Santur (Santoor) - Made by Salehi Rad

General Description:

The Persian santur is a strikingly beautiful instrument that has been an integral part of Persian music for centuries. With its origins dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, the santur is a hammered dulcimer made of a wooden soundboard, typically trapezoidal, with numerous strings stretched across it. Musicians play it by striking the strings with mallets, producing a rich, resonant sound that evokes a wide range of emotions. Its delicate tones and intricate melodies make it a favorite in both solo performances and ensemble settings, reflecting the deep cultural heritage of Iran and the broader Persian-speaking world.

The santur typically features a set of 72 strings, although variations exist depending on the regional style and specific instrument design. These strings are arranged in courses, often grouped in quadruples, allowing for rich harmonic textures. The instrument is supported by a series of bridges that elevate the strings above the soundboard, creating a resonant chamber that enhances the instrument's sound. The number and placement of these bridges play a crucial role in determining the santur's tonal quality and range. Generally, a standard santur has 9 bridges, which are strategically positioned to facilitate tuning and allow for a wide array of musical expressions. There are nine quadruple strings on either side so that, with 18 groups of strings, 27 different notes can be played. The bass strings are of brass or copper and the trebles of steel.

In traditional Persian music, the santur holds a unique place, often serving as a melodic foundation for improvisation and composition. It is commonly used in classical Persian music as well as in folk traditions, allowing for a dynamic interplay between the santur and other instruments such as the ney, violin, and tombak. The santur's versatility and expressive capabilities enable it to convey the nuanced themes of love, nature, and spirituality that are central to Persian poetry and music. 

Sepecific Description:

This handmade 9-bridge Persian Santur made by Salehi Rad produces a high quality sound and is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate level players considering its affordability. 

Accessories:

It comes with a hard case, a pair of mallets, and a tuning wrench.

Materials:

Walnut wood

Dimensions:

Length: 90 cm

Width: 27 cm

Height: 6.3 cm