Veena

( vichitra Veena) (Saraswati Veena) Rudra Veena )

VIchitra Veena

Vichiter Veena's ancient name is Shiv Veena. It is also known previously in different names - Shutri Veena, Tantra Veena, Batta Veena etc. But today it is known as Vichiter Veena. Ustad Abdul Aziz Khan of Patiala family has given a new life to this instrument. Vichiter Veena is believed to be a divine instrument and the music produced through it always devoted to the absolute. The Veena has the distinction of being the only plucked instrument that is considered to be the purest musical sound and by legend is the foundation of all art.

The Vichiter Veena has four main strings three front side supporting strings and along with two chikaris, 15th Tarabs (resonance strings) having a range of three and half octaves. Resonance strings confine a player to "pure" or "perfect" note as they themselves are tuned on "perfect". The Vichiter Veena is believed to be a divine instrument and the music produced through it always devoted to the absolute. The Vichiter Veena has the distinction of being the only plucked instrument that is considerable to be the subtle of human voice.

Made from choicest and well-seasoned tun wood and two identical full size resonating gourd, with fine pen engraving and woodcarving, excellent workmanship, rich tonal quality.

$ 1350

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Rudra Veena

Rudra Veena
54" long. Double bird heads perch atop two large carved toombas of the same size. It has 6 strings: 4 main strings and 3 chikari strings.

Price - $ 1450

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Saraswati Veena

The saraswati vina has a unique construction. It has a body made of wood, generally, this is jackwood. The highest quality vinas have the entire body carved from a single block of wood, while the ordinary vinas have a body which is carved in three sections (resonator, neck and head).

There are 24 frets made of brass bars set into wax. (see "Fretting and Fingering the Vina") There is another resonator at the top of the neck. This is no longer a functioning resonator, but is mainly used as a stand to facilitate the positioning of the instrument when it is played.

Unlike north Indian instruments like the sitar, the saraswati vina has no sympathetic strings. It has only four playing strings and three drone strings (thalam).

The main bridge is a flat bar made of brass. This bar has a very slight curve. It is this light curve which gives the vina its characteristic sound.

$499