The gadulka is an integral part of Bulgarian traditional instrumental ensembles, commonly played in the context of dance music.

Similar bowed instruments and lira descendants have continued to be played in the Mediterranean and Southeast Europe until the present day, for example the similar in construction Gusle from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania; also the lyra of Crete and the Dodecanese, Greece; the Lira Calabrese of Calabria; Italy and the Classical kemence in Istanbul, Turkey.

(The instrument generally lacks any real decoration or ornamentation, apart from the design of the peghead.)

[3] The tailpiece is typically made out of bone, and secured to the carved projecting "endpin" by stout steel wire.

The endpin also serves to hold the bottom of the instrument to a strap or belt worn by the player.