KHMKD - Khamak,
The khamak is almost 7 inches tall and hs a diameter of 6.5
inches. It is used for rhythmic accompaniment. This instrument
has one head that is resonated by plucking the string that
is attached to it. Dating some 500 years back, the khamak
originally had a single string but was later modified and
now contains two strings. The player holds the body of the
instrument under his left arm while his left hand pulls the
small brass drum, jerking it slightly, almost unnoticeably.
This controls the tension on the strings and sets the fundamental
tone of the melody when the strings are plucked....the performer
plucks them briskly with the plectrum held in his right hand.
However, the fundamental tone produced does not remain fixed
and completely depends on the tension applied to the strings.
