Sarfuddin Flutes
Sarfuddin's workshop is the name most concert bansuri players end up at. Each flute is cut from seasoned bamboo and every one is tuned before it ships. We stock 20 of them — every scale from C to G#, in small, medium and bass lengths.
How bansuri scales work
A bansuri is a single-key instrument. Unlike a harmonium, where one box plays every key, each flute is cut to one scale and the length of the tube is what sets it. Longer tube, lower pitch, wider finger stretch, and more air needed to fill it.
- Small (9″–11″) — high and bright, easy reach, sharp focused breath. C, C#, A, B.
- Medium (13″–19″) — the middle of the instrument and where most players sit. Enough length for a warm tone, still comfortable to hold and to breathe. E, F, G#, C, C#.
- Bass (20″–35″) — deep and slow-speaking, the sound most people picture when they think of bansuri. Wide finger stretch and heavy, controlled airflow.
Which scale should you buy?
If you are starting out, a medium flute is the sensible choice — the middle lengths need neither the hand span of a bass nor the very precise breath control of a small flute. A middle C or middle G is where we usually point people.
If you are accompanying, buy the scale the music is in. If you want the classic deep Hindustani sound, a bass E or C — but check your hand span honestly first; bass flutes defeat a lot of beginners.
Tell us what you play and we will tell you which one to order.
