My name is Klaas Janssens, founder of SiTAR FAcToRY, a workshop and creative space dedicated to the building, restoration, and evolution of the sitar. What began in 1992 as a personal fascination with this remarkable instrument has grown into a place where traditional craftsmanship meets experimentation.
Crafting & Restoring Sitars
From joint reinforcement and neck straightening to string action fine-tuning and structural repair, every restoration is executed with precision, using a combination of traditional materials and modern techniques.
In my workshop I build custom instruments, repair and restore sitars of all kinds, and explore new design ideas. My projects include the Solid Body Sitar, the Hybrid Sitar, the New Style Sitars, and the fully transparent See-Tar, created for renowned musician Purbayan Chatterjee. I also built plexiglass sitars for Arijit Singh, extending my work into major contemporary music settings.
Supporting World-Renowned Artists
Alongside my building and research, I work as a sitar-tech for Anoushka Shankar, supporting her instruments on tour in Europe ensuring reliability, stability, and sound excellence.
A Space for Curiosity
SiTAR FAcToRY wants to be a source of inspiration for young makers to, firstly, meet the fine artwork of sitar making & repair which Kartar Chand Sharma & Hari Chand Sharma have been producing since so many years (unfortunately, none of them have successors; their “gharana” has actually ceased to exist) and, secondly, to continue, inspire and improve inventing and developing new techniques on making, maintenance & repair of Indian Classical Music Instruments further on.
My Approach
I work with respect for tradition while remaining open to innovation. Every instrument has its own story, and my goal is to help musicians get the best out of theirs: better playability, stability, sound, and longevity.
My Customers
Anoushka Shankar – Arijit Singh – Arnaud Eurin – Ashok Nair – Ashok Pathak – Bert Cornelis – Carlo Strazzante – Cécile Delorme – Daniel Schlüsselberger – Dhruba Ghosh – Greet Meert – Guillaume Cazalet – Hans Vermunt – Hans Wettstein – Hasse Engberg – Jan Moens – Jan van Beek – Joachim Lacrosse – Joël Van Roode – Jonathan Mayer – Joyeeta Sanyal – Jukka Mäkinen – Kyle Shankar – Lennert Theys – Martine Mergeay – Matyas Wolter – Max Walter – Michel Andina – Miranda Raffo – Nathalie Pieltain – Nico Mortelmans – Nicolas Delmarcelle – Olivier Leclercq – Purbayan Chatterjee – Quentin Chouffart – Robin Beumier – Romain Carlier – Sayeeduddin Dagar – Stanley Christiaensen – Steven Neyt – Tim Vanhamel – Tom Theuns – Tommy Khosla – Visjal Auwerx – Willem van Langendonck – Wim Winter – Yovanny Adant – Zach Ferrara
My Thanks
None of this would have been possible without the invaluable support, guidance, and inspiration of Tine Vercruysse, the late Swamidji Dhyanabyananda, and the late masters Kartar Chand Sharma and Hari Chand Sharma. Their influence has shaped my work in countless ways, and I remain sincerely and deeply grateful to them.
Welcome to SiTAR FAcToRY
This is a weblog..:
It is a casual magazine about sitar making & repair.
This means that I try to contribute an article at regular times, though this may vary from daily to monthly or more. Depending on the time I can spend at that moment.
The most recent article will always be on top when entering the blog; you can easily find it under Home.
Don’t hesitate to leave a comment on any article you want to. The first time your comment will need my approval. This can take some time (1 to 2 days,) but your next comments will be published immediately.
Thank you for visiting!
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