M2 Shruti Box
The M2 was developed as an option to the darker coloured M1 Shruti Box. Made from ‘tun’ a solid hard-wood traditionally used to make Sarods, the M2 has a characteristic bright, warm and clear tone throughout the frequency range. With less immersive resonance than the M1, it is popular with singers who enjoy hearing their voice distinct from the drone.
About the size of an average laptop computer, and weighing in at around 2.6 kg, (5.7lbs), the M2 strikes a good balance of size and function, offering portability and good sustain. It is easy and satisfying to play and has a smooth, quiet bellows action.
Hand-built and fine-tuned to a high specification, the M2 Shruti Box has proven itself as a reliable and trusted musical instrument in demanding performance situations, on concert tours and in the recording studio. Available in 2 keys, C and Low G
- 13 tone chromatic scale keyboard
- Reeds fine-tuned & voiced to A440 Hz
- Maintenance kit with reed tool
- Carry case, user guide & chord chart
- 12 month parts & labour warranty
Select key to view:
C
M2 C
Light gauge brass reeds are used to produce a vibrant, harmonious sounding drone with subtle harmonics. The tone is felt mostly in the chest and head. This offers a useful support for exploring and developing the singing voice.
The highest key in our range, the M2 C has a thirteen tone chromatic scale range corresponding to C3 – C4 on the piano. It is a natural match for the female voice, the male tenor and children’s voices. Some men with lower pitched, bass and baritone voices choose the C because they like the sound and want to develop their upper register.
Higher pitched drone chords occupy a part of the frequency spectrum which allows the drone to blend well in the musical mix together with other instruments. The M2 C can add a driving energy to the music, or played softly can weave in and out, adding colour and texture. C is a popular key with flute, clarinet, guitar and other lead instrument players.
M2 C Technical Specification
| Tonal Range | One octave, thirteen tone, chromatic scale keyboard ranging from C3 to C4 (piano equivalent). |
|---|---|
| Pitch | Reeds fine-tuned to A=440 Hz standard concert. |
| Reeds | Light gauge brass reeds for a responsive, bright tone with subtle harmonics. |
| Tonewoods | Tun (Cederla Toona) body. Teak (Tectona grandis) hardwood reed-board. |
| Dynamics control | The counter-balanced dual bellows are smooth running and free of mechanical noise due to our new torsion-spring system. This unique design makes playing easy and satisfying, with optimum control over sustain and sound levels, from loud and strong through to soft and quiet. Wood finish Dark mahogany colour with wood grain showing through. |
| Wood finish | Natural light cherry colour with grain showing through. |
| Bellows colour | Red with repeating white bindi pattern design. |
| Metal fittings | Brass screws, handle, feet and catch-plate. |
| Weight | 2.6 kg (average) |
| Dimensions | 38 x 25 x 6.5 cm |
Low G
M2 Low G
Thicker gauge bronze reeds are used for a deep and rich sounding drone felt mostly in the chest and abdomen.
Five semitones lower than the C, the M2 Low G is the lowest key in our range. With a thirteen tone chromatic scale range corresponding to G2 – G3 on the piano, it is a natural match for the male bass and baritone voice.
The Low G is also played by female singers who want a deep, strong sounding instrument as a contrast for the higher voice. Overtone singers use the Low G to create deep drone chords which support their singing style.
The Low G is the most popular key in our range for instrumental musicians. The combination of a low drone accompaniment and higher pitched instruments creates an immersive full tone-spectrum experience which can be very inspiring for players and listeners alike. Lead instruments such as flutes, saxophones, violins and guitars are brought to the fore by the use of a low background drone.
The versatile Low G enables lighter sounding higher pitched chords such as C major to also be made on the same keyboard. This can open up a new musical possibilities. The Low G is well suited to most hand-pan (hang, halo) tunings and the timbres of both instruments sound good together.
M2 Low G Technical Specification
| Tonal Range | One octave, thirteen tone, chromatic scale keyboard ranging from G2 to G3 (piano equivalent). |
|---|---|
| Pitch | Reeds fine-tuned to A=440 Hz standard concert. |
| Reeds | Light–medium gauge bronze reeds for definition and richness in the lower register. |
| Tonewoods | Tun (Cederla Toona) body. Teak (Tectona grandis) hardwood reed-board. |
| Dynamics control | The counter-balanced dual bellows are smooth running and free of mechanical noise due to our new torsion-spring system. This unique design makes playing easy and satisfying, with optimum control over sustain and sound levels, from loud and strong through to soft and quiet. Wood finish Dark mahogany colour with wood grain showing through. |
| Wood finish | Natural light cherry colour with grain showing through. |
| Bellows colour | Red with repeating white bindi pattern design. |
| Metal fittings | Brass screws, handle, feet and catch-plate. |
| Weight | 2.6 kg (average) |
| Dimensions | 38 x 25 x 6.5 cm |
