Online santur and santoor tuner
Persian santur and Indian santoor are hammered zithers with different bridge layouts and tuning traditions. This page starts in free mode. Choose the sounding note, octave and cents for each group according to your instrument, without an imposed universal scale.
Checking santur and santoor
The map depends on the instrument and repertoire. This table guides measurement without assigning universal notes to bridges.
| Element | What to check |
|---|---|
| Bridge and segment | The exact location specified in the tuning map |
| String group | Each string alone before the combined sound |
| Scale and microtonal intervals | Targets specified by the dastgah or raga |
How to use it
- Select your instrument's profile; in free mode, set the manual target note and octave.
- In free mode, confirm the manual target note and octave, set A4 and cents to match your reference, then enable the microphone.
- Isolate one string, mute its neighbours and play gently. Wait for a stable reading after the attack.
- Check note, octave and cents before moving the peg or pin slowly. Repeat for every string.
Help and explanations
The microphone measures one note at a time and displays frequency and deviation in cents. Check the octave as well as the note name: a string in another register can appear in tune. Hear the target before adjusting, then stop the reference tone while measuring your string.
One bridge can define several sounding regions
Bridges divide strings into segments; striking another side can produce a different pitch. Identify which segment your tuning map describes before measuring. Within a group, isolate each string and then compare the combined sound: striking them together can hide an out-of-tune companion.
The tool measures pitch but does not decide bridge positions or replace a maker's setup. Moving a bridge can affect two segments and the timbre. For everyday tuning, keep your instrument's map nearby and check each group again after the first pass.
Reference pitch, transposition and capture
A4 starts at 440 Hz; changing it shifts all references. Transposition moves targets in semitones, while cents add a small offset. In string profiles, capture recalculates A4 from the first target, even when another string is selected. In free mode, select the manual note and octave before capturing. This follows a known sound rather than discovering a traditional tuning automatically.
Tips
- Use the correct key and make small adjustments; check which string segment you are measuring.
- Measure close to the microphone in a quiet place, and stop reference tones while listening to your string.
- Check the tuning again after the first pass: tension and temperature can move strings already measured.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one standard santur tuning?
No. Models, registers and repertoires vary. For Persian santur, follow the dastgah and school; for Indian santoor, follow the raga and instrument map. Manual targets are available.
Can I check quarter tones?
You can enter an offset in cents from the chosen chromatic note. Do not assume every traditional interval is exactly 50 cents: follow the reference of your school or performer.
What does capturing a reference do?
Capture recalibrates A4 from the first target in a string profile. In free mode, its anchor is the selected manual target, including during automatic detection. Check that note and octave before capturing.
Why does the display show another octave?
Other strings, resonance and harmonics can dominate the reading. Mute other sounds and play again. Do not tighten a string by a whole octave just to follow an unstable reading.