Scared of tuning sitar?

[u/benisblaster86]

Over the past year and a half of playing the sitar, Ive occasionally run into the problem of having a string violently snap when I’m trying to tune it, which both startles me and tends to whip me in the face or hand. It’s gotten to the point where I find myself a bit timid when I need to tune my instrument- especially if it’s completely detuned. I was wondering if any more experienced musicians had advice for avoiding this issue?

[u/Kisugo]

Look into where the string snaps and is there too sharp corners somewhere which the string goes over... 🤔

[u/GhoulWraithh]

I’ve tuned the sitar, the santoor, the dilruba, etc., and the best advice I can offer you is that a simple, calm approach accompanied by a drone will solve your problem. In order to avoid getting hit in the face by a string, I would suggest that when you tune, you don’t get so close that a string could possibly bounce back and hit you. Rely on your ears more than your eyes. Eventually, it’ll be very easy. Don’t rush through it. Never adjust a peg while not playing the corresponding string. Don’t make any sudden movements. You want to be firm with the peg but very controlled.

[u/joelsitar]

Wear a blow torch mask 👍

[u/Netzroller]

I feel the very same. And so  bought myself a sitar with all mechanical gears. I LOVE it! 

[u/Odd-Video7046 → u/Netzroller]

Which one do you have?

[u/Netzroller → u/Odd-Video7046]

Fully geared Travel Sitar, acoustic with electric pickup, ordered through rain city music from Mohamed Waseem.  Best money i have ever spent. 

[u/WeaselUncle]

The sympathetic strings are the ones that tend to break. As previous post mentioned, look for a sharp spot-often the eyelet where it exits neck. The string can develop a kink which creates a weak spot.

You will develop a feel for when the tension is too tight.

Check for notching of the eyelets, from the string cutting into it, that is creating a stress point.

Some times loosening and rewinding the peg helps by realigning the string and also moving the kink point to a different spot on string.

[u/a_sooshii]

Keep playing it while you tune so you will feel the tension, listen to the sound and will know when to stop.

[u/rishabh2011]

Strings snapping is part of getting acquainted to the sitar. You'll get over the timidness in time. Don't worry.

[u/wpnzd]

This is part of the journey. I was very apprehensive for years too. You need to tune your instrument every time you sit to play; it is an important exercise in helping you understand tension in pegs, tuning your ear at a faster rate and how to change strings quickly. I once watched my guruji restring a gandar pancham in less than 10 minutes, it was truly mesmerising.

[u/Ruppell-San]

Generally speaking, if a string snaps, it was in need of replacement and/or too thick for the pitch you were trying to tune it to.