The stringed instrument Sitar is both exotic and enchanting . Originating in India , this stringed instrument has woven its soul-stirring melodies into the tapestry of classical Indian music for centuries . Traditionally it has been around since the 13th century in India and have a special shape with a big round body , a long neck , and extra strings that make magical sounds when played .
However , the sitar ’ s mystique and allure haven ’ t been confined to the past . Enter the electric sitar – a fusion of tradition and innovation that brings this ancient instrument into the modern age . The best part of the music industry is that it never stops surprising , especially with its experimentations and innovations .
The 20th century witnessed a musical revolution , marked by the advent of electric amplification and experimentation with new sounds . In this sonic landscape , traditional instruments began to undergo transformations , and the sitar was no exception . The electric sitar emerged as a result of this evolution , incorporating pickups and amplification to electrify its sound while preserving its distinctive features . It is recorded that session guitarist Vinnie Bell , in collaboration with Danelectro , pioneered the development of this instrument during the early
1960s , and it was subsequently introduced to the market under the Coral brand name in 1967 .
Unlike the hollow , resonating body of traditional sitars , electric sitars often feature a solid body made of wood or synthetic materials . The lipstick pickup is a key takeaway of such instruments . The most significant departure from tradition lies in the installation of pickups . These electromagnetic devices capture the vibrations of the strings and convert them into electrical signals that can be amplified . This feature is what gives electric sitars their distinctive sound . Sitar is traditionally known to accompany alaaps and raags of serious classical musical practice . But it has gone through remarkable osmosis to create amazing results . To understand more about this , one must start from the anatomy of the instrument and then get onto the music and the possibilities .
Unlike the hollow , resonating body of traditional sitars , electric sitars often feature a solid body made of wood or synthetic materials . This design allows for better sustain and reduces feedback issues when amplified . Thankfully , electric sitars maintain the same fretboard layout and string arrangement as their acoustic counterparts , enabling players to use traditional techniques and scales . This design allows for better sustain and reduces feedback issues when amplified . It has been ever since used in Rock , jazz and indo fusion tracks . The electric sitar has seen multiple iterations in the Indian market and continue to evolve in the hand of talented musicians .
Uniqueness of the instrument has been key for its longevity and use . The hallmark of the electric sitar is its ethereal and mesmerizing sound . When played through an amplifier , the electric sitar retains the haunting tonal qualities of the acoustic sitar while adding a unique electric edge . It can produce a wide range of tones , from the traditional twangy , resonant sitar sound to experimental , otherworldly textures . The result is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical genres . Various artists on Youtube and other social media , had been propagating the making and use of such instruments with diverse capabilities .
Musicians use it to bridge the gap between cultures and create innovative , cross-cultural compositions . It can transport listeners to otherworldly realms with its haunting tones . Musicians like Ravi Chary , Sukhdev Mishra and Prasad Rahane have been said to have fused such innovation into their music to create out of the world soundscapes .
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