The Belabaharr is a unique instrument that combines the tonal effects of a Sarangi with the convenience of a violin, conceived by Pt. Babulal Gandharva.
Details of the construction of Belabaharr
Traditionally Indian instrument from the Sarangi family& its principles with the easy technique of Violin. No operation or modification of any other instrument as has always been done in the case of Harmonium ,Guitar or Sitar. Belabaharr has its own individuality
A block of 200yrs old Burma teak wood is carved same as in sarod or sarangi .same with the use of skin & it’s a one piece instrument not like Violin which is a joint of plys. the slid wood gives a roundness ,fullness & deep sound suitable for Indian music more. There are 5 main strings & 23 sympathetic strings (Tarab) 15 are constructed like Sarod or Sarangi but the remaining 8 strings are constructed in a scientific manner under the finger board which has the 5 main strings on which the bow is used.
Under the bridge there is a special leather belt strip which keeps the balance & bears the heavy tension of all the strings. Fine tuners are attached at the upper part which enable the artist to tune the instrument instantly in not more than couple of minutes where as it almost takes 15 to 20 mts in other Indian tarab instruments. Except the metal part like strings each & every thing is made by Pt.Babulal Gandharv without the use of any artisan or carpenter
It is a versatile instrument which has been almost used in most forms of music such as classical ,folk ,devotional,film music ,contemporary or world music. Belabaharr is complete with traditional, musical ,visual, spiritual sense. The unique sound of Belabaharr has been appreciated by eminent musicians like padma vibhushan Pt.Ram Narayan,Ustad Zakir Hussain,A.R.Rahman,,Marat Bisengaliev,Kenny G,Vanessa Mae,Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar,Ustad Ghulam Ali,Laxmikant Pyarelal.Anup Jalota,Pankaj Udhas,Naushad sahab