Code: 467115 Shruti Box - Surpeti
The Authentic Shruti Box is a high-quality concert instrument with an especially large bellows and a full, resonant sound. A gentle movement of the bellows is enough to keep the sound stable even with several open levers. The frame is made of solid teak wood and the sides are made of plywood. Includes a carrying and storage bag.
The tonal range is from c to c'.
Tuning at 432 Hz for A4
Given that each Shruti box is individually handcrafted in a traditional authentic workshop, it may slightly differ from our description and photos.
The front and back are made of solid teak wood. The side panels are made of teak plywood.
Comes with a carrying bag.
The Shruti box, also known as a surpeti, is a perfect accompaniment for modal music, improvisation, voice work, overtone singing, music therapy, and all kinds of Indian music. It provides a full, supportive drone sound and is robust, portable, and extremely easy to control. To get started, you first need to unlock the wooden bellows tabs on both sides. Then you open the levers for the tones you want to sound. Finally, gently move the open bellows on one side - and your drone unfolds!
The Shruti Box does not require tuning or a sophisticated playing technique. It is therefore equally suitable for musical beginners as well as professional musicians, teachers, therapists, and performers. It creates a pleasant natural acoustic sound field for any kind of music and allows you to fully concentrate on singing, storytelling, observing or moving when playing.
The Shruti Box creates a strong, carrying drone sound and is extremely simple to play on. It is very well suited for accompanying any kind of Indian music, vocal music, modal improvisation, overtone singing and also for accompanying Indian wind instruments - especially the bamboo flute bansuri. The sounds and tones are similar to those of the harmonium or accordion: metal tongues create vibrations by compressed air passing through them. The movement of air is regulated by two bellows on both sides of the shruti box. One side has 13 levers. By opening them, you allow the air to flow from inside and the tongue under the lever emits a tone.
The Shruti Box contains a whole octave of 13 chromatic half-notes. You can freely choose the tone that suits you best. For a beautiful rich and full sound, it's great to add a fifth or lower fourth to the tonic. Of course, other combinations are also possible.
Advantages over the harmonium: it is smaller, lighter, cheaper, easier to transport, and above all easier to play on.
How to play?
The Shruti Box can be played with one hand while sitting, standing or even walking. First, you have to open the side levers that lock the entire instrument. Then you open the levers for the desired notes - this side should face you. Now put your hand on top of the instrument and push the side without levers towards you. The volume can be adjusted by changing the tempo and pressure applied to the bellows. When you release finger pressure, the bellows automatically unfold and you can press again to get a continuous sound. If you slip your hand over the handle on top of the instrument, you can carry and play it simultaneously with just one hand. Alternatively, you can also slip a strap through the handle and hang it around your neck.
Tips for playing
It is best to let the Shruti Box stand on a flat ground or any stable support. Alternatively, it can be carried by the handle so that it can move freely while playing. The volume and continuity of the sound depend on the speed and pressure of the bellows movement. You'll feel it after a while. A particularly round and beautiful drone is created by adding a fifth or fourth above the chosen base (also called "tonic"). Other combinations of notes are possible, depending on individual preferences - from straight major chords to dissonant clusters. But beware: More sounding tones mean greater air consumption – stronger pumping is needed to maintain a stable sound!
History
The Shruti Box was developed from the European harmonium, which was brought to India by French missionaries in the 19th century. It is also called surpeti and traditionally used mainly for vocal accompaniment of folk or religious music. The lack of a keyboard makes it a pure drone instrument. Drones continuously sound single or multiple tones, whose uninterrupted presence creates an open sound space. This space can be filled with melodies or other musical structures. The idea of the drone is an essential and traditional part of Indian music. However, drones are also known in Western music, especially in its older forms. Some Western instruments such as bagpipes or hurdy-gurdies even have built-in drones.
Weight: 2.75 Kg
Size: 38cm
Packaging weight 3.14 kg
To learn which tuning to choose 440 Hz or 432 Hz and which tone affects which chakra, visit this article.
India.
