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title: 'What is the nadaswaram reed made from?'
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date: '2026-10-19T15:13:21+00:00'
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summary: "The nadaswaram's double reed is cut from a dried grass or cane from the banks of the Kaveri, then soaked and shaved to pitch."
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the nadaswaram reed made from?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

The double reed of the **[nadaswaram](/en-gb/instrument/nadaswaram)** is called seevali in Tamil, aku in Telugu and peepi in Kannada. It is cut from a dried grass or cane found on the banks of the Kaveri, then soaked and shaved to the required pitch. Players keep spare reeds and a small ivory or horn needle tied to the instrument to clear the reed.



 

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- [   Nadaswaram The nadaswaram is South India's principal double-reed instrument, for temple music, weddings and Carnatic concerts: aacha or jackwood body, circular breathing,…     ](/en-gb/instrument/nadaswaram)
 
  

 

 

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