Sarod Facts by Kim Giancaterino © All Rights Reserved
Sarod Facts
The sarod is a lute-like stringed instrument of Indian origin. Like the sitar, it’s a popular and prominent instrument in Hindustani classical music. The instrument is known for its deep, introspective sound, which contrasts nicely with the sweet texture of the sitar. The absence of frets allows players to glide easily from one note to another. This is known as meend, which is essential in the performance of Indian music.
Here are a few more interesting sarod facts. It’s likely the sarod descended from the Afghan rubab, a similar instrument with roots in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The word sarod means “beautiful sound” or “melody” in Persian, one of many languages spoken in Afghanistan.
Sarod Construction
How many strings are there? On a conventional instrument there are 17 to 25. Four to five main strings are used for playing the melody. There are also one or two drone strings, two chikari strings, and nine to eleven sympathetic strings. The strings are made of steel or phosphor bronze, and are usually plucked with a triangular hand-crafted coconut shell plectrum called a Javva. Some players prefer plectrums made of ebony, cocobolo wood, horn, or cowbone.
Naba One Piece Sarod
More Sarod Facts
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a sarodist. Notable sarodists include Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Buddhadev Das Gupta, Abhisek Lahiri, Sharan Rani, K. Sridhar, Aditya Verma, and James Whetzel.
Indian Classical Ragas
Amjad Ali Khan
Indian Classical Ragas – Amjad Ali Khan
Sarod Master Amaan Ali Khan
Indian classical musician and composer Amaan Ali Khan explains the construction, techniques, and performance of the sarod. He’s a seventh generation Sarod Master, and was just eight years old when he gave his first public performance. Amaan is the son of Amjad Ali Khan and often performs with his younger brother Ayaan Ali Khan, with whom he hosted the music talent show Sa Re Ga Ma. He’s widely considered one of the finest players in the world, with fans on many continents.
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Naba One Piece Indian Sarod
Product details:
- Concert quality Sarod
- Beautiful Indian string instrument
- Handmade from one piece of tun wood
- Comes with a fiberglass case, jaba, and extra set of strings
- Sarod is shipped from India (Shipping and packing included)
Handmade Naba One Piece Sarod
Sarod Back View
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Sarod Strings – Karuna Brand – Complete Set with Sympathetic Strings – Made by Expert Hands
Traditional Hand-Crafted Coconut Shell Sarod Jawa Pick Plectrum – Professional Quality – Set of 2
Ustad Ali Akbar Khan – Plays Alap – A Sarod Solo – Shri Rag – Light Classical Raga – 2 Audio CDs
Buddhadev Das Gupta – Sarod – Raga Chhaya – Joined by Samir Chatterjee on Tabla – Audio CD
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Kaleidoscope Mandala image by JuliusH












