Differences between a nadaswaram and Shehnai

[shan...@yahoo.ca]

Dear Group Members,

A friend who isn't a member of the group e-mailed me with a question
about differences between nadaswarams and shehnais. I, however, could
not answer these questions and was wondering if someone here could help
me. The seven questions are listed below.

Thanks in advance,
Sandip.

1. The nadaswaram comes in different sizes. Does the
shenai also come in different sizes?

2. Can a chromatic scale be played on these instruments?
If not, do they have a particular scale?

3. What is the tonic note of each of the instruments?

4. Regarding reeds, is it easier in the U.S. to obtain
reeds for one or the other instrument?

5. What are the ranges of these instruments?

6. What woods are they made with and which is the best
wood for each?

7. Do these two instruments differ significantly in terms
of sound? Is one less/more strident than the other? Does
it depend on the wood with which they are made? If so,
what wood gives the softer sound?