How the dollu makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the dollu belongs to the struck drums: a stretched membrane (drumhead) is struck with hands or beaters.
More broadly it is one of the membranophones (drums), where sound comes from a vibrating stretched membrane.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The dollu is a double-headed drum native to Karnataka, India. It is classified as a membranophone. The heads are made of sheep or goat skin and the frame is made of honne or mango tree wood. The instrument is used mostly in theatrical dances with religious or mythological themes. It is carried by means of a belt or harness and struck with the hand or a short stick. It is loud, low pitched and not particularly tonal.
Other struck drums
Frequently asked questions
What does a dollu sound like?
As one of the struck drums, its sound comes from the way a stretched membrane (drumhead) is struck with hands or beaters.
What type of instrument is the dollu?
It is classified as struck drums (Hornbostel–Sachs 211.222.1).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q5289312 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Dollu – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Jackerhack at en.wikipedia – CC BY-SA 2.5