Capturing the Soulful Sounds of the Santuri in Cyprus

The Global Sound Movement (GSM) undertook an extraordinary journey to document the resonant tones of the santuri, a traditional hammered dulcimer deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean musical traditions. From its origins in Iran, Kuwait, and Syria, the santuri has woven its way through cultures, finding a home in Cyprus, where it continues to enchant audiences with its unique tonal qualities.

The Challenge: Finding a Santuri Player
The search for a skilled santuri player in Cyprus was no small task. After weeks of inquiries, the team finally connected with Vanessa, a seasoned musician with an impressive international portfolio. Initially unaware of GSM’s efforts to contact her due to a technical glitch, Vanessa serendipitously found their messages just days before the team was set to leave. She displayed extraordinary generosity and enthusiasm and invited the team into her home for a recording session.

A Warm Welcome and Perfect Preparations
Vanessa, alongside her welcoming roommates, greeted the GSM team with genuine Cypriot hospitality—food, drinks, and a warm sense of community. Her dedication to the project was evident in the three hours she spent tuning the santuri before the session began.

The instrument itself is a marvel: it features 27 notes across three sections—bass, middle, and higher octaves. With the highest “F” note repeated twice, the santuri delivers a total of 25 unique tones, all resonating with rich, textured beauty.

A Recording Session to Remember
The GSM team brought an arsenal of recording equipment to capture the santuri’s unique soundscape. Using a combination of DPA microphones, AKG C414 microphones, and a Zoom H6 recorder, they meticulously set up and tested multiple configurations to achieve the perfect sound. Visual documentation was equally thorough, with GoPros and cameras capturing every angle of Vanessa’s performance.

Watching Vanessa perform was as inspiring as it was educational. Striking the strings with soft-covered hammers, she brought out the instrument’s vibrant, resonant tones. Her skilled hands dampened and controlled the strings with a fluidity that showcased the santuri’s dynamic range. The resulting recordings were nothing short of magical.

Bringing the Santuri to the World
The recordings of the santuri have since been transformed into sampler instruments for digital platforms. These tools now empower musicians around the world to integrate the authentic sounds of the santuri into their compositions, bridging cultural boundaries through music.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Cultural Preservation
The santuri project exemplifies GSM’s commitment to preserving and sharing the sounds of the world’s musical heritage. Beyond the technical achievements, this session highlighted the power of collaboration, serendipity, and a shared love for music. Thanks to Vanessa’s generosity and the dedication of the GSM team, the soulful tones of the santuri will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.