Overview

The Ravi Shankar Collection Signature Sitar is a premium concert instrument built to the specifications favored by the legendary maestro, crafted by skilled luthiers in Kolkata who studied under the master instrument makers of the Ravi Shankar tradition. The aged tun wood body with select natural gourd tumba produces a tone of exceptional richness and complexity " deep, sustaining, and alive with the intricate harmonic interplay between the seven main strings and thirteen sympathetic strings that defines the highest level of sitar playing. The jawari is hand-shaped to exacting standards, producing a buzz that is refined and musical rather than harsh, allowing the subtle gradations of tone color that advanced raga performance demands. The neck profile and fret spacing follow the Shankar school preferences, facilitating the wide meend bends and rapid taan passages characteristic of the Maihar gharana style. Every component, from the bone saddle to the tun wood pegs, is selected for tonal quality and durability. This sitar is intended for professional concert performers and the most dedicated advanced students who are committed to mastering Hindustani classical music at the highest level. The premium price reflects the quality of materials and the hours of expert handwork involved. The instrument is extremely sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations and requires dedicated climate-controlled storage and regular professional maintenance.

Sitars

Premium concert sitar built to Ravi Shankar's specifications with aged tun wood and hand-shaped jawari, crafted for professional Maihar gharana performance.

Instrument Details

$4,500 Professional
Brand Ravi Shankar Collection
Type Sitar
Made In India
Year 2005
4.9 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.9 /5

The Ravi Shankar Collection Signature Sitar is the definitive choice for practitioners of the Maihar Gharana style. Eschewing the mass-produced flaws of entry-level exports, this instrument showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of Kolkata's master luthiers. The use of well-aged Tun wood ensures structural stability"a critical factor given the immense tension of the strings"while the hand-selected gourd (tumba) provides a profound, woody resonance that feels alive against the player.

Sonically, it delivers the iconic Kharaj-Pancham character: deep, growling lows and a shimmering treble response. The jawari (bridge) work is exceptionally refined out of the box, offering that signature 'open' buzz that allows sympathetic strings to bloom with incredible sustain. For the serious performer, the playability is sublime; the frets are positioned for precise intonation, and the neck profile facilitates the wide meends (bends) essential to Shankar's compositions.

However, at this price point, it is a significant investment. It requires a dedicated owner who understands the nuances of bridge maintenance and climate control. While the ornate carvings are aesthetically stunning, the true value lies in the tonal complexity and the instrument's responsiveness to subtle touch. It is overkill for a casual hobbyist but remains an indispensable partner for the professional soloist seeking an authentic, concert-ready sound.

Category Ratings

Sitars
4.9
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
Ravi Shankar Collection Signature Sitar Screenshot

Added: Feb 14, 2026

ravishankar.org

Categories