From Rikhi Ram's Music of New Delhi made by Sanjay Sharma  Made to specifications that permit easy transport of the instrument, the Studio Sitar has the sound and tone of a full fledge sitar with the ease of portability of an almost guitar sized instrument. Made with tradition in mind, but with modern requirements, the Studio Sitar is made of aged tun wood (Indian Mahogany), standard celluloid inlays and a modern design. A sound to satisfy even the most demanding professional, perfectly decorated from top to bottom. 4 Main strings, 2 Chikari strings with 13 sympathetic strings.
 

The Studio sitar is made with a flat wooden bottom made of tun wood, instead of natural gourd, which allows for a smaller footprint and made for portability.  The Rikhi Ram by Sanjay quality of the instrument is heard when played as it produces a superior tone. It is  polished with shellac in a climate controlled environment, resulting in a durable and glossy finish.  The Studio sitar comes with a pickup as a free accessory, so just plug it in to your amp or recording equipment.
 

Aged tun wood,  the very least is used. Beautiful grain and straight lines.... availability of this wood is very limited and no expense has been spared in obtaining it!  The sympathetic strings and chikari strings come with traditional pegs.  However the four main strings come with guitar style pegs for more exact tuning.  Total length is 42 inches, 12 inch tabli, with a 3 3/4 inch wide neck.
 

The Studio sitar by Sanjay comes with guitar like pegs for the four main strings, allowing for more exact tuning and not having the worry of peg slippage.  Beautifully decorated carvings perfectly matched with exceptional penwork and inlay. The penwork on the sitar shown here is done in one of the popular Rikhi Ram styles in black and red. 
 

Another hallmark of Sanjay Sharma's work is his use of modern tools for precision peg fitting, all hardware, string guides, etc. Precise fitting ensures maximum transmission of sound through the entire instrument!

Total length is 42 inches, 12 inch tabli, with a 3 3/4 inch wide neck.
 

The Studio sitar comes with a synthetic bridge set.  This permits you to maintain the jawari longer.  Set on the tabli with the Sanjay style anchors, the jawari is done in such a way as to produce a semi open sound.  The sympathetic strings ring out very nicely.  Its hard to believe its not a full sized sitar with natural gourds.
 

This Studio sitar by Rikhi Ram's Music comes with a specially made Rikhi Ram fiberglass case.  These cases are made of hi-grade fiberglass and each one is molded to the sitar for a snug fit and takes the worry out of transporting your instrument.