How Does a Shruti Box Work?

The parts of a shruti box

• Bellows: the folding bellows are operated by hand. Pumping them pushes air through the reeds.
• Reeds: each note has a brass reed that vibrates when air passes over it. The 15-inch teak shruti box has a lower-tone brass reed set, and the 17-inch professional model has three reed sets.
• Note controls: each note has its own control. Releasing a control lets air reach that reed, so you choose which notes sound.
• Cabinet: a wooden cabinet, usually teak, holds the reeds and gives the drone its warm, resonant character.

What are the notes?

The 13-note shruti boxes cover C to C. The 17-inch professional three-reed shruti box has three reed sets and 36 notes from C to B across three octaves, which gives a wider range and a more layered drone. RagaLoom shruti boxes are tuned to 440 Hz as standard. Read our 440 Hz vs 432 Hz guide if you are choosing between tunings.

How to play a shruti box

1. Release the controls for the notes you want. Begin with one tonic note, then add a fifth or an octave if you like.
2. Open the bellows and pump with a slow, even motion.
3. Close the controls you do not need, which keeps the drone focused and balanced.

Because it is fully acoustic, you can use it for singing practice, kirtan, bhajan, mantra chanting, sound meditation and yoga classes. Our shruti box foot pedal lets you pump the bellows with your foot so your hands stay free. It is made for compatible 16 × 12-inch shruti boxes with a long wooden foot stand, so contact us before ordering to check the fit.

Caring for your shruti box

Keep the shruti box in its bag when you are not using it. Store it away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and high humidity. Move the bellows gently, do not place weight on the cabinet, and clean the wood with a soft, dry cloth.

Shruti box or harmonium?

A shruti box gives you a drone. A harmonium also plays melody. Our harmonium vs shruti box guide helps you choose.

Ready to buy?

See all shruti boxes or read our page on buying a shruti box online.

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