Welcome to another instrument review for ArabInstruments. Today we'll be talking about the riq. The riq was designed by the Ancient Egyptians, it is a form of tambourine that was originally used during ceremonial sessions and spiritual gatherings. It is made from an inlaid wooden frame around 8 to 9 inches in diameter with 5 sets of brass jingles in to rows around the frame. The head was traditionally made with goat or fish skin. But with today's improvement in musical instrument technology they are made with synthetic skins, this gives the riq a stable sound throughout it's lifetime unlike natural skin it must be 'warmed' to keep a constant and deep sound using a lit candle or light bulb, which is not practical.
