Sonorous Taraf string set. Full replacement set of strings for the sitar. For the 7 main string style.String gages and approximate lengths are as follows. .012 copper 73 inches.013 copper 72 inches
.016 bronze 72 inches
.011 steel 72 inches
.010 steel 72 inches
.007 steel 65 inches
.007 steel 67 inches
Two 67 inch coils for sympathetic strings are .007 gage.
There are a number of string makers producing a variety of string sets that differ in the quality of the wire, the gauge or thickness of the wire, and the type of metal. If you are trying to decide which to use here are some guidelines. English and German makers tend to use high quality, high carbon steel; they are therefore more expensive than Indian sets. The trade off is that high carbon steel is also more prone to rust in a humid climates. If the wire quality is the same, than thinner gauge wires are easier to bend when playing, than heavier gauges. The trade off is that you lose the lower bass notes with the thinner gage wire. When it comes to the type of metal, brass vs bronze, it is a matter of taste. Bronze has a warmer sound than brass. The trade off is that bronze is more "stretchy" than brass, so it goes out of tune easier.