Description
The Seraj Persian daf brings one of the most resonant voices in Middle Eastern percussion to players who want the depth of a traditional frame drum with the reliability of a modern head. Built on a wide, lightweight wooden frame and fitted with a Remo synthetic head, this daf pairs the instrument’s signature washing bass and shimmering ring with a tuning stability that natural skins cannot always promise.
About the Seraj Persian daf
At its core the daf is a single-headed frame drum, and everything about its sound begins with the frame and the skin. Seraj builds this drum on a light wooden shell, keeping it easy to hold and shake through long passages — this instrument weighs just 0.72 kg. The wide 54 cm head gives the daf its long sustain and powerful low end, while the slim 5.5 cm frame depth keeps the response quick and immediate under the fingers.
The Remo synthetic head
The defining feature of this model is its Remo synthetic head. Remo drumheads are among the most consistent synthetic skins made, and on a Persian daf they bring two clear advantages: a tuning that does not drift with humidity or temperature, and a uniform surface that responds evenly from the deep centre tone to the bright edge slap. For players moving between rehearsal rooms, stages, and outdoor ceremonies, a synthetic head means the drum is ready in any climate — no warming by a stove, no waiting for the skin to settle.
The rings
Like every Persian daf, this drum is ringed on the inside with rows of small metal jingles fixed to the inner rim. Each finger-stroke is answered by a soft, sweeping shimmer, and the characteristic shaking motion lets a single player move between a steady ceremonial pulse and rapid, trance-like rolls.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Instrument | Persian Daf (frame drum) |
| Brand / Maker | Seraj |
| Head diameter | 54 cm |
| Frame depth | 5.5 cm |
| Weight | 0.72 kg (720 g) |
| Head material | Synthetic — Remo drumhead |
| Frame | Lightweight wood |
| Inner rings | Rows of metal jingles |
| Tradition | Persian & Kurdish frame drum |
Who it is for
Because its Remo synthetic head stays stable in any weather, this daf is an excellent choice for students and developing players who want a forgiving, low-maintenance drum, as well as working percussionists who need a reliable instrument for travel and outdoor performance. It speaks to Sufi and devotional players, Persian and Kurdish percussionists, and sound-healing practitioners drawn to the daf’s deep, washing resonance.
Where the daf is played
- Sufi ritual — the daf drives zikir ceremonies, its metal shimmer lifting repetitive rhythms toward trance.
- Persian classical music — it provides a resonant rhythmic foundation in both ensemble and solo settings.
- Kurdish traditional music — the daf is a central voice, especially in devotional and folk repertoire.
- Contemporary & meditative practice — its deep resonance suits modern composition and sound work.
Care
A synthetic head makes upkeep simple: wipe the surface clean, store the daf flat or hanging away from direct heat, and check the rings stay seated. Unlike natural skin, the Remo head needs no humidity management and holds its tone year-round.
As a member of the Frame Drums family, this Seraj daf sits naturally alongside the Arabic Riq tambourine and the Darbuka goblet drum, while its meditative voice connects it to our wider Persian Daf range. Every daf is curated by our percussion specialist Gurkan Ozkan and inspected at our Brisighella, Italy showroom before shipping. Browse the full Percussions collection, or learn more about the daf tradition. Free Shipping & 15-day return apply across the EU.
