The body of the tombak is usually made of walnut or mulberry wood, and the skin streched across the top is usually that of a lamb.
The playing of the tombak requires both hands and can often be very complicated and is very refined.

The tombak got its name from the two main strokes involved in the playing of the tombak, ''Tom'' (low pitch) and ''Bak'' (high pitch).

Traditionally the tombak was considered an accompanist instrument and the people who played it were often seen as ''low'' or ''cheap''. Nowadays, thanks mainly to the hard work of Ostad Hossein Tehrani, that has all changed. The tombak is now regarded as a highly skilled instrument and is even used as a solo instrument.