Best Sitars of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Sitars are a type of stringed musical instrument that originated in India. They have a long, hollow neck with a rounded gourd body and are played by plucking the strings with a plectrum. Sitars are known for their unique sound and are commonly used in Indian classical music. They come in various sizes and styles, with some featuring intricate designs and decorations. Sitars are popular among musicians and music enthusiasts around the world, and are often used in fusion music genres as well.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Sitars
La Bella ST30 Sitar Sympathetic Strings
The La Bella ST30 Sitar Strings are designed to enhance your sitar playing experience. Made with a combination of plain steel and golden alloy loop-end strings, they offer durability and a rich tonal quality for your instrument. The set includes various string gauges to provide the right tension and sound balance, making your music more expressive. These strings are 58 inches long, suitable for most sitars, and made in the USA using advanced MAP technology. This packaging method helps keep the strings fresh and prevents tarnishing, so you can enjoy consistent performance every time you play.
BHAVICREATION Mizrab Picks for Sitar 5 Plastic + 5 Metal
The BHAVICREATION Sitar Mizrab Set includes 5 plastic and 5 metal picks, giving you versatile options for playing your sitar. These mizrabs are worn on your finger to pluck the strings, helping you achieve clear and consistent sounds. Using these picks can improve your control over different playing styles, making your music more uniform and polished. Since playing the sitar with mizrabs requires skill, it’s helpful to learn proper techniques from a teacher to get the best results. This set offers a practical way to enhance your sitar playing experience with quality picks.
BHAVICREATION Karuna Sitar Strings Set
The BHAVICREATION Karuna Strings offer a complete set of 7 main sitar strings along with sympathetic tarafdar strings, giving you everything you need for a full sound experience. Each string comes individually packed to prevent tangling, saving you time and hassle when setting up your instrument. Made from high-quality steel using advanced technology, these strings deliver a bright and warm tone that is well balanced, perfect for practicing or performing. They also feature strong anti-rust protection, lasting 4 to 5 times longer than regular strings, so you can enjoy consistent sound quality over time.
BHAVICREATION Camel Bone Sitar Tuning Beads (2 pcs)
The BHAVICREATION Sitar Tuning Beads help you fine-tune your sitar’s sympathetic strings for better sound harmony. Made from durable camel bone, these beads slide easily along the strings, allowing you to adjust the pitch precisely. This means you can customize the sound to match different ragas or your personal style. By placing the beads just above the string bridges, you gain control over the tuning, helping you achieve the perfect tone every time you play. These beads are essential accessories for sitar players wanting to enhance their instrument’s sound quality and tuning flexibility.
SALA MÜZIK ALETLERI Tanboor Strings Set
The SALA Tanboor Strings offer a complete set of strings designed for sitar instruments like the tanboor, dutar, and dotar. When you purchase this set, you will receive a package that includes six strings in total. The set contains two red strings with a thickness of 0.18, which can provide distinct tonal qualities. Additionally, it includes two white strings also measuring 0.18, and two more white strings at 0.20 thickness. This variety allows you to customize your instrument’s sound and feel, making it easier for you to achieve the desired musical expression and comfort while playing.
BHAVICREATION Sitar Tuning Beads Chikari Pins (2 pcs)
The BHAVICREATION Sitar Chikari Pins come in a compact size of 1.5 by 0.2 by 0.2 inches, making them easy to handle and fit perfectly on your sitar. These two spare pins are designed to keep your sitar securely in place, ensuring stable tuning during your performance or practice. Crafted with quality materials, they offer durability so you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements. With two pieces included, you get great value and convenience, allowing you to replace worn-out pins or have spares ready. These pins help maintain your instrument’s sound quality and playability effortlessly.
SAZYAR String Twister for Setar and Sitars
The SAZYAR String Twister Winder is designed to help you easily tune and maintain your string instruments like the Setar, Tar, Dotar, and Tanbour. This handy tool simplifies the process of twisting and tightening strings, saving you time and effort. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, it offers convenience by ensuring your instrument stays in perfect tune. Its compatibility with a variety of traditional string instruments makes it a versatile addition to your music toolkit, helping you keep your instrument ready for any performance or practice session.
Mid-East Sitar Bone Nut
The Mid-East Sitar Nut is crafted with care, ensuring you get a high-quality part for your sitar without overspending. Its handmade design means you receive a product made with attention to detail, helping improve the sound and playability of your instrument. Plus, you can buy with confidence thanks to a 30-day return policy, giving you peace of mind if it doesn't meet your needs. This sitar nut is a practical and reliable choice for anyone looking to upgrade or replace parts on their sitar easily and effectively.
BHAVICREATION Camel Bone Sitar Tuning Beads (3 pcs)
The BHAVICREATION Sitar Tuning Beads are essential accessories designed to help you fine-tune your sitar’s sympathetic strings. Made from durable camel bone, these beads allow you to easily adjust the pitch by sliding them up or down the strings, giving you precise control over your instrument’s sound. This is especially useful since the sympathetic strings must be tuned to specific notes that complement the main strings and suit the raga you are playing. Strung just above the bridges, these beads provide convenient and reliable tuning, ensuring your sitar produces harmonious and well-balanced tones every time.
SAZYAR Setar Tanbour Pick Mezrab NEW PRO
The SAZYAR Setar Pick is designed specifically for sitar instruments like the Setar and Tanbour. It features a professional-grade design that helps you play with precision and ease. The pick has a rounded and edged front, giving you versatility in sound and control. Its sepia brown color adds a classic look while making it easy to spot among your accessories. If you want a reliable and stylish pick that enhances your playing experience, the SAZYAR Setar Pick is a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the three types of sitar?
There are three types of sitar: Kharak Pancham or Ravi Shankar style sitar, Gandhar Pancham or Vilayat Khan style sitar or Gayaki style sitars, and Bass sitar or Surbahar. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is named after renowned sitarists who popularized them.
2. Is the sitar the hardest instrument to play?
The sitar is considered one of the hardest instruments to learn, especially for those from a Western musical background. While it shares some similarities with the guitar, its string configuration, number of strings, and different music scale make it challenging to master.
3. Is sitar harder than guitar?
Yes, the sitar is generally considered more difficult to play than the guitar. Its unique structure, complex tuning system, and intricate playing techniques make it a challenging instrument to master.
4. Is it hard to tune a sitar?
Tuning a sitar can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Most sitars have between 18-20 strings, including main and sympathetic strings. The process of tuning these strings properly can take a significant amount of time and effort.
During our sitar research, we found 24 sitar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,787 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sitars list. We found that most customers choose sitars with an average price of $16.20.
The sitars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sitars, including La Bella, BHAVICREATION, SAZYAR, Mid-East. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 149 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.