The doneli is a double end-blown flute. It is also played in Sindh (algoza) and in Rajasthan (satara). The Sindhi masters of this instrument are said to all be of Baluchi descent, as is Khamisu Khân. But still, the doneli is a rare instrument. It is usually played solo, and is used for the whole repertoire, both profane and ritual, with the exception of the shervandi. Some people go into a trance exclusively to the sound of this instrument. The right-hand flute, known as the “male”, has seven holes (producing a more or less chromatic scale); it is used to play the melody, and is supported by the left-hand flute, called the “maiden”, which has eight holes and only produces a drone. By plugging up the holes with wax, the sound of the drone may be altered according to the mode or the range of a given piece. The very accurate turning of the flutes in relationship to one another is obtained by sticking a piece of wax (or date palm fruit) onto the bevelled edge of the mouth piece. To play the doneli, the musician places both flutes to his mouth, the left-hand one upside down and blows continuously (circular blowing). But blowing regularly is not enough. Particular accents, which distinguish the doneli from other instruments played with circular blowing, enable the flautist to ornate the melody with appogiaturas which sound like a supplementary part added to the drone. Any sorud piece or song can be played on the doneli, but with its own style, and, sometimes, intervals. For reasons of tessitura and tuning, these two instruments, sorud and doneli, are rarely heard together. The doneli is essentially played solo. It can even be played without tanburag accompaniment.

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