MODELS

MONOJ  KUMAR  SARDAR  LARGE

MONOJ  KUMAR  SARDAR  SMALL

PALOMA  SMALL

WHAT IS A SHRUTIBOX AND HOW IS IT PLAYED ?

The shrutibox is a perfect accompaniment for modal music, improvisation, voice work, overtone singing, music therapy and all kinds of Indian music. It gives a full, supporting drone sound and is sturdy, mobile and extremely easy to handle. In order to get started you first need to unlock the wooden latches of the bellows on both sides. Next you open the levers for the notes you like to sound. Finally you gently move the open bellows on one side - and there unfolds your drone! Your second hand is not required for playing - it remains free all the time.

WHO CAN USE A SHRUTIBOX ?

The shrutibox needs neither tuning nor an elaborate playing technique. Thus it is equally suitable for complete musical beginners and for professional musicians, teachers, therapists and performers. It produces a pleasant natural acoustical carpet of sound for any kind of work and allows to keep full concentration on singing, talking, watching or moving while being played.

HOW DOES A SHRUTIBOX WORK ?

Inside the shrutibox there is a number of thin metal reeds, usually made of brass or copper. Our various models of shrutiboxes all have a total of 13 reeds, covering a complete octave in chromatic half-note steps. Each reed is tuned to a different note and can be set into vibration by compressed air streaming through the instrument. The compressed air is generated by the bellows. This is the same principle of sound production as in a harmonium or an accordion. Selection of notes is done by simply opening the lever for the respective reed. The tonal range usually covers C to c, although other ranges are available upon request as well.

STRAIGHT TIPS FOR PLAYING

It is best to keep the shrutibox standing on even ground or any stable support. Alternatively it can be carried on its handle to allow free movement while playing. Volume and continuity of sound depend upon the speed and pressure of the movement of the bellows. You will get a feel for that in no time. A particularly round and beautiful drone is created by adding the fifth or the fourth above the chosen tonic. Other combinations of notes are possible as well according to individual preferences - from straight major chords to dissonant clusters. But watch out: More sounding notes mean more air consumption - harder pumping is required in order to maintain a steady sound!

BACKGROUND INFO

The shrutibox has been developed from the European harmonium, which had been brought to India by missionaries in the 19th century. It is also called surpeti and is traditionally used mainly for vocal accompaniment of folk or religious music. Its lack of a keyboard makes it a pure drone instrument. Drones are continuously sounding single or multiple notes, whose uninterrupted presence creates an open space of sound. This space can be filled by melodies or other musical structures. The idea of drone is an essential part of Indian music. However drones are known in Western music, too, especially in its more ancient forms. Some Western instruments like the bagpipe or the hurdy-gurdy even have drones built in.