Although jackwood is a fine wood, south Indian tablas tend to be of poor quality for other reasons. Figure 2 . Although brass is the most common metal one sometimes finds iron, copper, and aluminum. It is best to get the heaviest shell possible. Aluminum shells tend to have a poor sound because of the low weight.
Iron shells give an acceptable sound but rust easily.
A heavy copper or brass is preferred. The finest lacing is made of buffalo hide although one often finds cowhide, leather, or even goat skin. One should definitely avoid leather or thin rawhides. These do not have a good strength and will give problems. These are commonly made of metal wire or rawhide.