What Is a Santoor - Features, Types, Price and Playing Guide

The santoor is a traditional stringed instrument known for its bright, resonant sound and distinctive mallet-based playing style.

• String arrangement: Multiple strings across bridges provide a broad range of musical notes.
• Wooden mallets: Mezrabs strike the strings to create the santoor’s distinctive sound.
• Resonating body: The wooden body amplifies vibrations for a rich, sustained tone.
• Bridge system: Movable bridges support different tuning and musical requirements.

You can also buy new musical instruments on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities.

A santoor is a traditional hammered dulcimer-style stringed instrument associated with the musical traditions of Kashmir and widely used in Indian classical music. It produces sound when its strings are struck with small wooden mallets, causing them to vibrate over the instrument's wooden resonating body.

The bridges support groups of strings and help organise their pitch and playing arrangement. The number and arrangement of strings, wood used in construction, bridge placement, and overall craftsmanship can influence the instrument's tone and response.

You can buy a new musical instrument through Easy EMIs when your preferred model is eligible and available at a partner store, making it simple to upgrade without paying the full amount upfront. Here is what the process looks like.

• Visit more than 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000+ cities, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, and Bhopal
• Choose your preferred model and use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan
• Convert the purchase cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget

➜ Pro tip: Zero down payment is available on select models, so ask the store executive if your chosen musical instrument qualifies before you check out. 

A santoor has several components that work together to produce its bright, resonant sound. Each part supports sound production, tuning, structural stability, or playing control.

• Strings: Metal strings produce different notes, while their thickness and tension affect tonal clarity.
• Resonating body: The wooden body amplifies string vibrations and influences tone, projection, and sustain.
• Bridges: Wooden bridges support and separate strings while helping maintain accurate pitch.
• Tuning pegs: Adjust string tension to maintain the required pitch.
• Mezrabs: Lightweight wooden mallets strike the strings and provide control and articulation.
• Sound holes: Help vibrations resonate and project the sound outwards.
• Wooden frame: Supports the strings, bridges, and other components for stability and durability.

→ Pro tip: Check the strings, bridges, tuning pegs, and frame carefully to ensure stable tuning and consistent playing response.

A santoor combines wood, metal strings, bridges, tuning pegs, and wooden mallets. The materials and craftsmanship influence its tone, durability, tuning stability, and playing response.

→ Pro tip: Choose a santoor with well-finished wood, stable tuning pegs, and accurately positioned bridges for consistent performance.

A santoor is played by striking its strings with lightweight wooden mallets called mezrabs. Players use both hands to create melodies, rhythms, and changes in musical expression.

• Hold the mallets correctly: Use a relaxed grip for better control, accuracy, and comfortable practice.
• Strike the strings: Strike selected strings to produce notes, with force and position affecting the sound.
• Use both hands: Coordinate both hands across different string groups for faster passages and complex patterns.
• Control striking force: Vary the force to create changes in volume, emphasis, and expression.
• Move across string groups: Shift between sections to reach different notes accurately.
• Maintain rhythm: Keep consistent timing for clear rhythmic patterns and musical phrases.
• Practise coordination: Regular exercises improve mallet control, accuracy, speed, and technique.

→ Pro tip: Start with simple patterns and melodies to build mallet control and coordination before attempting faster passages.

Choosing a santoor becomes easier when you consider your skill level, preferred sound, construction, playing comfort, and budget.

→ Pro tip: Test the santoor before buying, if possible, to check its sound, tuning stability, and playing comfort.

Regular maintenance helps preserve the santoor’s sound, tuning stability, and wooden construction. Careful handling and suitable storage can protect it from dust, moisture, heat, and accidental damage.

• Keep it dust-free: Wipe the body, strings, and bridges with a soft, dry cloth.
• Protect the strings: Check for looseness, corrosion, or damage and replace unsuitable strings.
• Check tuning: Tune the strings regularly to maintain accurate pitch and consistent response.
• Inspect the bridges: Ensure they remain secure and correctly positioned.
• Store the mallets safely: Protect the mezrabs from damage when not in use.
• Avoid moisture: Keep the santoor away from water and damp areas.
• Use suitable storage: Keep it in a protective case or covering when not in use.
• Seek servicing: Get major string, bridge, tuning, or structural issues checked by an experienced technician.

→ Pro tip: Check the tuning and bridges before performances to help maintain consistent pitch and sound.

Santoor prices in India vary according to construction, wood quality, craftsmanship, string arrangement, finish, and intended level of use. Basic models can suit beginners, while professional, custom, or antique instruments may cost more because of their materials and workmanship.

Last updated: October 2026

The price should be considered alongside sound quality, construction, tuning stability, and playability. A suitable santoor should match the player's experience and intended use rather than being selected only on the basis of cost.

Disclaimer: Each model's features, availability, and pricing are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website.

Before you decide, explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.   

Bajaj Finance offers two financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Here is how they compare:

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet.
2. Check the musical instrument in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
3. Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero down payment offer.
4. Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.
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