The Electronic Sitar Controller

This paper describes the design of an Electronic Sitar controller, a digitally modified version of Saraswati's (the Hindu Goddess of Music) 19-stringed, pumpkin shelled, traditional North Indian instrument. The ESitar uses sensor technology to extract gestural information from a performer, deducing music information such as pitch, pluck timing, thumb pressure, and 3-axes of head tilt to trigger real-time sounds and graphics. It allows for a variety of traditional sitar technique as well as new performance methods. Graphical feedback allows for artistic display and pedagogical feedback. The ESitar uses a programmable Atmel microprocessor which outputs control messages via a standard MIDI jack.