SHRUTIBOX.COM

The Best Shruti Boxes on the Planet! 

AUGUST 9, 2024

I have recently retired as US rep from the shruti box business. Whether that is for good or not, time will tell. Regardless, it has been my pleasure to be of service for so many years by shepherding off this essential magical instrument that connects one to their soul. For those new inquiries, I direct you to https://www.shrutibox.co.uk/

Our shruti boxes are by designed by Stefan Cartwright in Wales. Each one is then hand-crafted to his specifications in India and then shipped back to Stefan, where he will repeatedly tune, fine tune and voice each reed before shipping to me in the states. This process effectively sets the pitch so the tuning is fixed and should be stable for years of use. They are limited in production and in higher demand then ever!

For any past clients needs, if you have any questions please contact me, Ron Kravitz @ 215 233 0777 or ron@musicinthemoment.com

The smaller M1 C, G, A# Octave models including padded case
14.96L x 9.84H x 2.55W 5.6Lbs - ave. wt
M1’s have great sustains!

The larger M3 C & G Octaves models including padded case sell
16.14” L x 11.81”H x 2.36”W 8.37Lbs
M3’s have a greater sustain!
These models are usually acquired with use of the foot pedal.

A special order for an A432 tuning is also available.

Bowring Foot Pedals are best for use with the M3. They can also be used on the M1 & M2 boxes. Additional wood “feet’ like those that are already attached to an M3, would be needed for stabilizing.

The best Shruti Boxes on the Planet! 

The Shruti Box is a simple hand-pumped reed instrument which provides a rich drone background or slightly pulsating constant chord to support singing and musical exploration on any instrument.

They are constructed in India, with strict specifications. The craftsmanship on these instruments are of the highest quality! The reeds are made by some of India's leading manufacturers.

They are designed by Stefan Cartwright in Wales, UK. When he receives them from India, each instrument is repeatedly tuned, fine tuned and each reed is voiced before shipping. This process effectively sets the pitch so the tuning is fixed and should be stable for years of use.

These instruments are chromatic with a full octave of notes (13 notes), tuned to the western classical instrument standards (A=440Hz). in chromatic half steps.

Shruti Box Model M1

The M1 is a versatile instrument: it is used as an accompaniment for singing practice, group chanting and toning; in performance for musical improvisation; as a background for storytelling; as a reference pitch for tuning instruments; and to add interesting textures to a musical composition. The simplicity of the instrument lends itself to working with children: the reed board layout makes it easy to demonstrate musical basics such as notes and chords, the octave and harmony.

Note: 

The Shruti reed board is set up like a standard western octave chromatic scale. If you're looking at a keyboard, the white notes would be on the bottom and the black notes (sharps & flats) on top.

The high C, (far right) represents middle C on a keyboard and goes down an octave to the lower C. (far left)

The high G is below middle C on a keyboard and it goes down an octave to the lower G on (far left)

The high A# is below middle C on a keyboard and it goes down an octave to the lower A# on (far left)

Shruti Box Model M3

The M3 was developed to work seamlessly with the Bowring foot pedal, with the gigging musician in mind. The result, a larger instrument than our standard M1, with enhanced air capacity and wooden swivel feet which provide extra stability and sound insulation between instrument and floor. The M3 is a delight to play by hand or foot, offering long sustain, a smooth action when pedaling and fine control of volume – from quiet to loud. Built from reclaimed Burmese teak, a hard and durable tonewood, the M3 produces a warm, tight and rich drone with clear harmonics. This enables the player to project a sound which is audible within the mix.

The M3 provides a great sounding accompaniment for the guitar, hand-pan, flute, violin, voice and other instruments. Available in 2 keys, C and Low G.

Shruti Box Model M2

The M2 was developed as an option to the darker coloured M1 Shruti Box. Made from ‘tun’ a solid hard-wood traditionally used to make Sarods, the M2 has a characteristic bright, warm and clear tone throughout the frequency range. With less immersive resonance than the M1, it is popular with singers who enjoy hearing their voice distinct from the drone.

About the size of an average laptop computer, and weighing in at around 2.6 kg, (5.7lbs), the M2 strikes a good balance of size and function, offering portability and good sustain. It is easy and satisfying to play and has a smooth, quiet bellows action.

Hand-built and fine-tuned to a high specification, the M2 Shruti Box has proven itself as a reliable and trusted musical instrument in demanding performance situations, on concert tours and in the recording studio. Available in 2 keys, C and Low G

Related Web Sites

Flute Haven - Native Flute School
September 2019 - Phoenixville, PA

Clint Goss

Manifest Spirit Records

Top photo courtesy of 

RAV VAST 2 B Celtic Minor Scale: (B2) F#3 A3 B3 C#4 D4 E4 F#4 A4 with M3 C Octave Chromatic Scale Shruti Box & Bowring Foot Pedal

RAV VAST G Minor Pentatonic Scale: (G2) D3 F3 G3 A#3 C4 D4 F4 G4 w/ M3 G Octave Chromatic Scale Shruti Box & Bowring Foot Pedal

RAV VAST E Low Pygmy (E2), A2, B2, C3, E3, G3, A3 B3, D4 Played by Jim Hamilton. M1 G & C Octave Shruti Boxes w/Bowring Foot Pedal Played by Ron Kravitz. RAV Vast 2 B Celtic Minor: (B2) F#3 A3 B3 C#4 D4 E4 F#4 A4 Played by Jerry Decker. The RAV VAST Melodic Tongue Drums can be purchased at: https://www.musicinthemoment.com/tav-vast-handpan-tongue-drum/

http://www.shrutibox.com/ Recorded at Rittenhouse Soundworks in Philadelphia on 03/15/2018. https://www.rittenhousesoundworks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RittSoundWorks/ Jim Hamilton, Owner Michael Cumming, Audio Engineer. Matthew Hamilton, CEO at MHamiltonVisuals