The Shehnai is a tube that gradually widens towards the lower end, has usually has seven or eight holes. The instrument is made of dark, close grained brown or black wood preferably Saga, Burma Teak or Sheesham, and has a metal bell of brass. coated with chromium fixed to the broader end. The length of the instrument is one and a half to two feet. The reed is fixed at the narrow blowing end of the blowing tube ; of which the broader end is mounted upon the narrower end of the woden part of the Shehnai, The reeds used in Shehnai is made of patta grass which usually grows in the rivers of Northeren India or the leaves of palm-treeknownin India as “Taad” Spare reeds are mounted in a clamp called “Chapeel”, are further attached to the mouth piece, as and when required.. The wooden part of the instrument is carved out and shaped from its outer side by a small mini lathe machine as shown in the adjoining photograph Shehnai is a most sensitive and inricate Indian musical wind instrument. It is actually the way the lips and tongue play upon the reed mouthpiece and the manner in which the holes are opened or closed with the fingers alongwith tremendous lung-power , breath-control and ofcourse the regular practise & intellect of the performer which render the semitone and quarter tones very effectively and attractively.