The sitar is the classical lute of India with a fretted neck, a gourd body with 7 fingered strings and 11 sympathetic strings.- Plain Steel & Plain Golden Alloy- Loop-Ends- String Gauges: Plain Steel .012p, Plain Golden Alloy .022PG, .028PG, Plain Steel .009p, .008p x 11- Made in the USA with American Wire- Packaged using MAP Technology (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) to prevent tarnishing and ensure freshness