Where does the Setar come from?

Setar is documented in this archive as a string tradition associated with Iran. Open the culture guide from this page for regional context.

How difficult is the Setar to learn?

Difficulty varies by player and pedagogy. Use the difficulty field in the quick facts panel as a relative guide, then listen to specimen audio and explore related instruments in the same family.

Instrument · traditional

String

Setar

Name: Setar
Brand: Iran
Availability: OnlineOnly

The setar is a Persian plucked string instrument with a small body and four strings. It's central to Persian classical music and is often used to provide the main melodic line in ensembles. The instrument produces a delicate, expressive sound that's essential to Persian musical traditions.

Catalog Iran

Sample

Overview

Cultural context

The setar is central to Persian classical music and represents the sophisticated musical traditions of Iran.

Legendary players

Parviz MeshkatianArtifact →
Faramarz Payvar—
Pashang Kamkar—
Majid Derakhshani—

Specimen note

The setar is often called the 'Persian four-stringed lute' and is one of the most important instruments in Persian classical music, often providing the main melodic line in ensembles.

Technical specifications

Exhibit datasheet · derived from catalog fields

Materials & construction hints: See specimen tags and description for construction lineage
Tuning & pitch: Pitch material is tradition-specific; see description for scale and temperament context.
Register & role: String · typical use: Persian Classical, Traditional Iranian, Middle Eastern
Acoustic range (general): Harmonic content follows string length, tension, and resonator; partials differ by construction.
Market class (indicative): $300-$1000

Historical context

The setar is central to Persian classical music and represents the sophisticated musical traditions of Iran. The setar is a Persian plucked string instrument with a small body and four strings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Setar?: The setar is a Persian plucked string instrument with a small body and four strings. It's central to Persian classical music and is often used to provide the main melodic line in ensembles. The instrument produces a d…
Where does the Setar come from?: Setar is documented in this archive as a string tradition associated with Iran. Open the culture guide from this page for regional context.
How difficult is the Setar to learn?: Difficulty varies by player and pedagogy. Use the difficulty field in the quick facts panel as a relative guide, then listen to specimen audio and explore related instruments in the same family.

Discovery web

Related artifacts

Swipe →