Raagini - not something you eat

It’s called a Raagini – an electric version of the Indian tanpura which looks similar to a sitar. I’ve been using samples of tanpuras on All India Radio albums for years and then I discovered this little beauty. I was introduced to it by Ricky Maymi (who plays in Steve Kilbey’s Painkiller, Brian Jonestown Massacre among others). The Raagini is a 'drone' machine but unlike my samples, you can very easily change the pitch and tone with the press of a button. They’re not easy to come by - I had to import it from India. It is probably the only instrument in the world that has a dial with two settings called: ‘Ladies’ & ‘Gents.’ Worth the price just for that!












I can see my future albums chock full of this weird instrument.