Handcrafted Electric Zitars for Fusion and Stage
We adapt the classic sitar for the modern stage. These electric Zitars are built with solid Tunwood and professional-grade Seymour Duncan pickups, letting you play with effects and amps just like a lead guitar.
The Zitar being played by artist Shivang Mishra. Its electric output allows it to be used with effects pedals and amplifiers, just like an electric guitar, but with the unique sound of a sitar.
Here is our electric sitar, which this artist calls a 'DeeTaar', being played on stage with a full band. It shows how well the Zitar fits into a modern, amplified music setting.
A black Zitar, made from Tunwood with a powerful SH 13 Seymour Duncan pickup. This video was shot on the banks of the Krishna river in Miraj, connecting our modern innovation with our ancient home.
This is our yellow Zitar. It is made from Tunwood and uses a Seymour Duncan SH-13 pickup for a strong, clear signal. The bright, solid color gives it a very modern and bold look.
A very proud moment for us. Our custom-made Zitar was featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show, being played by the talented Neil Nayyar.
The amazing Jennifer Hudson holding the custom red and white Zitar we built for Neil Nayyar on her show. Seeing our work on an international stage is a dream come true.
A close-up of our black electric sitar's modern, minimalist body design. It features a Seymour Duncan pickup for a high-quality electric tone.
The sleek neck and body of the black electric sitar. The design is lightweight and ergonomic, making it comfortable to play for long periods.
An angled view of the black electric sitar, showing its unique, open-frame construction.
A full-length view of the black electric sitar. It's a modern instrument rooted in classical tradition.
About Electric Sitars (Zitars)
These aren't traditional acoustic sitars that howl when you crank the volume. I build these with a solid Tunwood body and genuine Seymour Duncan SH-13 pickups, specifically so you can plug straight into an amp or effects processor on stage without any feedback issues.
The Zitar is my innovation for musicians who need the sitar sound in a high-volume, modern environment. When you play a traditional acoustic sitar on a loud stage, the gourd acts like a microphone and creates unbearable feedback. By using a solid Tunwood body, I remove the hollow cavity entirely.
Why the Zitar Works for Fusion
Every Zitar I make features a Seymour Duncan SH-13 Dimebucker. This gives you a high-output, distortion-ready signal that works perfectly with guitar processors, delay pedals, and modulation effects. You get the authentic sitar sustain, but with the control of an electric guitar.
Customization and Build
Since every musician has a different playing style, I build these one by one in my Miraj workshop:
- Body and Color: You can choose from solid gloss colors like black, red, or yellow. The finish is automotive-grade for durability.
- Neck and Action: I set the action low for fast fusion playing, which is quite different from a classical setup.
- Custom Features: If you want custom headstocks, specific electronics, or personalized acrylic work, let me know. We discuss these details before I start the woodcutting.
Because these are solid-body instruments, they are also significantly more durable for travel than gourd-based sitars. Whether you are playing in a studio or on a festival stage, the Zitar is built to handle the road.
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