— a musical instrument invented by Uday Shankar
Chitravenu is a new composite musical instrument that combines a continuous pitch wind instrument and a plucked string instrument. It is probably the first serious alternative (i,e., apart from toys and gimmicks) wind instrument since the saxophone which was introduced about 150 years ago.
The wind instrument section of the Chitravenu is capable of producing a continuum of pitches in a fashion that is highly suited to playing Indian classical music both of the Carnatic and Hindustani systems.
The string section of the chitravenu is a custom built zither with three sections
1) A tambura tuned the traditional way as P-S-S-s to the shruti or tonic, typically D to E
2) three sets of 4 strings each, tuned to chords relevant to the raga chosen
3) 18 strings which are tuned to the scale of the raga being improvised. The wind section is played with one hand, and the other hand is used to pluck or strum the stings. The combination of plucked strings and sliding wind offers an exciting soundscape.
C : H : I : T : R : A : V : E : N : U 
Uday,
This is such an impressive achievement. I love the versatility of the instrument, and even though you’ve been practicing and innovating for such a short time, it is obvious that this instrument has great potential, not just in Indian Classical Music, but as you pointed out, as a parallel to the trombone in Western music as well. The instrument has a very earthy sound to it, very acoustic, as you point out. I’m looking forward to hearing more music from this instrument. Congratulations!
Raghav
Beautiful and creative, I would love to have one.
Chitra Venu is a fantastic combination of strings & wind. We @ Jalgaon, M.S. working and dedicated in the field of Indian Clasical Music. Can you play Hindustani & Karnataka both the style ? This is a new clasical instrument invented by you. This should to all the corners of the globe. Can we arrange your performance (Lecture & Demo Type) at Jalgaon ? Send me your contact number for personal communication or feel free to call me on 9422778811 or 9422774911.
Thanks & Regards
Deeepak
Very interesting Instrument and the sound is good,pleasing to ear.
Navratri ki shubhkamnaye
awesome…
🙏🇮🇳
Thank you !
Inspiring – organic resonance that is very contemplatively resolving in a meditative form. Underexposed. Overdue.
How may I obtain one?
Thanks Carl. Not yet ready for multiple prototypes but will keep you informed. Trust all well. Best Uday