Most sarod players, at some point in their lives, have varying degrees of pain while playing the instrument. For many years I just assumed that back and leg pains were just part of the price of learning this wonderful instrument. But as I approached my 40’s, the pain steadily got worse and I had to start using a wedge-shaped pillow to sit on. This help for some time but then the aches came back even more. Finally, at the age of 65 I had an acute slipped disk in my lower back, which caused some permanent damage. I could hardly walk for some time and it was impossible to practice the sarod. It was only then that I realized that I needed to find a much better solution if I wanted to go on playing sarod. A physical therapist made a few very good suggestions and I proceeded to go whole heartedly into a research to find a way to play again.
The solution that I have found to alleviate almost all of the lower back and leg pain associated with sarod playing, has three elements:
1. An adjustable pillow that I sit on. The best one I found is a product by Sissel, pictured below.
2. A half-moon shaped, stiff pillow that lifts and supports the right leg, which is adjustable due to its half-moon shape.
3. The “throne”, which wraps comfortably around the upper right thigh, for stability, and which also supports the sarod and keeps it from slipping, due to the rubberized texture of the surfaces (much like the anti-slip material that keeps normal carpets from slipping).
With these pillows, I am happy to report that “so far”, for the first time in my life I can play the sarod without any pain for long periods of time. This gives me much more energy to put all of my attention on making music, rather than being distracted by various degrees of pain and discomfort!
1. Adjustable pillow: Sissel Sit Air
2. Half-moon shaped, stiff pillow
3. The “throne”, front view
The “throne”, side view
The “throne, underbelly view
Below I have also given the measurements of the “throne” pillow. However, since every body is different, each player will need to make adjustments to find the optimal fit. I can confirm from experience that this takes time and patience.
The first attempt, which eventually led to the finished product above!
