Instruments at the Museum

Esraj

The Esraj has six playing strings and 15 resonance strings. The neck is equipped with frets as they are found in a similar shape on the Sitar. The sturdy, solid wooden body is covered with goat leather, like the Sarod, which serves as resonance cover. Mounted on this leather cover is a horn bridge which carries the playing strings that are partly steel and partly bronze. The resonance strings also go through the bridge. The Esraj is played with a bow similar to the violin and produces a sound that is rich in overtones and resonance and which reminds of old renaissance instruments from Europe.