---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/faq/instruments-artforms/should-i-buy-a-rope-laced-or-a-steel-hoop-tavil'
title: 'Should I buy a rope-laced or a steel-hoop tavil?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/user/0f961cccc99524ed'
date: '2026-10-19T15:19:11+00:00'
type: website
summary: 'The tensioning system, rope and dowel or steel hoop and bolt, is a key choice when buying a tavil because it affects head replacement.'
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  [  Help ](/en-gb/help)     Should I buy a rope-laced or a steel-hoop tavil?  

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  FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# Should I buy a rope-laced or a steel-hoop tavil?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 The **[tavil](/instrument/tavil)**'s skins are fixed to hoops, historically bamboo, and steel hoops have replaced bamboo because bamboo breaks. The tensioning system, rope and dowel or steel hoop and bolt, is one of the main decisions for a buyer, because it affects how a head is replaced. Check too that the shell is a solid jackwood block, and look at the head hides and the loaded left face.



 

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