Saeid Sadeghi – A Visionary in Musical Instrument Innovation
Saeid Sadeghi was born on March 1, 1971, in a small town between two major cities. From an early age, he showed a deep curiosity for music and craftsmanship. His journey began with an interest in theater and Western musical instruments, particularly the keyboard. However, everything changed when he encountered traditional instruments—especially the santur. This discovery ignited a passion that would shape his entire career.
Without formal mentorship, Sadeghi embarked on a path of self-learning. Through years of dedication, he reached a level of mastery that even seasoned musicians admired. By the time he was 25, his skills and craftsmanship were widely recognized.
Innovations in Traditional Instruments
Sadeghi was never one to follow the beaten path. Instead, he constantly sought to reinvent and improve traditional instruments. His journey into instrument design began in 2001 when he collaborated with musicians and craftsmen to develop the fiberglass tar. Unlike the traditional wooden version, this tar featured a lightweight fiberglass body, producing a distinct sound that appealed to a new generation of musicians.
His creativity didn’t stop there. In 2004, he introduced the striped tar, a visually striking instrument that combined elegance with exceptional tonal clarity. This masterpiece was a testament to his precision and artistic vision.
Then came the two-sided santur in 2007—a groundbreaking design that allowed musicians to tune each side of the instrument differently. This innovation expanded the instrument’s range and versatility, enabling musicians to switch between different tonal scales effortlessly.
In 2009, Sadeghi introduced the electric santur, designed for modern living. With a near-silent acoustic output and the ability to connect to headphones, this instrument was perfect for practice in small apartments without disturbing neighbors.
Not one to stop at a single innovation, he later developed the Flexi Santur, also known as the Glass Santur. This instrument maintained the essence of a traditional santur while offering a softer, more controlled sound. Its unique material composition created a refined and ethereal tone, making it highly sought after by musicians looking for something different.
Collaborations with Masters
In 2003, Sadeghi had the honor of working with the legendary master Ebrahim Ghanbari Mehr. During their collaboration, he helped bring to life one of Ghanbari Mehr’s designs—an exquisite santur crafted from walnut wood. This experience further solidified Sadeghi’s reputation as a bold and innovative instrument maker. His ability to translate the ideas of great masters into reality set him apart in the world of musical craftsmanship.
Advancing Percussion Instruments
Sadeghi’s innovations weren’t limited to string instruments. In 2003, he turned his attention to percussion, pioneering the fiberglass tombak. This drum was lighter and more resistant to humidity, making it a favorite among musicians who frequently performed in various climates.
Four years later, in 2008, he unveiled the electric tombak, a revolutionary percussion instrument designed for high-humidity environments. Equipped with a built-in heating element, this tonbak ensured the drumhead remained in perfect tune, eliminating the common problem of pitch fluctuations caused by weather changes.
Understanding the Santur Seal and Its Impact on Quality
Saeid Sadeghi’s deep involvement in crafting santurs has naturally led to questions about the Santur Seal (mohr)—a marking that signifies a santur’s quality and authenticity. Many buyers encounter one-seal (yek mehr) and two-seal (do mohr) santurs, which can cause confusion, especially given the price differences.
What is the Santur Seal?
Traditionally, santur making has required exceptional skill, and each instrument’s sound varies even among pieces crafted by the same artisan. Over time, makers needed a way to distinguish their best work. The seal became a symbol of craftsmanship approval, with makers stamping their instruments based on their personal satisfaction with the final product.
If a santur met basic quality standards, it received one seal. If the instrument exhibited superior craftsmanship, sound balance, and precision, it earned two seals. The rarest and finest santurs sometimes received three seals, though this is uncommon.
When Did the Santur Seal Begin?
Historically, some master builders would destroy any instrument that didn’t meet their high standards. However, this led to financial loss. To solve this, they introduced the seal system: rather than discarding instruments, they categorized them by quality and priced them accordingly.
This system continues today among renowned santur makers, helping musicians distinguish between different levels of craftsmanship.
Key Differences Between One-Seal and Two-Seal Santurs
The seal system doesn’t define absolute quality—a musician’s personal preference and the instrument’s sound remain the true measures. However, there are some general differences:
- Size & Dimensions – Two-seal santurs are often slightly larger, offering more resonance and projection.
- Material & Build Quality – Higher-seal santurs are crafted with more precision, using carefully selected wood and finer construction methods.
- Sound Clarity & Sustain – Two-seal santurs typically have better tonal balance, producing a more refined and even sound.
Does the Seal Matter When Buying a Santur?
For beginners, the number of seals shouldn’t be the primary concern. Instead, factors such as wood quality, tuning stability, and overall sound should take priority. A well-made one-seal santur can be an excellent choice for a student, while professionals may appreciate the finer qualities of a two-seal or three-seal instrument.
Where is the Santur Seal Located?
The placement of the seal varies by maker. Some artisans stamp the seal on the soundboard, while others engrave it into the instrument’s frame. Some even use their name instead of a seal to personalize their work.
A Legacy of Innovation
Through decades of dedication, Sadeghi has proven that tradition and innovation can coexist, paving the way for future generations of musicians to explore new sonic possibilities.
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