Top Sitar Brands for Melodic Perfection

The rich, melodic sound of the sitar has captivated music enthusiasts for centuries, establishing it as an iconic instrument in traditional Indian music. Selecting the right brand can significantly enhance the playing experience, as each offers unique craftsmanship, tone quality, and aesthetics. From the resonant strings of Hiren Roy’s handcrafted sitars to the meticulously crafted designs by Rikhi Ram, there are numerous brands celebrated for their quality and attention to detail. Interested in discovering which brands are considered the crème de la crème for sitars? Read on to explore some of the most renowned names in the world of sitars.

Illustration of sitar

Best brands of sitar in 2025

Hiren Roy

Hiren Roy is renowned as one of the best sitar makers in India, with a legacy spanning over five decades. Established in 1942, his shop has been praised by legendary musicians such as Nikhil Banerjee, Vilayat Khan, Annapurna Devi, and Ravi Shankar for its exceptional craftsmanship and tonal quality. Roy's innovations, including strengthening the tabli and Dandi to support heavier strokes, have significantly enhanced the sitar's sound and durability. His sons, particularly Barun, have continued the tradition, adapting to modern needs such as inventing synthetic bridges. Hiren Roy's sitars are still highly sought after for their clarity and balance in sound production. For more details on their exquisite sitars, visit their dedicated Hiren Roy page.

Rikhi Ram

Rikhi Ram Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co. is renowned as one of the best producers of sitars, with a legacy spanning over 100 years since its establishment in 1920. The company, founded by Late Pt. Rikhi Ram, has been instrumental in crafting sitars used by more than 90% of sitarists in India. Ajay Rikhiram, the grandson of Pt. Rikhi Ram, has continued the tradition, innovating instruments like the Ovation/Travel sitar and the Zitar. The company's sitars are highly praised by legendary musicians such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Shujaat Khan. Rikhi Ram's commitment to quality and innovation has made their instruments highly sought after globally. Discover more about their exquisite collection by visiting the Rikhi Ram online store.

Kanai Lal & Sons

Kanai Lal & Sons is renowned as one of the best producers of sitars, known for their consistent and durable quality instruments. This Kolkata-based shop has been a trusted source for sitars for over 20 years, with a reputation for providing entry-level to advanced sitars, such as the Karaj/Pancham (Ravi Shankar style) sitar with 13 inlaid taraf pegs and 7 swirl design main pegs. Each sitar is meticulously set up and prepped by experts, ensuring optimal performance. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in the inclusion of a padded vinyl gig bag, an extra complete set of strings, and 5 mizrabs with every purchase. With a history dating back to the early 20th century, Kanai Lal & Sons continues to uphold the legacy started by Kanai Lal, who passed away in the 1930s, leaving his brother Nityananda to carry on the business. For more details on their sitars, visit the Kanai Lal & Sons product page.

Srishti Musical Instruments

Srishti Musical Instruments is renowned for producing high-quality sitars, setting the standard for entry-level and professional instruments alike. Known for their exceptional sound and economic value, Srishti sitars feature qualities and designs found in more expensive 'name brand' sitars, including open jawari in the Ravi Shankar style. The brand offers a range of models, including travel and electric sitars, which are praised for their full-size sitar sound and unmatched quality. Endorsed by the Antara School of Music, Srishti sitars are appreciated for their sweet tone, sustain, and taraf response. With a consistent brand reputation, Srishti continues to be a top choice among musicians. For more details, explore their standard sitar collection.

Sanjay Sharma

Sanjay Sharma, associated with the renowned Rikhi Ram brand, is highly regarded for producing some of the finest sitars, continuing a legacy that spans generations. His instruments are crafted with precision, reflecting the expertise of his lineage, including his father, the late Pandit Rikhi Ram Sharma, and his great-grandfather, Pandit Bishan Dass Sharma. Sanjay Sharma's sitars are sought after by musicians worldwide, including his son Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, who has performed at prestigious venues like the White House. The quality and craftsmanship of these instruments have been praised for their rich tone and durability. Sanjay Sharma's workshop has been a cornerstone for musical instrument repair and production, ensuring that each sitar meets the highest standards. For an in-depth insight, visit Sanjay Sharma's musical instruments repair workshop.

Raagini Musical

Raagini Musical, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be contextualized within the realm of esteemed sitar producers like those in Miraj, Maharashtra. These craftsmen, with over 300 years of tradition and seven generations of expertise, produce sitars and tanpuras that are highly sought after by renowned classical and film industry artists. The Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster, which could be analogous to Raagini Musical, manufactures around 60 to 70 sitars and 100 tanpuras per month, with a significant portion of their business coming from direct customers and retail music shops. The GI tag awarded to these instruments enhances their commercial value and global recognition. This craftsmanship ensures high-quality instruments, making brands like Raagini Musical stand out in the market.

Norani & Sons

Norani & Sons is renowned as one of the best producers of sitars, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality instruments. With a legacy spanning decades, they have maintained a reputation for producing sitars that are favored by professional musicians. Their sitars are crafted with precision, ensuring a rich and clear sound. In the market, Norani & Sons sitars are often praised for their durability and aesthetic appeal, making them a top choice among music enthusiasts. Since their inception, they have consistently delivered instruments that meet the highest standards of musical excellence. For more information, visit their website: Norani & Sons.

Monoj Kumar Sardar & Bros

Monoj Kumar Sardar & Bros. (MKS) is a renowned brand in the production of high-quality sitars, particularly known for their concert-grade instruments like the MKS No. 1 Sitar, which features the best components, including the straightest neck, largest gourd, and finest jawari. Established in Kolkata, MKS has built a reputation for excellence, with their instruments set up by skilled musicians to ensure outstanding tone and finish. Since 2010, Old Delhi Music, a family-owned business, has collaborated with MKS to ensure over 99% of their instruments arrive undamaged. The brand's commitment to quality control and traditional production methods has made their sitars highly sought after by professional musicians and enthusiasts. With a strong presence in the global market, MKS continues to uphold the standards of Indian classical music.

Ashok Musical

Ashok Musical, associated with the renowned sitarist Ashok Sharma, is esteemed for its high-quality sitars, reflecting a legacy of musical excellence. Trained under the legendary sitarists Ravi Shankar and Dilipchandra Vedi, Ashok Sharma's instruments are sought after for their rich tone and craftsmanship, with prices ranging from Rs 75,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh. The brand's sitars have been integral to numerous iconic Hindi film compositions and have garnered international recognition. The increase in exports, particularly post-pandemic, has seen a significant rise, with the US and European countries being major importers. This growth underscores the global appreciation for Indian classical music instruments. For more on their journey, read about Ashok Musical's rise as a sitar hero in the Times of India.

Radha Krishna Sharma

Radha Krishna Sharma, although not primarily known for sitars, was once a renowned manufacturer of various Indian string instruments, including sitars, until the 1970s when they maintained a high standard with a fine high-gloss finish. However, after the founder's death, the company shifted to larger quantities and lower standards, leading to a decline in quality. Despite this, they continue to manufacture a wide range of musical instruments, including Indian string instruments and classical wooden music instruments, under the leadership of Mr. Saroj Sharma since 1968. Their products are appreciated for their superior quality, musicality, and craftsmanship, catering to professionals, musicians, and students globally. The company has a small but competent workforce of up to 10 people and an annual turnover of Rs. 50 Lakh - 1 Crore. You can explore more about their offerings on their IndiaMART page.