How does it work?

Inside the shrutibox there is a number of thin metal reeds, usually made of brass or copper. Most of our various models of shrutiboxes 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' (C3 to C4 in scientific terms), although other ranges are available upon request as well.