M1



M1 Shruti Box

An unrivalled instrument within its class, the M1 has become a familiar sight in musical venues, homes and Yoga studios around the world. It is loved by singers, sounders and meditators for its rich, harmonious tone and full bodied resonance. About the size of an average laptop computer, and weighing in at around 2.6 kg, (5.7lbs), the M1 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 M1 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 3 keys, C, A#(Bb) and Low G.



  • 13 tone chromatic scale keyboard
  • Reeds fine-tuned & voiced to A440 Hz
  • Carry case, user guide & chord chart
  • Maintenance kit with reed tool
  • 12 month parts & labour warranty



Select key to view:

C


M1 C

Light gauge brass reeds are used to produce a vibrant, harmonious sounding drone with subtle harmonics. The full-bodied resonance 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 M1 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 M1 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.

Played slowly, the M1 C will create a softer, quieter sounding drone. This has made it a popular choice for music therapists and healing practitioners. Read more about the quality of our instruments.


C tuning keyboard layout



M1 C Technical Specification

Tonal RangeOne octave, thirteen tone, chromatic scale keyboard ranging from C3 to C4 (piano equivalent).
PitchReeds fine-tuned to A=440 Hz standard concert.
ReedsLight gauge brass reeds for a responsive, bright tone with subtle harmonics.
TonewoodsPine (pinus) softwood body. Teak (Tectona grandis) reed-board.
Dynamics controlThe 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 finishDark mahogany colour with wood grain showing through.
Bellows colour Violet with repeating white bindi pattern design.
Metal fittingsBrass screws, handle, feet and catch-plate.
Weight2.5 kg (average)
Dimensions38 x 25 x 6.5 cm





A#



M1 A#(Bb)

Light gauge brass reeds are used to produce a vibrant, harmonious sounding drone with subtle harmonics. The full-bodied resonance is felt mostly in the chest and head. This offers a useful support for exploring and developing the singing voice.

Only two semitones lower than the C, the A#(Bb) has a little extra bass, yet retains some of the Cs lighter sounding qualities.

With a thirteen tone chromatic scale range corresponding to A#/Bb2 – A#/Bb3 on the piano, this model is well suited for male baritone/tenor voices and female tenor. It is an excellent choice for female singers seeking to bring out more depth in their voice.

The M1 A#(Bb) was initially developed for group voice work and is recommended for group leaders working with both men and women. In this register, most people are able to comfortably sing a whole octave range without strain. Read more about the quality of our instruments.


A# keyboard layout


M1 A# Technical specification

Tonal RangeOne octave, thirteen tone, chromatic scale keyboard ranging from A#2 to A#3 (piano equivalent).
PitchReeds fine-tuned to A=440 Hz standard concert.
ReedsLight gauge brass reeds for a responsive, bright tone with subtle harmonics.
TonewoodsPine (pinus) softwood body. Teak (Tectona grandis) 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 finishDark mahogany colour with wood grain showing through.
Bellows colour Violet with repeating white bindi pattern design.
Metal fittingsBrass screws, handle, feet and catch-plate.
Weight2.5 kg (average)
Dimensions38 x 25 x 6.5 cm




Low G



M1 Low G

Light–medium 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 M1 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. Read more about the quality of our instruments.


G keyboard layout


M1 Low G Technical specification

Tonal RangeOne octave, thirteen tone, chromatic scale keyboard ranging from G2 to G3 (piano equivalent).
PitchReeds fine-tuned to A=440 Hz standard concert.
ReedsLight–medium gauge bronze reeds for definition and richness in the lower register.
TonewoodsPine (pinus) softwood body. Teak (Tectona grandis) 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 finishDark mahogany colour with wood grain showing through.
Bellows colour Violet with repeating white bindi pattern design.
Metal fittingsBrass screws, handle, feet and catch-plate.
Weight2.5 kg (average)
Dimensions38 x 25 x 6.5 cm