Kanaii Lal Custom Sitar - 1960's
This magnificent sitar was made by the Kanaii Lal shop of Calcutta sometime in the mid 1960's. The large gourds are perfectly shaped. Kanaii Lal set the highest standards in the mid twentieth century that all other instrument shops had to match. The carving, general shape and "feel" were outstanding.
This particular instrument has a unique headstock that is slightly tapered from the top view. The scroll on the end is unusual and the full carving throughout is magnificent.
Kanaii Lal Custom Sitar Headstock
Featured here is the superb carving on the body, pegs and upper tumba. Even the peg tips, normally just small round balls, are enlarged and carved into flower petals on this instrument. This level of detail can be duplicated on Karasek Sound custom orders.
Kanaii Lal Custom Sitar Tumba Carving
Most sitars from this time period had five leaves situated across the gourd. Kanaii Lal placed six leaves instead giving greater support to the gourd. The degree of carving, as can be seen, is magnificent !
Kanaii Lal Custom Sitar Dandee
This view shows a little closer some of the finely etched trim detail.