Sitar
The
sitar is a complex lute which has
evolved in Asian countries, especially in India. It has 5 strings which are
played with a plectrum, and 2 drones, which are strings that are not plucked,
but which resonate to the harmonics of the plucked string. There are also some extra strings under the 5 main ones, which resonate with them, thus
amplifying the sound produced. It has a gourd as the resonator box, and a long
finger board with frets.
The brass frets can be moved along the neck to
set up different scales, to suit the Indian raga being played.