February, 2013: It looks almost as if Shanti has flipped her lid! We just finished fabricating a new housing made out of a beautiful old piece of spruce wood, from a 275 yr-old Swiss tree. Not only does it result in a stronger, more resonant and overtone rich sound, but the raised lid, with 2 independently adjustable side flaps, enables the sound to be projected in various directions. And because the sound is captured, amplified and projected through the top of the housing, it is now perceived from a higher point acoustically, as if the tanpura were upright. Tuning the sarod to this rich complex of overtones is more precise, easier and it is almost a musical duet in itself. I am thrilled with this evolution in “Shanti’s” development and am extremely grateful to Rolf Joray, the Swiss master craftsman who has supported me throughout this endeavor with his precise and artistic skills and creative input. We hope to have a model available for musicians in the near future!
The new “Shanti” – with lid closed.
Shanti, with lid raised and back flap down. This position projects the sound both to the right side and outward (to the audience).
Shanti – front view with lid raised, back flap down and front door removed. This enables one to see the rotation and plucking action of the robot and allows for access to make fine adjustments of the plectrums.
Shanti – side view with both flaps down. This projects the full sound to the side, in the direction of the musicians.
