Main bridge, sympathetic bridge, upper saddle (meru) and string guide (tar gahan) for sitar

Sitar Main bridge: 59 € EU / 49.57 € non-EU
Sitar Sympathetic bridge: 29 € EU / 24.36 € non-EU
Sitar Upper saddle (meru): 15 € EU / 12.61 € non-EU
Sitar String Guide (tar gahan): 15 € EU / 12.61 € non-EU

Blanks for chikari post

Chikari post: 3 € EU / 2.52 € non-EU


Blanks for bridges and saddles are available for sitar, surbahar, tanpura, sarod, dilruba, esraj and sarangi. The blanks have to be fitted to the particular instrument to get the best sound. This requires sawed slots for the strings, adjusting the surface curve of the bridge (jowari) and fitting the feet to the top. This work is not included in the price and can be done by India Instruments on request – please check our repairs page for prices.

Traditionally the finest bridges and saddles were made from the antlers of sambar (rusa unicolor), a once common deer in South Asia. However, due to wildlife protection laws, sambar horn can not be used any more today. Nowadays bridges and saddles are usually made of different types of plastic. Chikari post are made of bone.