Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Full Front View.
There's just something about a Kanai Lal sitar that stands out.
Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Headstock.
Kanai Lal was the only shop I know of to ever make their tuning pegs with etch lines that go to bare wood and fit carved bone peg tips. Beautiful ! ! !
Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Headstock Profile.
No mistaking the striking appearance of those pegs as Kanai Lal design. THe owner wanted one "duckie" and one oval bead on the headstock. I flattened and "leatherized" them so that they would remain stable, not slip and not marr the finish.
Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Neck Detail.
There is a recently published book on Kanai Lal that has an illustration of one of their sitars with this exact design of trim. The sawtooth edging on the etched lobes is a nice touch not often seen. Notice also how the slots for the frets are positioned nicely against the side of the neck. This prevents the frets from shifting laterally while being played.
Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Pick Guard.
The symbol in the middle of this pickguard is often seen on the front door of many residences in India. The linework on the floral etching is consistant and the black / red color does not overlap. Very well done ! ! !
Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Tabli.
Here is typical Kanai Lal quality carving. Unique designs that were most often drawn free hand onto the wood and then carved. The shape is very symetrical. I filed a new "jawari" surface on the original bridge and left is as a backup piece as the owner wanted one of my white delrin bridges fitted in its place. With the delrin bridge, there is very little chance of any bridge work required for some years to come.
Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Tumba Carving.
It sort of speaks for itself. I've only seen this degree of fine and deep carving on instruments from the Kanai Lal shop. Magnificent ! ! !
Madu Kanai Lal Sitar Money Shot.
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this glorious sitar. The owners appreciation for my efforts only added to the joy. This one is a real beauty. I'm glad to have had a hand in bringing it back to full operating condition.