A setar is a traditional stringed instrument, classified as a lute, commonly found in Eastern music. It can be played solo or used to accompany vocal performances. This instrument belongs to the tanbur family of long-necked lutes and boasts a range exceeding two and a half octaves. Initially designed with three strings, a fourth string was introduced by Mushtaq Ali Shah in the mid-19th century.
The setar features a pear-shaped body constructed from thin strips of mulberry wood, which are meticulously glued together to form a bowl, similar to the construction of lutes or ouds.
Its neck is elongated and slender, with gut strings wrapped around it serving as frets. These frets can be adjusted to alter the notes produced when the musician presses down on them. Various sources indicate that the number of frets ranges from 22 to 28, depending on the musician's preference.
The instrument is equipped with four strings, arranged from top to bottom as follows: (4) the bam or bass string, (3) the drone string, (2) the yellow string, and (1) the silver string.
The overall length of the setar is approximately 85 cm, while the bowl dimensions are about 26 cm in length, 15 cm in width, and 13 cm in depth.
The positioning of the frets is determined by the reference material the musician chooses to follow.
This setar appears to be in excellent condition and is fully functional as a musical instrument.
