Choosing the Right Bansuri: A Guide
The bansuri, a traditional Indian bamboo flute, is famous for its unique sound. The bamboo sings in a way that captivates the listener - both the audience and of course the player. Choosing the right bansuri is crucial for your chosen journey. This guide will help you with that.
Let's get started!
Before diving into specifics, it’s essential to understand the basics of the bansuri. Each bansuri is unique, differing in size, pitch, and maker. The right bansuri should align with your skill level, musical goals, and personal preferences.
SIZE OF THE BANSURI
The size of the bansuri affects its pitch and playability.
Bigger flute = lower pitch, but that also means bigger distance between the holes. So it requires a bigger stretch. In short, bigger flute = more difficult to grip.
Smaller flute = higher pitch and easier to grip. BUT higher pitch requires stronger embouchure (lip muscles) so in that sense it is more difficult than a big flute.
Therefore a medium sized flute is the best choice for a complete beginner. G scale is recommend - a perfect balance between a mellow sound and rather easy to grip. Also C scale for immediate gripability and to get a strong blow (=good sound). You can get both here Beginner Combo Set.
A scale (between G and C) is usually recommended for beginners with slightly smaller hands or people who just want to be sure to be able to grip it immediately and also want a soothing sound.
For experienced players I believe it's important to have a rather wide range of bansuris. One or two flutes too small and too big is something I would definitely have in my collection. Considering what I just wrote above about small flutes requiring more from your lip muscles, small flutes are also more difficult to play in tune. Basically it's more noticeable if a high note is out of tune, therefore it demands better precision and hearing. Also when going really small, the fingers need to adapt, meaning they can't grip exactly like they would on a big flute.
A "too big" flute on the other hand needs a much bigger spread of your fingers. And also it consumes much more air to get a good sound. Try playing a flute few sizes up and then go to your normal flute and you will see that it is easier to play, it suddenly feels much smaller than it felt moments ago.
Sum Up
Beginners: Opt for medium bansuris (G, G#, A, A#, B or C) as they are easier to handle and require less air.
Experienced Players: Larger bansuris (F, E, D) offer a deeper, more resonant sound but demand greater control.
KEY/SCALE
The pitch of the bansuri is determined by its key. With bansuris, it is often called scale (e.g., G scale or A# scale), but it means the key of the flute.
Choose a key based on the genre or style of music you prefer. For instance, Indian classical music often uses an E scale flute because it offers the perfect balance of bass and a clear upper octave. Other genres may favor different keys or scales. But don't worry, there's a bansuri available for every key!
MATERIAL AND MAKER
High-quality bansuris are made from seasoned bamboo, ensuring durability and better tonal quality.
Look for bansuris crafted by skilled artisans who prioritize proper tuning.
Tips for Beginners
Buy a flute from a maker you trust. And by trust, I don’t mean just taking their word for it when they say, 'the flutes are professional quality with 100% perfect tuning.' I mean doing some research, reading reviews, and looking at the results that other customers have experienced. You can also seek guidance from a teacher or experienced player that you trust.
Why buy from bansuri.shop?
Expert craftsmanship: Our bansuris are the result of a close collaboration between a professional bansuri player with years of experience (Linus Lundquist) and skilled artisans in India, ensuring superior quality, sound and tuning.
Wide selection: We offer bansuris in various sizes, keys, and styles to suit all levels of players. Also important accessories (e.g., cleaning kit, cover etc).
Customer satisfaction: With a very high rating and free shipping within the EU and UK for orders over €140, we make it easy and convenient to get started on your bansuri journey.
Final thoughts: Choosing the right bansuri is a very important first step that shouldn't be overlooked. I've met too many students who had to buy a new bansuri as soon as they started taking classes because the flute they had was simply out of tune.
By considering factors like size, material and a trustworthy maker, you will find the perfect flute to suit your needs. At Bansuri.shop, we’re dedicated to providing you with all you need to start your journey today!
Ready to find your perfect bansuri? Explore our collection of selected flutes at https://bansuri.shop and take the first step towards making beautiful music :-)