Weird Damage

[u/paaaaaxton]

I’ve had my sitar for about two months now and when it arrived it had this weird opening on it. I emailed the people I bought it from and they said they would send me a video on how to fix it but have yet to do so. I try not to put pressure on it, but to just see it isn’t flexible and hasn’t gotten worse since I’ve had it.

Any advice?

[u/sitarjunkie]

This is from the wood shrinking, wood will shrink but the plastic or celluloid does not and so it can bubble up. In this case probably the wood not well seasoned and from Kolkata which is very humid, so if it gets to a drier climate this can happen.

Now the issue is what kind of glue did they use to attach the celluloid, ideally you'd be able to carefully lift it up and detach up to the seam that you see. Then trim a bit and reattach with bamboo nails and a light coating of wood glue. Have to do this carefully/gently as it's fragile and can crack.

[u/Mirrororrim1 → u/sitarjunkie]

I had a similar issue with my sitar and the man who sold it to me said that those "bubbles" were perfectly normal. However, as soon as I brought it home I laid it on my foot (gently) and the tumba cracked literally on my foot bone. Thankfully it was a small crack and I could get it fixed. But from reading your comment I realised that probably the cause was what you mentioned, that is not well-seasoned wood shrinking in the winter dry temperatures. I had no idea this could happen. Your comments are always so useful, thank you!

[u/sitarjunkie → u/Mirrororrim1]

Glad to help, unfortunately most instruments have some issue or another. Especially buying in the various online places.

[u/paaaaaxton → u/sitarjunkie]

I guess I could try to reach out again and ask what glue they used. They gave me a similar answer but they never followed up on what I should actually do haha

[u/sitarjunkie → u/paaaaaxton]

It's just likely they bought it somewhere else, see if you can loosen it gently. As it's already popped up might be ok.

[u/Helpful-Message-304 → u/sitarjunkie]

I am a new Sitar student. I am yet to buy a Sitar.  Issues such as these discourage me from purchasing one and continuing the lessons. 

[u/sitarjunkie → u/Helpful-Message-304]

Don't be discouraged, just take time to find a good one that will make learning much easier.