Parts of sitar

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Parts of the Sitar
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It is always problematic to discuss the names of
the parts of the instruments.  India is a land
with many different dialects and languages.  It
is the norm for the parts of sitar to be called
very different things in different places. 
Remember, the terms that we use here are fairly
representative, but by all means not the only
ones to be found.
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KuntiThe kuntis are the tuning pegs.  These are
simple friction pegs.  The sitar has two types
there are the larger kuntis that are for the main
strings.  There are also the smaller kuntis which
are used for the sympathetic strings.  The
larger kuntis come in three styles simple, fluted
, and lotus.  A quick look at the kuntis is
usually an indication of the care that went into
the instrument.
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Baj Tar Ki KuntiOne of the most
important kunti is the baj tar ki kunti.  This is
the one used for the main playing string.  This
one will be used more than any other.
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Drone StringsThere are a number of strings on
the sitar which are strummed but not fretted,
these are referred to as drone strings.  Two of
the kuntis (pegs) control special drone strings
these are referred to as the chikaris.  These two
strings are raised above the neck on two camel
bone pegs these pegs are known as mogara.  There
are other drone strings which continue all the
way down the neck.These drone strings are
important to the musical performance.  During a
normal performance, these strings will
periodically be struck to provide a tonic
base for the piece.  The chikari are especially
important in a style of playing known as jhala.
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TumbaMany sitars have a gourd which is attached
to the neck.  This is known as tumba.  Not
all sitars have a tumba.
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TarA tar is a string.  There a number of strings
on the sitar.  Numbers may vary, but 18 is a
common number.  These strings fall into one of
three classes there are the drone strings
(previously described), the sympathetic strings,
and the playing stings.  The playing strings are
the strings which are actually fretted to produce
melodies.  It comes as a surprise to many
newcomers to Indian music that only one to four
strings are actually played to produce a melody. 
In most cases there are really only two playing
strings.  These are the two strings located
furthest from the sympathetic strings.
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Baj TarThe absolute furthest string is referred
to as the baj tar which literally means "the
playing string".  Virtually all of the playing is
done on this one string.
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TarafdarThe tarafdar are the sympathetic
strings.  They are almost never strummed, yet
they vibrate whenever the corresponding note is
played on the playing string.  They are located
underneath the frets, so fretting them to produce
a melody is impossible.
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DandiThis is the neck of the sitar.PardaThese
are the frets.  These are metal rods which are
bent and tied to the neck with fishing line. 
Although they are held firmly in place, they may
be adjusted to correct the pitch.  There are
two pardas, the Re and the Dha, which require
constant adjustment as one moves
from rag to rag (seescale structure, that,
and rag for more information)
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GuluThe gulu is a wooden cowl that connects the
neck to the resonator.  Although it does not
command much attention for the casual observer,
it is actually one of the most important parts of
the instrument.  It is a common problem
on sitars for this part to be weak, especially
where it meets the neck.  If this is too weak
then the whole instrument goes out of pitch
anytime one meends (bend the note by pulling the
string laterally across the fret).  This is very
annoying and is definitely a mark of inferior
workmanship.
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Chota GhorajThe chota ghoraj, also known as
the taraf ka ghoraj orjawari, is a small flat
bridge for the sympathetic strings.  The highest
quality ones are made of antelope horn.  However,
the high cost of this material makes them very
rare.  The most common material for fabricating
them is camel bone.  Camel bone is a very usual
material that is used as a common substitute for
ivory.
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Bada Ghoraj (Main Bridge)The bada ghoraj also
known as jawara, or jawari, is similar in
construction to the chota ghoraj.  This is used
for the playing strings and the drone strings. 
It is raised to allow the sympathetic strings to
pass beneath.Tuning BeadsThere are
several tuning beads on the sitar.  These allow
minor adjustments in pitch to be made without
having to go the large tuning pegs (kunti).
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TabkandiThe tabkandi, also known as
the tabali is the face plate.  It is extremely
important in determining the tone of the
instrument.  If this is too thin, it will produce
a loud sound but a very poor sustain.  Conversely
if it is too thick, it will improve the sustain,
but at the cost of a weaker sound.  It is very
important that this wood be clear and
consistent.  Any knot-holes are a definite
weakness in the instrument.
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KadduThe kaddu is the resonator.  This nothing
but a gourd.  These are extremely delicate and
must be protected against shock at all times.
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