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Q: I'm interested in sitar, but I don't have an instrument yet. I want to try it before I buy it.
You can participate in a free face-to-face trial lesson.
The place will be the lecturer's house in Osaka city.
Even after the free trial, those who want to continue the lesson to consider purchasing a sitar can take a face-to-face lesson in the basic class.
Musical instrument rental fee 1000 yen per hour (* Musical instrument rental is free for free trial lessons. )
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Q: I have a sitar or have taken over a sitar, but I haven't played it for a long time and the strings are rusty. What should I do?
If you have a little rust, you can use sandpaper to remove the rust, but if the rust is severe, replace the strings before playing.
Playing the rusted strings may injure your fingers. The sound will be better if you replace it.
If you don't know how to replace it, if you have already decided on a teacher or classroom to learn sitar, please consult there.
If you can use the same Villayat Khan style stringing method as I do, please bring an instrument and I will replace all the strings. Please contact us if you would like to go on a business trip.
Please see the maintenance item (at the bottom of the sitar classroom page) for fees.
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Q: Where can I buy sitar strings?
In Japan, you can buy it at folk instrument stores and mail-order sites.
The sitar has a main string, a resonance string, a bass string, and a rhythm string. The string tension differs depending on the style, so please check the string number required for your sitar before purchasing.
If you don't know, you should check with the teacher you want to learn or the place of purchase of the sitar.
If it is the same single tumba sitar as me (a sitar with one resonator), we also sell strings. (* If you are learning from a teacher, please check the string number with the teacher. Even if you have the same style, you may be using strings of different thickness.)
Please see here for the strings numbers and prices that are on sale.
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Q: Where can I buy sitar in Japan?
In Kyoto in Japan Koizumi instrument's and, of mail order 's Tirakita can be purchased at.
It is recommended for those who are worried about purchasing because the care and maintenance after purchase is generous when purchased with Koizumi Gakki.
For more information, please contact the store directly.
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Q: I don't know how to choose when purchasing a sitar.
In my case, I first choose a sitar that suits my playing style.
There are two types of sitar, one is a single tumba sitar and the other is a double tumba sitar with a tumba on the neck.
Tumba is the name of the gourd (resonator) part.
I love the single tumba sitar.
The strings that are worn are also slightly different for each sitar.
We recommend that you first consult with the teacher you want to learn.
After deciding which sitar to use, choose a reliable manufacturer or retailer.
RIKIRAM in Delhi and HIRENROY in Kolkata are very famous.
The manufacturer's nameplate is affixed to the sitar neck.
There are many other great manufacturers, but I don't know much about them. I think it's a good idea to go to the manufacturer or retailer and talk to them directly.
Even if the instruments are made by the same manufacturer and the same craftsman, they are all different. It is one point.
I wish you a good encounter and a good relationship.
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Q: How long do you get used to how to hold the sitar and how to sit and play?
The sitar's sitting style is unique, like cross-legged sitting, but with the left foot down. Place your right foot on it.
Place the round part of the sitar called Tumba on the sole of your left foot, and place your right elbow on top of Tumba.
I think it's hard to imagine even if you say it in words. Lol
People with stiff leg joints may not be able to sit this way at first, but they will be able to do so as they practice.
If you get tired, stretch your legs and take a break to continue.
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Q: Where can I learn sitar?
In Japan, a sitar player who is playing is taking lessons.
Everyone has a homepage, so please feel free to contact us.
In my sitar classroom, face-to-face classes are in Osaka city.
We also have online lessons. (You can take classes at home.)
If you would like a face-to-face business trip lesson, please contact us.
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Q: It's difficult to carry an instrument. How do you usually carry it?
I always carry it in a hard case for safety.
The hard case has a belt that you can hang on your shoulder, so if you get tired, you can hold it with your right hand, change it to your left hand, and sometimes hold it.
If you have a car, it's easier to put it in a case and carry it by car.
Cloth bags for sitars are also sold in India and are light and easy to carry, but be aware that the instrument may break if there is any impact!
09 /
Q: Why do you play sitar when you play it? is there something you need?
When playing a sitar, a claw called Mizurab is attached to the index finger of the right hand.
I think you can buy it at the place where you sell sitar.
Please choose the Mizulab that fits your finger size.
Some size differences can be fine-tuned by closing and opening with pliers.
It can also be sold here. (There is a smaller size for women.)
Also, apply oil to your left hand to improve slippage when playing.
Put cotton etc. in a small container and let it soak in oil.
Use coconut oil or hair oil as the oil.
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Q: I'm new to stringed instruments, is that okay?
It's okay. My first stringed instrument is the sitar. I have never played the guitar.
If you are new to stringed instruments, you may have pain until you have a octopus on your finger that holds the strings, but take a break and continue slowly.