While the Yaktaro, Dando, and Chaparoon/Khartaloon are distinctly different instruments traditionally used in Sindh, they are included here together as they are played simultaneously to provide both string and percussion. Often one individual will play more than one of these instruments while also singing.

1) The Yaktaro is traditionally a Sindhi ‘single-stringed’ instrument, although a more sophisticated form has emerged with two strings which is known by the same name. The Yaktaro is fashioned from a spherical gourd, often a pumpkin, which is dried, cut, and emptied. A piece of prepared skin is fastened over the open part of the gourd, and a long wooden rod is inserted in the sound chamber. The strings are usually made of steel secured around wooden rods and pegs, and held by a semi-circular support of clay or metal which is positioned on the skin surface. Played as a string instrument, the pitch of the tone is adjusted with the end pegs.

2) The Dando is one of two percussion instruments which can accompany the Yaktaro. This is a consists of a wooden rod, approximately 2 to 2 ½ feet long, and 1 inch in diameter. Bells are strung and fastened at one end through a hole in the rod. Below the group of bells is a thin circle of leather which acts as a handle.

3) Chaparoon or Karrtaloon are a pair of rectangular wooden pieces, about 6 inches wide and 3 centimeters thick. This is held by the player in one hand and hit together to produce rhythmic beats (images and information from Baloch 1988).