Setar

The Setar or Sehtâr (Persian سه تار ) is a Persian long-necked lute. The name means Dreisaiter, the modern version has but octave higher by doubling the bass string four strings.

The body having a length of about 20 cm and a width of 15 cm is relatively small in comparison with other sounds. The total length is 87 cm, the scale length 68 cm. The body is carved from a piece of wood or composed of multiple chips like a lute, the neck is attached.

The Setar is quite easily built many instruments only weigh 350-400 grams. Instead of a sound hole, the Setar has only a few small holes in the ceiling. The sound is therefore quiet compared to other sounds. The frets, about 25 are bound in the gut and around the neck. In addition to all semitones are also some (not all ) quarter tones available.

Of the four strings, the first and third of brass, and the other two of steel. The fourth string ( octave higher than double the lowest string ) was added until the 19th century ( including by Darvish Khan). The mood is mostly c- c' -g -c ', but it can vary depending on the mode you play.

The instrument is played without plectrum with the long nail of the right index finger. This way of playing the instrument differs from similar long- necked lutes like the Tar The style is characterized by a tremolo for longer note values ​​and numerous embellishments.

The Setar how to play the tar in the classical music of Persia. Because of their lightweight construction and soft sound, it is primarily a tool for personal music. It is also used to accompany singing and in small ensembles. She was formerly with the music of the scholars and Sufis ( Islamic mystics ) connected. The music played mostly comes from the repertoire of the radif.

Similar instruments are also in use in Central Asia. The Indian sitar is different from their design and style of play significantly from the Setar.