TOMBAK
Also referred to as Zarb, Shaped like a goblet, the Tombak is made from Walnut, or Mulberry wood. It is usually covered with goat or camel skin, and played with the most impeccable finger technique. When played the Tombak is placed under the arm and rested on the thigh. The bass note known as the "Tom" is produced in the middle of the drum, while the high note "Bak" is created on the narrow edge of the instrument.

The Tombak is the most commonly heard drum in classical Iranian music, and these days, no longer only an accompanying instrument, it holds its own. Although the Tombak is simple in its construction, it offers the player diverse possibilities to perform the most complicated rhythms with the greatest variety of sounds.

DAF
The Daf is a frame drum made out of wood. One side is covered with lamb or goatskin, and on the inside of the frame little metal rings are attached, which create sound at the smallest movement. When played it is held with both hands, and played with the fingers. Considered a sacred instrument, the Daf is present in Sufi rituals for its power to create trance states. This drum has now established a permanent position in the Iranian classical orchestra.

DAYEREH
Dayereh (Persian frame drum) is one of the most popular drums played in folk music of Iran. Different versions of dayereh with different names are played in different regions of Iran. Perhaps the very well promoted version is the ghaval (Azerbaijani frame drum), the drum played by Azeri singer in the Azerbaijani art (called mugham music) and folk music (called ashighlar music). One of the most notable ghaval players of Iran is the maestro Latif Tahmasebi-zadeh, who promoted the ghaval as the solo drum in Iran and Republic of Azerbaijan.

DOHOL
Dohol is a wooden drum covered on both sides with buffalo skin. Hung on the torso, it is played with two different sticks of varying textures. Today the Dohol is played at weddings and public festivals. During the walks of the nomads it was fastened to horses and played incessantly. This was for two reasons; the first was to make the long route audibly clear to those at a distance, and the other to provide the horses with a rhythmic pace.

 

DAMMAM
A large drum in one piece, this instrument is covered with goatskin, which is secured by a cord, made from the fibers of a date palm knotted seven times. Dammam is played with a wooden stick and/or with the hand. In the South of Iran it is played in religious ceremonies and stored in Mosques.

 

ZARBE-E-ZOORKHANEH
Played with hands, Zarbe-e-Zoorkhaneh is a large goblet-shaped drum made from clay and covered with goatskin. It is played with hands. Through his playing, the drummer provides the guiding rhythm for the sequences practiced in the ancient Iranian martial arts, called Varzesh-e-baastaani.

In the Zoorkhaneh, where the movements are practiced, only the specifically trained Morshed or guide can play the drum.
 

ZANG
Zang is a cymbal made of brass. In the Zoorkhaneh it is played by the Morshed who beats it with his hands in order to convey a rhythm or movement change. It is also sounded at the entry of honored guests as way to show respect.

 

 

NAGHAREG
Naghareh(Persian kettledrums), is also another popular drum, played in different regions of Iran. Its size can vary from very small to huge ones that were tightened on elephant-backs in war fields in order to accompany karna (Persian large sized wind instrument) for the courage of soldiers.

Some believe that tabla (famous Indian drum) is originated in naghareh, Indian dhol (similar to Persian dohol) and pakhawaj (Indian barrel shaped drum).

ZARBAN UDU
Fascinated by the possibilities and the various pitches of the usual Udu, Behnam Samani, a master in Persian percussion, created a new form, which still keeps the soft round harmonious bass tones yet opens the way to new inspiration and experience.

Based on the African Udu-Drum from Nigeria the Zarbang-Udu contains a very large dynamic range of sound, having two side holes (or one) and a membrane of natural skin placed in between them (beside it). This way the membrane and the hole/s can be played with one or two hands at the same time.

Depending on the finger-technique the sound of Conga, Tombak, Darbukka or even Indian Tabla come alive, besides a kaleidoscope of humming, smacking, and plocking tones – challenging creativity!

NAY-ANBAN
Ney-Anban is manufactured from goatskin, especially tanned, to which a double reed pipe and mouthpiece are attached with the other end being merely tied together. The performer blows into the mouthpiece, and plays the melody on the double reed pipe, which has six holes for finger placement. In the South of Iran the Ney–Anban is played not only at weddings, but also at funeral services. In earlier times, people were not allowed to play Ney-Anban with Dammam.