I am playing a 2-headed cylindrical indian hand drum called a pakhawaj. The skins are weighted with the "black spot" like a tabla. I am self taught, and play this instrument using fingering techniques that are more related to another south indian drum called a mridangam. The sound can be much more weighty than a tabla and has a really nice warm sound to it. I believe it has a lot of potential to add new color to various world beats as well as conventional funk, r'n'b etc...

I had a question about amplifying these drums (I havent played in public yet but hope to do so sometime soon).

In home recordings, I used a Shure Beta 57 or a Shure PG 81 condenser and the drum sounds nice in combination with other instruments.

In a live situation with other instruments, what is my best bet? Mike it directly and use a keyboard amp? I tried a Roland 150 KC-350 amp with my beta 57 mike at a local store and it sounded reasonable. Would anyone recommend a mike called a Shure Beta 98H/S that comes with a gooseneck and is apparently good with congas?

Alternatively do people have experience with using an acoustic guitar tye transducer pickup? I cannot access the inside of the drum. .Would I attach it to the wooden cylindrical part or to the skins themselves?

Any insights would be appreciated