Best Dhol Drum, Best Dhol Drum Brands & Best Dholak
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The double-headed drum dhols are one of the most famous kinds of percussion instrument and have been used for years. With different regional variations, these are extensively used in the Indian sub-continent. Particularly, the Punjabi Dhol is most popular because of its significant place in the folk-hop Punjabi music.
What are the Best Dhol Drums to Buy?
2) Maharaja Musicals Dholak Drum
- Handmade
- Professionally Tested
- Great Sound
- Great Value
- Quality Skin
1) Special Dholak Drum by Maharaja Musicals
- Elegantly Designed
- High Quality
- Popular Choice
- Sheesham Wood
- Professionally Tested
- Handmade
3) Maharaja Musicals Bhangra Dhol Drum
- Handcrafted
- Nylon Strap
- Beautiful Sound
- Comfortable Playing
Structure
The basic structural design is usually the same involving a double-sided drum. The size can vary in different regions. Usually, the bulky and large ones are used and they produce a strong and loud bass sound. They come in a vast variety of shapes and sizes and different construction materials are used.
The basic structure comprises a wooden barrel whose both open ends are completely covered either the synthetic skin or by animal hide. The skin can be loosened or tightened to change the pitch of the sound and it can be done simply either by adjusting the nuts and bolts or the interwoven ropes.
The stretched skin on one of the ends is thinner than the other. The thicker one delivers a deep and loud bass with low frequency while the thinner skin produces the sound of high frequency. Usually, the dhols comprising plastic or other synthetic skin are used.
Wood for drums
If you want to buy a dhol drum, the most important factor that you should consider is the wood that it is made up of. Usually, the dhol drums are constructed of Indian rosewood that features great strength, beautiful color, and natural grains. Some are also made of Sheesham wood.
Mango wood
Mango wood is a medium choice when it comes to drum dhol construction due to its low density. The drums made of this wood might began to degrade over time. Moreover, their sound quality can be maintained with proper protection. Those who have mango wood drums should keep on painting them to protect them. The starters can go for this one.
Raw Sheesham
Some dhol drums are made with the Sheesham wood which is not fully aged. These drums have light and dark gradients on the surface which makes it look more beautiful. This wood is dense and gives a strong and powerful sound.
Ripe Sheesham
The fully ripe Sheesham wood is denser than both the above-mentioned woods and features commendable sound quality. The dhol comprising this wood delivers a bold and loud sound. It is the most expensive type of dhol and delivers phenomenal sound quality. Additionally, the dhols made with this wood are more durable.
Remember the sound quality depends on the type of wood used. Therefore, you should keep it in mind while buying one for yourself.
6 Best Dhol Drum Reviews and the Best Dhol Drum Brands
Following are the highlights of functional capabilities and product specifications of some of the most recommended dhol drums. Give it a read so that you can make a better buying decision.
1) Special Dholak Drum by Maharaja Musicals, Dholki Musicals Instrument (PDI-BBC)
This simple and elegantly designed instrument is 16 inches long and has an accurate symmetrical round shape. Made of high-quality wood, it has a robust structure and is known to be a concert grade dholak with powerful and loud sound.
It is made with dried Sheesham and thick skin is used that makes it a commendable sounding instrument. It has a dark wood color and wax polish. The bass skin size is about 9 inches and the treble skin is approximately 7 inches long. Furthermore, the bolt and nuts are Nickle plated. Its total weight is about 5 KGs.
If you really love dhols and want to have one with amazing sound quality and solid construction, this is your pick. It is a very smart choice that delivers wonderful performance at the very fair price.
This is handcrafted in India and is checked and tested properly to ensure high quality and smooth functioning. This special dholak can be tuned by both the bolt and the rope. A bolt spanner is provided with it. Moreover, a bag is also included in the package.
2) Maharaja Musicals Dholak Drum, Mango Wood
The model that we have selected is constructed with dried mango wood. It is simple in structure and design and comes in a light brown in color in symmetric round shape. This professional grade dholak is best for using in wedding ceremonies and other festive occasions.
It is handmade by the top professionals and is always tested before sending to the customer to ensure that they get the best instrument. This one offers solid structure, excellent tonal quality, and vibrant sound. Try this for once and you won’t regret choosing it.
The bass skin measures about 9 inches while the treble skin is approximately 7 inches in size. This dhol is about 5 KGs in weight. It is a bolt tuned dholak and comes complete with a free tuning spanner using which you can easily tune it. The bolts and nuts are all Nickle plated and the solid structure makes it a more reliable and robust instrument.
Interestingly, a good quality padded carry bag is also provided with this Dhol drum. You can keep your instrument in the bag and travel more easily. The bag will also prevent the dust from accumulating on the Dhol.
Considering the tone and sound, it is matchless. Add more life to your occasions by playing this dhol and enjoy its loud and bright sound.
3) Maharaja Musicals Bhangra Dhol Drum
This black colored dhol looks classy in appearance. It is a full-sized instrument that is 24 inches long and gives a wonderful playing experience. The bass skin size is about 13 inches while the treble skin is also approximately 13 inches long.
It is made with dried mango wood and is known to be a good quality dhol. The bass side comprises goatskin head and the treble skin has the synthetic head.
This is a strongly structured and handcrafted instrument that is made with great attention to detail. Additionally, it features Nickle plated bolts and nuts. The best part is, it is passed through a quality check and tested by the top professionals to ensure its proper functioning.
Comfortable and high-quality nylon straps are also added for the additional comfort so that you can easily carry it and play your best. Moreover, it comes complete with a tuning spanner and the playing sticks. Extra skin(synthetic) for one side is also provided. Thus, you won’t have to spend extra money.
4) SG Musical Black Sheesham Wood Bhangra Dhol
SG Musical is known for providing high-quality instruments that offer improved durability. The one mentioned here is one of their best sellers and has an excellent construction that shows amazing craftsmanship.
It has a dark wood color, barrel shape and comes with complementary decoration in traditional style take makes it look more appealing and you won’t have to spend extra money on its adornment. It is beautifully crafted with hand and is tested before the delivery to ensure superb playability.
This one is made of high-class Sheesham wood that makes it a more reliable instrument. The skin used is also wisely selected and it delivers clear and vibrant sound.
You will get free playing sticks with this dhol. One additional plastic skin is also provided. Moreover, nylon straps are also included in the package using which you can easily carry it around your neck. It comes complete with a free padded bag which is black in color. The addition of bag makes the portability easier and you can conveniently carry your dhol with yourself wherever you want.
5) Maharaja Junior Dhol – Natural Color – Mango Wood Dhol for Kids (PDI-BGD)
This junior dhol is a perfect choice for the kids. The young players are going to love this instrument. It is specifically constructed by keeping in mind the needs of enthusiastic kids and little players. They can enjoy practicing with this one for a long time as this robust instrument won’t get damaged easily.
Its length is 18 inches and it weighs about 3 to 4 KGs.The size of bass skin is approximately 13 inches and it consists of goatskin head while the treble skin is about 12 inches in size and it consists of the synthetic head. Furthermore, it comprises Nickle plated nuts and bolts.
This is made with dried mango wood and comes well-decorated with colorful phumans. A free nylon strap is also provided along with a set of drumsticks and a tuning spanner.
It is very easy to tune and offers a commendable playing experience. If you are looking for a dhol for your child, it is the most appropriate choice.
6) Maharaja Musicals Dhol Drum, Professional, Kachha Pakka Sheesham Wood, Natural
This one is also from Maharaja musicals and offers excellent playing experience. It comes in natural wood color and is standard barrel-shaped dhol.
Good quality Sheesham wood is used in its construction but it is not fully ripe. This full-sized dhol is about 24 inches long. Its total weight is 6 to 7 KGs. The bass slide has goatskin head and this side is approximately 13 inches and the treble slide comprises a synthetic head and it is about 12 to 13 inches long. Additionally, it has Nickle plated nuts and bolts and this is handmade by the top experts.
This one also comes with a number of accessories. These include a tuning spanner for tightening or losing the drum heads, one set of sticks for playing the drum and additional synthetic skin for one side only. One nylon strap is also included with which you players can carry the dhol around their neck.
Try this for a fun-filled and more joyous experience. You can easily tune it and the sound quality it delivers is really stunning.
Choosing the Best Dhol Drum from the Best Dhol Drum Brands
All these models feature appreciable playability and are beat at their own place. The question is, which one is more appropriate for you. You will get the answer by identifying a few factors. These include your priorities, your budget and your purpose of buying a dhol.
2) Maharaja Musicals Dholak Drum
- Handmade
- Professionally Tested
- Great Sound
- Great Value
- Quality Skin
1) Special Dholak Drum by Maharaja Musicals
- Elegantly Designed
- High Quality
- Popular Choice
- Sheesham Wood
- Professionally Tested
- Handmade
3) Maharaja Musicals Bhangra Dhol Drum
- Handcrafted
- Nylon Strap
- Beautiful Sound
- Comfortable Playing
The most significant contributing factor that will help you to decide is your budget. There are many good models that are available at economical rates. It is not necessary to go for the high-end model if you want one for the professional usage.
Similarly, why you are buying is also important. For instance, if you are looking for a dhol drum for your kid, there are exclusive models for them. The one we mentioned above as junior dhol is a great choice for little children.
Likewise, if you want a dhol for performing at weddings and other such functions, the one with loud and powerful sound is more preferable. For example, the Maharaja Musicals dholak made of mango wood is considered as one of the best options for the weddings.
There are multiple options for each level of musicians. You just have to get the one that fulfils your needs.