Design and playing
The dhadd is made of wood with thin a waist like an hourglass. The skin on both sides is tightened with ropes that help in holding the instrument firmly together. Its design is very similar to other Indian drums: the simple Damru, the Udukai, and the sophisticated Idakka. The Damru has knotted cords to strike its ends, but the Dhadd lacks such cords. The Damru is played by shaking/rotating quickly so that the knotted cords strike its ends, and is also played with a stick sometimes. The Udukai and the Dhad have similar techniques of playing, but the social significance is different.
- Playing
The Dhadd is played by tapping/striking fingers on one of its ends. The pitch of the drum is raised by tightening a small cloth band wrapped around the waist of the drum. Closed and open sounds can also be produced.
