Persian Santur - Hammered Dulcimer

The Persian Santur is a magnificent traditional instrument with a history that dates back over two millennia to ancient Persia. Believed to be one of the earliest forms of the hammered dulcimer, the Santur holds a revered place in Iranian classical music. Its influence has spread across cultures, inspiring variations of the instrument throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and even parts of Europe. The Santur’s design is both functional and elegant — a trapezoidal wooden box, often crafted from walnut, beech, or mulberry wood, with multiple strings stretched over bridges. These bridges divide the strings into different pitch zones, allowing the musician to access a rich palette of tones and scales, including the unique Persian dastgah system. What makes the Persian Santur particularly captivating is its playing method. Musicians hold a pair of light wooden mallets, known as mezrabs, with which they delicately strike the strings. This creates a shimmering, almost ethereal sound that’s both rhythmic and melodic. The number of strings can vary, typically ranging from 72 to over 90, grouped in courses that produce both bass and treble notes. The craftsmanship involved in making a Santur ensures not only tonal quality but also aesthetic beauty, with finely carved sound holes and detailed woodwork. Whether you’re a music lover, a cultural collector, or a professional artist, the Persian Santur offers a gateway into the soul of Persian musical tradition. Browse our exclusive collection of handcrafted Persian Santurs and bring home a piece of Iran’s rich musical legacy. Let your journey into timeless sound begin here.