Description: The sehtar is a four stringed long necked lute and a member of the chordophone family. It is a very close relative to the tanbur. In Farsi the name "sehtar" translates into "three strings". During the 19th century a fourth string was added by a sehtar master and Sufi Moshtagh Ali Shah. The strings are quite delicate so finger nails make desired plectrum. This method of playing gives the sehtar its delicate tone. The components of the sehtar are constructed individually, from the staved body, to the neck and tuning pegs. The soundboard is made from two separate pieces of wood that are glued together. The frets are adjustable and they are made from animal gut. The first two strings are steel, where as the other two strings are made from brass.