If you’ve been drawn to the soothing, grounding sound of the Shruti box, you’re not alone. Whether you're just getting started with sound healing or you're looking to add a deeper drone to your voice or instrument work, choosing the right one makes all the difference.
Shopping online opens up options—but also questions. Which size is best? What tuning should you go for? And does it need to be portable?
Let’s break down what really matters when you're ready to buy a Shruti box online, so you can find the one that fits your practice—not just your shelf.
What Is a Shruti Box?
Think of it as your steady companion during chants, meditations, or live sessions. A Shruti box is a reed instrument that produces a continuous drone, used in Indian classical music, sound therapy, and mantra work. It creates a stable sonic foundation that enhances voice, bowls, or other instruments.
1. What It's Made Of Affects How It Sounds
The tone and reliability of a Shruti box often come down to the materials used.
- Solid wood like teak or quality Indian hardwood helps produce a warm, rich sound that holds up over time.
- The bellows should open and close smoothly without squeaking or gaps—this controls how steady your drone will be.
At Brooklyn Healing Arts, our Standard Professional Shruti Box (C2-C3) is built to support daily use, with a balanced sound that works beautifully for vocals, harmonics, and healing sessions.
2. Tuning Ranges: What Notes Do You Actually Need?
If you’re mainly using the Shruti box to support your voice or chant practice, a basic range like C2 to C3 gives you all the grounding tones you need. It’s a great starting point for most Western and Indian music applications.
On the other hand, if you plan to shift between styles or collaborate with different instruments, a wider range—like a full 3-octave model—offers more flexibility.
Our 3-Octave Shruti Box, made in collaboration with Monoj Kr. Sardar, gives you the extra reach to explore without switching instruments mid-set.
👉 Check out the 3-octave version
3. Size and Portability: Are You Bringing It On the Go?
If your work involves traveling—to yoga studios, workshops, or retreats—you’ll want something compact enough to carry without hassle.
- Smaller boxes are easier to pack and handle but may offer a more limited sound.
- Larger models produce fuller resonance but can be heavier to transport.
Tip: If you’re in and out of sessions often, go for a mid-size option that balances sound with portability.
4. Acoustic or Electronic? Here’s How to Choose
You’ll find both acoustic and digital versions online, and each serves a different kind of user.
- Acoustic models offer a more organic feel. You interact with the instrument physically through the bellows, and the sound is naturally produced.
- Electronic boxes offer consistent volume and tone without pumping, which can be convenient—but the feel is quite different.
At Brooklyn Healing Arts, we focus on acoustic Shruti boxes because they tend to feel more alive in the room, making them a favorite among sound healers, vocalists, and meditators.
5. What Makes a Shruti Box Beginner-Friendly?
Starting out? Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- A simple layout with clearly marked notes
- A manageable tuning range (C2–C3 is ideal)
- Smooth, reliable airflow
Our Standard Professional Shruti Box is a favorite for those new to the practice. It's easy to use, lightweight, and offers a grounded tone that pairs well with most voices and instruments.
Choose the Shruti Box That Supports Your Sound Journey
Buying your first Shruti box (or upgrading to a more versatile one) should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Think about how you’ll use it, what tones you want access to, and whether portability matters in your setup.
At Brooklyn Healing Arts, we’ve chosen Shruti boxes that hold up in daily practice and offer depth and warmth you can feel—whether you're humming, chanting, or guiding a group through deep sound work.