BLEMISHED Bulbul Tarang, 23" Long (Indian Banjo) 23" long, with 10 steel strings. Unique hand-crafted instrument with varying tuning, not to Western standards. This is not a Kentucky banjo. The case is integral to the instrument. Eight main strings are plucked or strummed with picks while depressing keys to change the notes. Instrument has two sympathetic strings. The main strings on a banjo are all tuned to the same note. It can be any note comfortable to the vocals. Then tune the sympathetic strings to a complimentary harmonic. Indian instruments are usually tuned for the vocals or the particular Raga or song being played. They are not limited to one tuning. An important note about Indian Banjo quality In general, the quality standards on Indian instruments usually focus on the functionality of the instrument. The esthetic quality is secondary; Indian instruments often sound better than they look. The BulBul Tarang is the most striking example of this phenomenon. Marred finishes, dents, dings, surface imperfections and general blemishes are standard. We do sort through the shipments when they arrive and take the most blemished out of the first quality inventory. However, you should not expect an Indian Banjo to be un-marred.

SPECIAL NOTE; No Warranty on Strings: Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.

Scratch & Dent Savings!!! Product codes ending in "-2" are Blemished. They are New and Unused with Superficial blemishes that may include, blisters in the finish, scratches, dents, stains, discoloration, rust or pitting on metals, imperfect glazes, non-structural repairs such as putty in nail holes, or other surface marks. The irregularity does not affect the playability or sound quality of the instrument. These are a good value.