* Traditionally made from wood; typically teak or tun
* 20 fret on fingerboard
* Four main playing strings plucked by a metal pick in the right hand
* Four sympathetic "tarb" strings which run below the main playing strings to create a "buzzing" harmonic accompaniment
* Tuning pegs on top face of the pegbox at right angles - the number varies
* Body made from a gourd covered with parchment
There are two bridges over which playing and sympathetic strings pass:
* Main bridge (jawari)—made of ivory, horn, bone or hardwood- fixed
* Secondary bridge (mezrab khana)–a flat hardwood fixed to body over jawari
* 3-4 resonating chambers under the instrument - made from gourds.