental music.
Deep Tone • Fretless Precision
Veena
Carnatic Classic
One of India’s oldest instruments, the veena is central to Carnatic music, valued for its warm tone and intricate fretted technique.
Ancient Heritage • Carnatic Classic
Santoor
Kashmiri Origin
Played with light wooden mallets, the santoor produces a shimmering, cascading tone rooted in Kashmiri folk and classical traditions.
Hammered Strings • Kashmiri Origin
Dilruba / Esraj
Bowed Strings
A bowed instrument with a vocal-like quality, the dilruba/esraj is popular in devotional, folk, and Hindustani accompaniment settings.
Bowed Strings • Vocal-Like Tone
IDEAL FOR
Beginners
New to Indian classical music? A sitar or tanpura offers an approachable entry point with guided learning resources and easy-to-source instruments.
Vocalists & Accompanists
Need steady drone support? A tanpura provides the continuous harmonic foundation every vocal performance needs.
Devotional & Folk Performers
Performing bhajans or folk music? A dilruba or santoor delivers the emotive, resonant tone devotional and folk traditions call for.
Carnatic Music Students
Studying South Indian classical music? A veena is the traditional instrument of choice, central to Carnatic performance and pedagogy.
Music Teachers & Institutions
Teaching multiple students? Durable sitars and tanpuras withstand daily classroom use and stay reliably in tune
Professional & Concert Artists
Performing on stage? A concert-grade sarod or sitar offers the premium tone and craftsmanship professional performances demand.
POPULAR MODELS
Explore Our Most Popular String Instruments
Discover handpicked string instruments from India’s most trusted makers, selected for their exceptional craftsmanship, tonal quality, and dependable playability. Whether you’re a beginner, a music student, or a professional performer, these models deliver authentic sound reproduction and long-lasting performance.
EDITOR’S PICK
RIKHI RAM
Rikhi Ram Concert Sitar
- Wood Type : Seasoned Tun & Tumba (Gourd) Body
- Build Material : Hand-Carved Solid Wood
- Strings : 7 Playing Strings + 13 Sympathetic Strings
- Best For : Classical Performance, Concert Use, Advanced Students
The Rikhi Ram Concert Sitar is among India’s most trusted sitars, known for its rich sympathetic resonance and dependable craftsmanship. Ideal for advanced practice, performance, and teaching. You can get this sitar at WinAnk Music Store.
More Models to Explore
BEST SELLER
KANAILAL & BROTHER
Kanailal Maihar-Style Sarod
Teakwood Body | Metal Fingerboard | Goat-Skin Resonator
A favourite among sarod players for its deep, introspective tone and Maihar-style craftsmanship. Available now at WinAnk Music Store.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
HIREN MUSICALS
Hiren Musicals Student Tanpura
4-String Drone | Tun Wood Body | Traditional Tuning Pegs
Designed for daily riyaz and vocal accompaniment, this tanpura offers reliable drone tone at an accessible price. Available now at WinAnk Music Store.
CARNATIC CHOICE
MANNOLIA
Mannolia Saraswati Veena
Jackwood Body | 24 Frets | Traditional Carnatic Tuning
opular among Carnatic music students and performers for its warm, resonant tone and traditional build. Available now at WinAnk Music Store.
PREMIUM PICK
BINA
Bina Concert Santoor
Walnut Wood Body | 72 Strings | Dual Bridge Design
A premium santoor crafted for professional performers, offering the shimmering, resonant tone Kashmiri classical music demands. Available now at WinAnk Music Store.
Top BRANDS
Trusted String Instrument Brands
Explore string instruments from India’s most respected makers, recognized for exceptional craftsmanship, tonal quality, and long-standing reputation. From student-friendly models to professional concert instruments, these brands offer options for every performer, all available at WinAnk Music Store.
RIKHI RAM
One of India’s most iconic sitar and instrument makers, Rikhi Ram is renowned for exceptional resonance and instruments trusted by top classical performers.
Legendary Craftsmanship • Concert Grade
KANAILAL & BROTHER
A heritage Kolkata workshop celebrated for handcrafted sarods with deep, distinctive tone favoured by professional musicians.
Kolkata Heritage • Sarod Specialists
HIREN MUSICALS
Known for accessible, well-built tanpuras and sitars, popular among beginners and music institutions across India.
Reliable Build • Student Favourite
MANNOLIA
A trusted name in veena-making, known for authentic Carnatic tonal quality and traditional construction methods.
Carnatic Craftsmanship • Traditional Tone
BINA
A respected maker of santoors and other string instruments, known for consistent quality and dependable performance across skill levels.
Trusted Heritage • Rich Resonance
SANGEET SADAN
A respected name in traditional string instrument craftsmanship, offering handmade sitars and tanpuras with authentic classical tone.
Handmade Quality • Classical Tone
BUYING GUIDE
Find Your Ideal String Instrument
Choosing the right string instrument depends on your musical tradition, playing purpose, and budget. Whether you’re buying your first practice sitar or investing in a premium concert instrument, these expert tips will help you choose an instrument with authentic tone and long-term reliability.
PRO TIPS
1.Consider Wood Quality
Seasoned tonewoods like tun, teak, and jackwood directly affect resonance — well-seasoned wood produces richer, more stable tone over time.
2.Understand String Count
Instruments with sympathetic strings, like the sitar and veena, offer greater resonance but require more careful tuning and maintenance.
3.Check Craftsmanship Details
Hand-carved joints, fretwork, and bridge placement affect playability and tone — inspect build quality before purchasing.
PRO TIPS
4. Match Musical Tradition & Purpose
Sitars and sarods suit Hindustani classical music, while veenas are essential for Carnatic traditions — choose based on your genre.
5. Focus on Build Material
Solid wood bodies with natural gourd resonators offer better tone and durability compared to lower-grade materials.
6. Choose a Trusted Brand
Reliable makers like Rikhi Ram, Kanailal & Brother, and Bina are known for consistent quality, tonal stability, and long-term value.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Indian String Instrument FAQs
Have questions about choosing an Indian string instrument? Find answers to common queries about instrument types, tonewoods, maintenance, and selecting the right model for practice, teaching, or performance.
A sitar or tanpura is a good starting point, offering approachable playability and easy availability for daily riyaz and vocal accompaniment.
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The tanpura is a drone instrument meant to produce a continuous harmonic tone rather than distinct melodic notes, so it doesn’t require frets.
Keep it away from direct sunlight and humidity, wipe strings after playing, and have the bridge, frets, and tuning pegs serviced periodically by a professional.
An instrument cover, a stand or cushion for floor seating, spare strings, and a tuning device are commonly used accessories for daily practice and performance.
Rikhi Ram, Kanailal & Brother, Hiren Musicals, Mannolia, Bina, and Sangeet Sadan are well-known, trusted brands available at WinAnk Music Store.
FIND YOUR SOUND
Find Your Perfect String Instrument
Whether you’re purchasing your first sitar or upgrading to a professional-grade sarod, our experts are here to help. Explore trusted brands, compare popular models, and receive personalized guidance to find the perfect instrument for your practice, teaching, or performance needs only at WinAnk Music Store.