The Persian Santoor: Your Complete Buyer’s Guide
The Persian Santoor, a beautiful hammered dulcimer, is a key instrument in Persian classical music, loved for its bright and soulful sound. This ancient instrument has a rich history, going back about 3,500 years, and is even considered an ancestor to instruments like the modern piano. You play it by striking its strings with small hammers, which gives it a rich tone and allows for fast notes, perfect for the emotional depth of Persian music.
Buying a Santoor is a big decision. A well-made instrument will give you clear notes, balanced sound, and build your confidence, making your learning journey truly rewarding. On the other hand, a poorly made one can really slow down a beginner’s progress, mess with their ear for music, and lead to frustration. These instruments might not stay in tune, sound dull, or not respond well, making practice tough and making you doubt your own abilities.
This guide is here to give you all the information you need to make a smart choice, helping you avoid common problems and smoothly bring this beautiful instrument into your musical life.
Understanding the Persian Santoor: Parts and Types
The Persian Santoor is a complex instrument. Knowing its basic parts and variations is super important before you buy one. Every part plays a big role in how the instrument sounds, how easy it is to play, and its overall quality.
Core Components and Materials
The Santoor has a distinct trapezoid-shaped wooden box. A standard Persian Santoor is usually about 90 cm long at the front (facing you), 35 cm at the back, and 6 to 10 cm high. The type of wood used is crucial for both sound and how long the instrument lasts. Common hardwoods include walnut, mulberry, cypress, boxwood, rosewood, and betel palm. Walnut and rosewood are especially popular because they’re dense, durable, and create a rich, resonant sound. High-quality, aged wood is a sign of a professional instrument, giving you better sound and a more authentic feel.
The top panel of the instrument, often decorated with two small rosettes, is vital for making the sound louder and projecting it. For the best sound, the soundboard should be thin and very responsive, usually made from mulberry or spruce, to amplify string vibrations clearly. The internal bracing inside the Santoor’s body is also critical; it stops the wood from warping while letting the soundboard “breathe” and resonate properly. Instruments with too much bracing can sound “choked,” while those with too little can warp easily.
A typical Persian Santoor has seventy-two strings. These are carefully arranged in groups of four, with each group tuned to the same pitch. If the four strings in a group aren’t perfectly in tune with each other, they’ll sound terrible. The strings are made of two different materials, easily told apart by color: the low-pitched “yellow” strings are traditionally made of brass or bronze, while the high-pitched “white” strings are made of steel. Before the 20th century, strings were made of silk. The string material greatly affects the instrument’s tone and resonance.
Each group of four strings rests on a small, movable wooden bridge, called a “kharak.” These bridges are essential for dividing the strings into playable lengths, giving the instrument a range of three octaves. The ability to move these bridges is a key feature of the Persian Santoor, allowing for precise tuning and the creation of the microtones needed for Persian modal music (dastgahs). The bridges themselves should also be made of solid wood, like walnut or rosewood, for stability and good sound transfer.
You tune the Santoor by adjusting the tension of its strings with a special tuning wrench or key. The strings are attached to hitch-pins on the left side and wound around metal wrest-pins on the right. The quality of these tuning pins is vital for stable tuning; well-made pins fit snugly into the pin block and turn smoothly, keeping the strings from slipping out of tune. The pin block itself, usually made of seasoned walnut or beech, needs to be dense enough to resist changes from humidity, which can loosen the pins.
The Santoor is played with lightweight wooden mallets called “mezrab” or “zahme.” You hold these between your index and middle fingers. Mezrabs can have felt tips or not. Those with felt tips allow for faster playing and easier movement, producing a lighter sound. Mezrabs without felt are heavier, making a stronger sound and allowing for detailed ornaments common in Persian music. Both types are used today, offering different sound qualities.
Types and Structural Variations
While the basic trapezoid shape is consistent, Persian Santoors vary mainly in the number of bridges, which directly affects their melodic range and flexibility.
The most common Iranian model is the “nine kharak santoor,” with two rows of nine bridges, totaling eighteen bridges (nine on each side). This setup usually provides 27 distinct notes and a diatonic range of just over three octaves. For most traditional Persian pieces and for learning, this model is perfectly sufficient and widely preferred.
A less common but increasingly popular variation is the “twelve kharak santoor.” This model has twenty-four bridges (twelve on each side), offering a wider pitch range, typically from E’ to A’. The main benefit of a twelve-kharak Santoor is its better ability to play non-diatonic notes and its greater ease in changing keys. This means a performer can play the same musical mode (dastgah) in different keys without needing to retune or use a second Santoor, which is especially helpful for accompanying singers who might need different vocal ranges. While this offers more flexibility, it also makes tuning and playing more complex.
Beyond these Iranian styles, the Santoor has changed a lot in different regions, leading to many local adaptations. Countries like Iraq, India, Turkey, Greece, Hungary, China, and even the United States have their own versions of the hammered dulcimer. They often share a common history but have developed unique construction methods, tuning systems, and playing styles. For example, the Chinese Yangqin uses bamboo hammers with rubber tips and a wider pitch range than the Persian Santoor. Despite these adaptations, the Persian Santoor keeps its unique identity through its specific construction, traditional dastgah tuning systems, and playing techniques. While some modern versions might use synthetic materials for durability and lower cost, many players still prefer handcrafted wooden instruments for their better sound quality and authenticity.
Evaluating Quality: Craftsmanship, Sound, and Playability
The quality of a Persian Santoor isn’t just about how it looks; it deeply affects its sound, how well it stays in tune, and your overall experience and progress as a player. A smart buyer needs to check the craftsmanship, sound qualities, and how easy it is to play.
Craftsmanship and Structural Integrity
The base of a high-quality Santoor is its craftsmanship and the strength of its structure. The selection and preparation of the wood are super important. Good luthiers (instrument makers) use aged woods, like seasoned walnut or mulberry, which are less likely to warp and create a richer, more stable tone. The density of the pin block wood, usually seasoned walnut or beech, is critical because it resists the shrinking and swelling caused by humidity changes, which can lead to loose tuning pins and unstable tuning. Buyers should ask about the wood used and how it was treated; if there’s no information, that can be a warning sign.
Precision in the tuning pins themselves is just as important. Well-made pins fit snugly into the pin block and turn smoothly and evenly. If pins wobble or turn unevenly, the string won’t stay in tune, causing constant frustration and potentially messing up your ear for proper pitch.
The soundboard’s quality and the internal bracing are vital for good sound. A thin, responsive soundboard, often made of mulberry or spruce, is essential for clearly amplifying subtle string vibrations without making the sound “muddy.” Gently tapping the soundboard can give you a clue: a bright, ringing tap suggests good resonance, while a dull thud might mean laminate insides or poor construction. Smart, light internal bracing prevents warping while letting the soundboard vibrate freely. Instruments with too much bracing can sound “choked,” lacking projection and sustain, while those with too little can easily get damaged over time.
Finally, a thorough visual check is needed. Look for tight joints, no gaps, even contact of the bridge feet with the soundboard, and straight tuning pins. These details show the luthier’s attention to detail and the instrument’s overall strength, which directly relates to how long it will last and how well it will perform.
Acoustic Qualities and Resonance
The sound of a Santoor is the main way to tell its quality. A top-notch instrument will have a consistent tone across its whole range. Traditional Persian Santoors use bronze or brass strings for the low notes (yellow strings) and steel for the high notes (white strings). When moving from bronze to steel strings, the sound should blend seamlessly, without any sudden changes that make it sound like a different instrument. Also, the highest notes, played on the strings behind the long bridge, must project clearly. Dead or buzzing high notes can point to bad bridge placement or poor soundboard veneers.
Clarity, projection, and dynamic range are also essential. A high-quality Santoor should amplify soft string vibrations effectively, making clear, distinct notes. It should allow for a wide range of volume, from a soft whisper that still “sings” to a powerful roar without sounding harsh or distorted. The ability to smoothly change volume levels is a sign of a well-made instrument.
The Santoor is known for its long decay and sympathetic resonance, which helps it sound full as a solo instrument. This means that notes continue to sound softly after being struck, making the overall harmony richer. While this creates a rich sound, it also means the instrument isn’t great for very short, distinct notes and can cause harmonic challenges because of its non-equi-tempered tunings. However, this resonance is crucial for conveying the emotional depth and unique sound of Persian music.
Playability and Hammer Response
Playability is a crucial factor, especially for beginners, as it directly affects the learning experience and your ability to play complex music. A key part of playability is the “Mizrâb Bounce” (پرش مضراب in Persian), which is how responsively the hammers bounce back after hitting the strings. A good bounce allows for fast playing without tiring your hands. To check this, softly strike a mid-range pair of strings; it should sound immediately. Striking harder should increase volume without harshness. If you have to put in a lot of effort to make a sound, the Santoor’s action is too stiff, making fluid playing difficult.
Tuning ease and stability are paramount for playability. An instrument that constantly goes out of tune can be incredibly frustrating, especially for new learners. Precision tuning pins and a dense, well-conditioned pin block greatly contribute to tuning stability, ensuring the instrument stays in pitch for longer periods. While the Santoor’s tuning system is complex, involving movable bridges for microtonal adjustments and a tuning key for string tension, a well-built instrument will make these adjustments easier. Regular checks and minor adjustments are always part of owning a Santoor, but an unstable instrument will demand too much attention.
Navigating the Purchase: Price, Makers, and Accessories
Buying a Persian Santoor means understanding the different price points, knowing where to find reputable sellers, and recognizing the essential accessories you’ll need for playing and maintenance.
Price Range and Value Considerations
The cost of a Persian Santoor varies significantly based on its quality, craftsmanship, and the luthier’s reputation. Generally, instruments are categorized into student, intermediate, and professional levels, each with a typical price range:
Student-level instruments, typically ranging from $350 to $600, are designed to offer dependable tuning and a balanced tone, providing a solid foundation for beginners. These instruments prioritize basic playability and sound quality to prevent discouragement during early practice.
Intermediate-level instruments, generally priced between $600 and $900, are for players looking for richer sustain and more elaborate craftsmanship. These instruments usually feature better wood selection and more careful construction, offering enhanced sound qualities and a more appealing look.
Professional-level instruments, starting from $800 and going upwards, are crafted for concert performers and recording artists. These are often handmade by famous luthiers using aged, high-quality woods and precise construction techniques, resulting in superior sound quality, projection, and dynamic range.
When comparing new versus used instruments, new Santoors offer the assurance of perfect condition and often come with warranties or guarantees. Used instruments, while potentially more affordable, might need new strings, cleaning, or minor repairs. The condition of a used instrument should be thoroughly checked, ideally by an experienced player or teacher, to spot any flaws that could affect sound or playability.
Reputable Makers and Sourcing
Finding reputable makers and reliable places to buy is crucial for getting a quality Persian Santoor. Handcrafted instruments from famous Iranian luthiers are highly respected because of their selection of aged woods, careful tuning of soundboards, and individual voicing of each bridge. Makers like Hamid Mousavi, Alizadeh, Rahmani, Javid, Sadeghi, and Taheri are known names in the market for quality instruments.
For sourcing a Santoor without using online stores (which you’ve mentioned are competitors), consider these approaches:
- Music Teachers and Schools: Many Santoor teachers and music schools have connections with instrument makers or directly sell instruments that they trust. This is often the easiest and most reliable way to find a good Santoor, as they can guide you based on your needs and budget.
- Luthier Workshops: If you’re able, visiting the workshops of known Santoor makers in Iran or other regions where the instrument is crafted can be a great way to inspect instruments firsthand and talk directly with the artisans. You can see the craftsmanship and even hear the instruments being played.
- Word-of-Mouth and Referrals: Ask experienced Santoor players, musicians, or cultural centers for recommendations. They often know reputable makers or places to acquire instruments through traditional networks.
- Cultural Festivals and Music Events: Sometimes, instrument makers will showcase their work at cultural festivals or music events. This can be an opportunity to see and try instruments in person.
When you’re looking, pay attention to the wood, the overall build, and if the seller offers any guarantees or after-sale services.
Essential Accessories
A complete purchase of a Persian Santoor goes beyond just the instrument itself; it includes several essential accessories needed for playing, tuning, and maintenance.
A tuning key or wrench is absolutely necessary for adjusting the tension of the strings and getting the correct pitch. It should fit the tuning pegs snugly, without being too tight or too loose.
Mezrabs (hammers or playing sticks) are the main tools for playing the Santoor. As discussed, they come with or without felt tips, offering different tonal qualities and playing dynamics. It’s a good idea to get both types or at least a pair that suits your initial preference. A mezrab holder or leather case can also be useful for storage.
Spare sets of strings are highly recommended. Strings can break, especially during tuning or due to environmental changes. Having extra sets, particularly of both brass/bronze (yellow) and steel (white) strings, ensures you can practice and perform without interruption.
A hard case is crucial for protecting the Santoor during transport and storage. Given the instrument’s delicate construction and sensitivity to environmental factors, a sturdy case provides essential protection against physical damage, dust, and changes in temperature and humidity.
A digital tuner is a very valuable tool, especially for beginners, to ensure accurate pitch. While experienced players might tune by ear, a tuner provides an objective reference, which is crucial for developing a precise ear and maintaining proper intonation. Specific tuners like the Korg CA-1 are recommended for their effectiveness, and mobile apps like “Pano Tuner” can also work.
An adjustable table or stand can make playing more comfortable. The Santoor is typically played on a platform similar to a coffee table, not held on the lap. A dedicated stand ensures the instrument is at an ergonomic height, promoting proper posture and technique.
Post-Purchase Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance are essential for keeping your Persian Santoor’s structure intact, its tuning stable, and its sound quality over time. Neglecting these aspects can lead to major problems and shorten the instrument’s life.
Tuning and Stability
Regular tuning practices are fundamental to maintaining the Santoor’s beautiful sound. Before each practice session, you absolutely need to make sure the instrument is in tune. The tuning process involves adjusting the tension of each string using the tuning key, following the specific modes (dastgahs) of Persian music. It’s smart to adjust pegs gradually to avoid breaking strings. When tuning a string that’s very out of pitch, it’s recommended to first lower the pitch slightly (about half a turn) and then slowly raise it to the correct note, allowing the string to settle.
Environmental factors, especially changes in temperature and humidity, significantly affect string tension and wood volume, thereby impacting how well it stays in tune. Wood, being a natural material, absorbs and releases moisture, causing it to swell or shrink. This movement can loosen tuning pins, misalign bridges, and change string tension, causing the instrument to go out of tune. High humidity can make the wood swell, increasing pressure on the strings and potentially damaging the instrument, while dry conditions can cause shrinkage and looseness. To lessen these effects, the Santoor should be stored in a stable environment, ideally within its case, to protect it from extreme changes. For professional use, it’s even suggested to bring the instrument to the concert hall hours in advance to let it get used to the room temperature before tuning.
Strings, especially new ones, tend to stretch and need frequent retuning until they stabilize. Over time, strings also wear down due to high pressure and rubbing at the nut and bridges, leading to corrosion and thinning. This wear makes it hard to tune accurately and reduces its sound quality. For casual users, strings should be replaced approximately every two years, while professional players might need to replace them every 4-12 months to keep optimal performance. Yellow (bass) strings often go out of tune more frequently than white (treble) strings due to lower tension and greater sensitivity to temperature changes.
General Maintenance and Longevity
Beyond tuning, general maintenance practices greatly contribute to the Santoor’s lifespan. Regular cleaning of the instrument is important to prevent dust and debris from building up, which can affect the soundboard’s resonance and provide places for pests to live. While specific cleaning instructions for the Santoor aren’t detailed here, general principles for wooden instruments suggest gentle cleaning with appropriate materials. Strings can also darken due to oxidation in the presence of oxygen and moisture, and while this changes their color, it may not always mean they need immediate replacement unless tuning stability or tone is affected. Some sources suggest using “emeries” for cleaning strings, though you should be careful to avoid damage.
Proper storage is crucial. When not in use, the Santoor should be kept in its hard case or a dust-free environment. Avoiding direct sunlight is important, as UV rays can cause wood to dry out, become brittle, and fade the instrument’s finish over time. Just like with Persian rugs, too much sunlight can lead to irreversible damage to the wood fibers.
Addressing common issues promptly can stop small problems from becoming big ones. If a single string constantly goes out of tune, it might be due to a normal saddle turning or a poorly formed nut. If the entire tuning shifts up or down, the main bridge might be improperly placed. Misaligned bridges can mess up tuning and should be realigned to sit firmly on the soundboard. Cracks in the wooden shell, if they happen, should be repaired by skilled craftsmen to keep the instrument strong and prevent further damage to its sound or playability.
Common Pitfalls for Beginners and How to Avoid Them
Starting your journey to learn the Persian Santoor can be incredibly rewarding, but beginners often face specific challenges that can slow down their progress. Knowing about these common pitfalls helps you avoid them proactively.
Instrument Selection Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes for beginners is choosing the wrong instrument. Cheap, mass-produced Santoors, while seeming appealing because of their price, often cut corners on build quality, how well they stay in tune, and resonance. Such instruments might have unstable tuning pins, poorly treated wood, or inadequate soundboards, leading to constant frustration and a distorted idea of what proper pitch and tone should sound like. An instrument that struggles to stay in tune can make practice feel like a battle against the instrument itself rather than a fun musical exploration, ultimately leading to discouragement and giving up on learning.
To avoid this, it’s highly recommended to buy a beginner-friendly, high-quality instrument from reputable sources like music teachers, local music shops with a good reputation for world instruments, or directly from trusted luthiers. While this might mean a higher initial cost, the benefits of reliable tuning stability, balanced sound, and good build quality far outweigh the perceived savings of a cheaper, inferior instrument. If possible, bringing a trusted teacher or experienced player along when you buy can provide invaluable guidance, as a seasoned ear can catch subtleties a beginner might miss.
Importance of Qualified Instruction
Another critical pitfall is trying to learn the Santoor without a qualified teacher. While there are self-study resources, the Santoor is a complex instrument rooted in the intricate modal system of Persian music (dastgahs). Without proper guidance, beginners might develop incorrect hand positioning, mezrab (hammer) technique, or a wrong understanding of Persian musical theory, which can be hard to fix later. The unique tuning system, involving quarter tones and microtones, further requires expert guidance to ensure authentic musical expression.
Finding a qualified teacher with experience playing and teaching Santoor, and a strong grasp of the dastgah system, is paramount. Such a teacher can provide structured lessons covering proper technique, musical notation, listening exercises, and personalized practice routines. For those living outside Iran, finding such a teacher can be challenging, but in-person lessons with experienced instructors in your area, or connecting with cultural centers, can be valuable. Consistent guidance from an expert helps you navigate the instrument’s challenges and ensures a solid foundation in Persian music.
Patience and Consistent Practice
The Santoor, while enchanting, requires significant patience and consistent practice to master. Beginners often underestimate the time and dedication needed, leading to frustration if progress isn’t immediately obvious. The instrument’s unique playing style, which involves striking strings with extreme precision (sometimes within a tiny fraction of a millimeter), demands disciplined repetition.
Progress on the Santoor relies heavily on daily practice, even for short periods (e.g., 20–30 minutes). This consistent effort trains not only your fingers but also your ears and brain, developing the necessary muscle memory and ability to hear accurately. Breaking down complex exercises into smaller parts, recording yourself to track improvement, and setting aside a quiet, distraction-free environment can greatly boost how effective your practice sessions are. While the Santoor’s tuning and technique can be challenging, many students with no prior musical background successfully learn it with consistent guidance and daily practice. Expecting to play simple pieces within 3–6 months and becoming proficient in Persian repertoire within 2–3 years is a realistic timeframe.
Conclusion: A Harmonious Investment
The Persian Santoor is an instrument of deep beauty and historical importance, offering a unique path into the rich world of Persian classical music. Buying one isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in a musical journey that promises deep emotional expression and a connection to centuries of tradition. To make sure this investment pays off harmoniously, you need to approach it wisely.
The Santoor’s main parts—its trapezoidal body, responsive soundboard, seventy-two strings, movable bridges, and precise tuning pins—are carefully crafted. The choice of high-quality, aged hardwoods like walnut or rosewood is crucial for superior sound and durability. Variations like the common nine-kharak and the more flexible twelve-kharak models offer different ranges and capabilities, suiting various musical needs and skill levels.
Evaluating a Santoor’s quality means a thorough look at its craftsmanship, sound properties, and playability. Structural integrity, shown by well-made tuning pins, dense pin blocks, smart internal bracing, and tight joints, ensures stable tuning and longevity. Acoustically, a high-quality instrument delivers consistent sound across all notes, clear projection, a wide dynamic range, and the unique sympathetic resonance that defines the Santoor’s full sound. Playability depends on a responsive “Mizrâb Bounce” and the instrument’s ability to stay in tune, making fluid technique easier and reducing frustration.
Navigating the purchase process involves understanding the price categories—student, intermediate, and professional—which correspond to different levels of craftsmanship and performance capabilities. Sourcing from reputable local music shops, trusted music teachers, or directly from established luthiers is crucial for authenticity and quality. Furthermore, getting essential accessories such as a tuning key, appropriate mezrabs, spare strings, a protective hard case, and a digital tuner is fundamental for successful playing and maintenance.
After purchasing, diligent care is essential. Regular tuning, being mindful of environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and timely string replacement are vital for keeping the instrument’s pitch and sound quality. Proper storage in a controlled environment and addressing minor issues promptly significantly contribute to the Santoor’s lifespan.
Finally, aspiring santurists should be aware of common pitfalls: avoiding cheap, poorly made instruments; seeking qualified instruction to master the complex techniques and modal systems; and cultivating patience and consistent daily practice. The Santoor isn’t inherently difficult, but it rewards dedication with rich tonal colors and profound expressive abilities. By making an informed choice and committing to diligent care and practice, your Santoor will truly sing, enriching your life with the timeless beauty of Persian music.
