Santoor (Santur) – Haft Dastgah- Made by Foroughi

General Description:

The Persian santur is an excellent 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 with a typically trapezoidal wooden soundboard and 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 72 strings, though variations exist depending on 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, strategically positioned to facilitate tuning and allow a wide array of musical expression.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 Santoor deploys a unique innovative design to enable the players to play all modes of Persian traditional music without the need to change the tune of the strings. Patterns can be vary

Accessories:

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

Materials:

Walnut wood

Dimensions:

Length: 105 cm

Width: 29 cm

Height: 6 cm