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Products Reviews
TOP 10 BEST STEEL TONGUE DRUMS OF 2022
Chad Smith 22.09.2022 10
Steel tongue drums, also known as tank drums or best steel drums, are a
wonderful option to get into music without the need to throw hours upon hours
into technique drills and practice exercises. Easy to play and gorgeously
sounding is the essence of this type of percussion.
Tank drums are a very recent invention, as the earliest inspiration for the
creation of such percussion was something that was called a whale drum. The tank
drum received its name because it can be easily made out of an exhausted propane
tank. The bottom of it is cut off, and the special “tongues” are cut to produce
various pitches.
The vibration of tongues makes the whole instrument resonate and amplify the
sound. Such percussion has a distinct and unforgettable sound that makes me
wonder how humankind did not come up with this instrument earlier.
In any case, it is a fun and engaging instrument, and I want to share this idea
with other people. That’s why I am writing this article: to help you get started
on your musical journey.
#PreviewProductRatingPrice1ZXZYHFTY Steel Tongue Drum, 6 Inch 8 Note Steel Hand
Drum with Bag, Music Book, Drumsticks,...No ratings yet$32.00 $20.49Buy on
Amazon2Yasisid Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes 6 Inches Steel Hand Drum C-Key with
Bag, Music Book,...No ratings yet$19.99Buy on Amazon3FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue
Drum, Percussion Instrument Handpan Drum D Key with Bag, Music Book and...No
ratings yet$65.99Buy on Amazon4Steel Tongue Drum - HOPWELL 12 Inches 13 Notes -
Percussion Instruments - Hand Pan Drum with...No ratings yet$69.99Buy on
Amazon5Alloy Steel Tongue Drum, Gimars 6 Inches 8 Notes Hand Drum Kit, Healing
Drum Instrument for Kids...No ratings yet$18.79Buy on Amazon
A REVIEW OF THE BEST STEEL TONGUE DRUMS
Contents [show]
* A Review of the Best Steel Tongue Drums
* 1. Lomuty Steel Tongue Drum
* Specifications:
* What’s included:
* 2. Yinama Steel Tongue Drum – Panda Drum Review
* Specifications:
* What’s included:
* 3. Asmuse Steel Tongue Drum – The Best Steel Tongue Percussion Drum
* Specifications:
* What’s included:
* 4. Rakumi Steel Tongue Drum – Panda Drum Reviews
* Specifications:
* What’s included:
* 5. Luvay Steel Tongue Drum – Affordable 6” Steel-Titanium Model
* Specifications:
* What’s included:
* 6. Ulalov Steel Tongue Drum – Great 12” Drum with A Pro Kit
* Specifications:
* What’s included:
* 7. Ocarina Wind 12 inches – Fine C-major Tongue Drum
* Specifications:
* What’s included:
* 8. Flatsons Steel Tongue Drum – Zentone drum
* 9. OcarinaWind Steel Tongue Drum
* 10. Muslady 5.5 Inch – Excellent Mini Drum for Beginners and Travellers
* Metal Tongue Drum Buyer’s Guide
* How do I choose a steel tongue drum?
* What does a steel tongue drum sound like?
* What is the best tongue drum?
* FAQ
* How much does a tongue drum cost?
* What is the tongue drum used for?
* Where did the tongue drum originate?
* Metal Tongues and Final Thoughts
Was your attention caught by the newly trending steel tongue percussion drums?
In this article, you will find reviews of the best steel tongue drums.
1. LOMUTY STEEL TONGUE DRUM
The Lomuty is a brand that made its name specifically tank drums. They
specialize in manufacturing percussion instruments, and it is about the only
product they offer (apart from singing glass bowls). The Lomuty is, without a
doubt, a real professional of their craft. They specify that they lovingly
handcraft each of the tank drums they put out to sell.
You cannot and should not expect a low-quality product from such passionate
people. The brand completely meets the highest expectations: the 12” Lomuty
Steel Tongue Drum is on par with every entry in this list.
The manufacturer carefully checks the intonation of not only the tongues on
their own but also, the resonance of each chord in the C major scale. This
factor allows this percussion to produce clean and pure intervals that do not
cancel each other out but rather reinforce and support the sound they produce
together.
As a result, you get the amazing combination tones of the C major scale with
which you can experiment and explore to your heart’s contempt. A pretty
interesting feature that Lomuty added to their percussion is that every note is
tuned according to a different reference pitch: 432 Hz.
In actuality, music, at its core, is just mathematical relations between various
pitches (notes). So, some relations sound good, and that is why we use them. All
of the music you hear in your life: on the radio, in the movies, in your
favorite albums, is mathematically tuned to a particular reference pitch – 440
Hz.
Tuning to 432 Hz, on the other hand, is a recent discovery, and it is speculated
that due to it, all of the notes in this tuning have simpler and purer
relations. Therefore, they are transcendent, profound, and more mystical
sounding. Whether there is a feasible difference, you will have to check for
yourself, because this is an incredibly subjective point.
What is not subject, is that the manufacturer of this percussive instrument says
that you can adjust the 11 tongues found on the drum to change the tuning. You
can employ any other popular tuning, for example, Pythagorean tuning, 11-TET
tuning, or common 12-TET tuning. You can even create your unique tuning – now it
is real freedom of exploration. However, be advised, if you are not a music
geek, you may not have a lot of success with creating a pleasantly sounding
tuning.
Steel Tongue Drum - 11 Notes 12 inches - Percussion Instrument -Handpan Drum
with Bag, Music Book,...
* 【11-TONE TONGUE DRUM】12-inch 11-note steel tongue drum comes pre-tuned to the
Mxied C Major. The tone of the steel tongue drum is soft and melodious, you
can feel the relaxation and joy from the heart."LOMUTY" is our registered
brand , You will receive it with painted logo randomly due to different
production batch.
* 【Package included 】Steel drum, Mallets, Music Book In English, bag, notes
sticker, Picks
$69.99
Buy on Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Diameter: 12 Inches
* Wide Range: 11 Notes
* Item Weight: 7.59 pounds
* Material: Steel-Titanium alloy
* Warranty: 30 days unconditional money back
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* Steel drum
* Mallets
* Music Book In English
* Bag
* Notes Sticker
* Picks
9.8Expert Score
What you get if you buy Lomuty Steel Tongue Drum is the tank drum itself, a pair
of drumming mallets, a book with music, a carrying bag, a set of picks, and a
set of notes stickers. The enchanting sounds of this percussion will be amazing
for any kind of party, drumming circles, as well as for meditative purposes.
Performance
9.8
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.8
Technology
9.8
Value for Money
9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Changing tuning is easy
* Interesting tuning, 432 Hz
* Great for groups of people, i.e., parties and drumming circles
* Hand-crafted
CONS:
* Targeted for music geeks
* Pricey
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. YINAMA STEEL TONGUE DRUM – PANDA DRUM REVIEW
This percussion piece comes from another lesser-known company, the Yinama. They
mainly produce tech and musical accessories. The Yinama Steel Tongue Drum is a
great alternative to the two previous pieces of percussion, because this one is
a whole inch smaller, resulting in less weight without a big impact on the
overall sound of the instrument.
The Yinama Steel Tongue Drum is handcrafted: the main material used in the
manufacturing of this product is a steel-titanium alloy. The addition of
titanium gives this percussion a distinct timbre that differs greatly from all
of the other tank drums on the list. That lovely chimy sound of this type of
percussion is still preserved; it is just that you would be able to easily
distinguish Yinama percussion from all of the other competitors, only using your
ears.
This percussion is great for beginners and aspiring drumming enthusiasts. The
Yinama is known for making excellent and high-quality steel drums that empower
students to master this musical instrument. This percussion has 11 tongues and
is tuned to C major.
Yinama Steel Tongue Drum Percussion Instrument 11 Notes 10 inches
* INTRODUCTIONS: 11 tongues, Diameter:10 inches, Height: 6 inches, Net weight:5
Pounds, Color: Black,D major.
* TOTALLY HAND-MADE: Hand-made of Steel-Titanium alloy, coated by green
spraying-paint.
$57.99
Buy on Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Diameter: 10 Inches
* Wide Range: 11 tongues
* Item Weight: 5 pounds
* Material: Hand-made of Steel-Titanium alloy, coated by green spraying-paint
* Warranty: 30 days parts and labor
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* Steel Tongue Drum
* 2 x Pairs of Drum Mallets
* Music Book (with Instructions)
* 2 x Set of Notes Stickers
* 8 x Picks
* Bag
9.7Expert Score
The overall sound that you get from this percussion is that of positivity and
openness. In the package, you will receive the best steel tongue drum for
beginners, whole two pairs of drumming mallets, a book of music, two sets of
stickers, eight picks, and a carrying bag. It is quite a generous bundle to get!
Performance
9.8
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.8
Technology
9.7
Value for Money
9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Excellent as a student instrument
* Extremely rich sound although the smaller form factor
* A very big bundle of accessories
CONS:
* Still pretty big and heavy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. ASMUSE STEEL TONGUE DRUM – THE BEST STEEL TONGUE PERCUSSION DRUM
Asmuse is the kind of company to pride itself on delivering products of
exceptional quality on a middle to lower budget end. Apart from steel tongue
drums, Asmuse delivers a wide variety of products for musicians, ranging from
guitar effects pedals to recently popularized kalimbas to melodicas to
headphones, and much more.
Asmuse Steel Tongue Drum is an incredibly beginner-friendly package: if you are
new to steel tongue drums, then this drum hits the sweet spot in offering you
exactly what you need from a tank drum without breaking the bank. The
budget-friendliness of Asmuse Steel Tongue Drum does not impact its performance
and build quality in any way.
The sound that this percussion produces is rich, vibrant, and very sonorous.
Asmuse Steel Tongue Drum can be easily put into the category of meditative tank
drums, as the sounds coming out of it effortlessly put you in a kind of trance.
This percussion is perfectly suited for psychological therapy sessions,
contemporary art performances, meditation experiences, as well as religious
activities.
This particular piece of percussion has 8 tongues that are all tuned to
different pitches of the C major pentatonic scale. It means that the only notes
present in this percussion are C, D, E, G, and A. Pentatonic major scales
usually have a very open sound because they have no half-step intervals between
any of the notes.
So, you should not worry at all about not knowing anything about music. Such
simplicity in the note choice will not allow creating any dissonance whatsoever.
This percussion piece is 10”, which lies exactly in the middle in regard to tank
drum sizes. Asmuse Steel Tongue Drum is great for keeping at home for various
purposes, as well as it is not too heavy to carry around with you.
When you buy this percussion, you also receive a pair of percussion mallets, a
mallet bracket for securing the mallets, a sticker, and a travel bag made out of
nylon. According to Asmuse, the 5 different pitches of this tank drum correspond
with 5 different elements found within the world. That is why this tank drum is
perfect for connecting people with nature.
One of the biggest pluses of buying exactly this tank drum is that it is
manufactured completely by hand. Every percussion piece comes out unique. It, of
course, means that some drums may turn out to be off-pitch; however, Asmuse is a
trusted and respectable company and will send you a replacement if there are any
manufacturing faults with the product you bought.
439 Reviews
Asmuse Steel Tongue Drum, 8 Notes 10 Inch Percussion Instrument Handpan Drum Set
with Mallets, Tonic...
* ♫ Premium Material: The steel tongue drum is made of SUS304 high-quality
food-grade stainless steel, withstands rust, corrosion, dents, and is built
to last. Best and safest steel drum for your kids, children.
* ♫ Excellent Craftsmanship：Our steel drum is hand-made by craftsmen and the
drum body is full and round, and the drum surface sound tongue is shaped by
lotus petals. It combines modern innovative design, craftsmanship, sound
theory, simple shape, and easy to carry.
$79.99
Buy on Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Diameter: 10 Inches
* Wide Range: 8 notes in C major
* Item Weight: 5 pounds
* Material: Stainless steel
* Warranty: 30 days
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* Steel tongue drum
* 2x Pair of mallets
* Mallet bracket
* Tonic sticker
* Nylon travel bag
* Instructions & Song Book
9.7Expert Score
I have to admit that this percussion was extremely successful at calming me and
my emotions, making me more positive and letting me reflect on my past actions
and decisions. With the wonderful chiming timbre of Asmuse Steel Tongue Drum,
you are sure to have a profound experience.
Performance
9.8
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.7
Technology
9.7
Value for Money
9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Wonderful quality, performance, and price correlation
* The middle ground between small and big tank drums
* Best of both worlds: transportable and an adequately rich sound
CONS:
* Lower build quality
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. RAKUMI STEEL TONGUE DRUM – PANDA DRUM REVIEWS
The Rakumi is a manufacturer that specializes in producing intricate metal
objects. They do everything from earrings to glockenspiels to, of course, tank
drums. All of these products require great accuracy in the manufacturing process
as well as during quality assurance.
It is especially true when it comes to musical instruments like glockenspiels
and percussion pieces. In essence, a wrong fraction of a millimeter here or
there can make the whole instrument sound bad and uncomfortable to play. All
musicians can agree that not even the greatest of players can make a low-quality
instrument sound well.
How does exactly Rakumi Steel Tongue stand out from all of the other tank drums?
First of all, it has a nice lotus flower style: all of the drum’s tongues
resemble the petals of the lotus flower. Additionally, the palette of available
colors adds to the natural aesthetic. The paint is a water-based solution,
meaning that it is completely environmentally safe.
This percussion piece is much bigger than all of the previous tank drums found
on the list. It results in a deeper, more profound sound coming from each played
note. Also, a bigger form factor leads to a greater number of available tones.
The Rakumi Steer Tongue Drum accrues 13 whole different tongues.
These tongues are all tuned to the already-mentioned C major scale, so, almost
every note gets a double except for two. If you think why would anybody need two
same-sounding notes, then your way of thinking corresponds with that of the
folks at Rakumi.
Every doubled note has a slightly different timbre that neatly accompanies the
other in unison when the two are played together. On their own, the notes sound
incredible: well-rounded chiming sound, and when the notes combine, the
overtones and harmonics that are created in the process are simply breathtaking.
The sound that is produced by this percussion piece is gigantic. It effortlessly
fills a very big space with its powerful sound. You should hear this tank drum
for yourself in order to fully understand how great it sounds.
This percussion piece, being 12”, is quite heavy. It is not as comfortable nor
convenient to travel with when compared to previous entries on the list. It is
best recommended to buy this percussion piece if you are not going to move it
too much. This tank drum will be perfect if you want to use it only for your
meditations or mind healing sessions at home or if you are a specialist in the
field, and you want to use this drum to create a meditative state for a whole
group of people.
What you get with Rakumi Steel Tongue Drum is two drumsticks, one carrying drum
bag, a book of music, and (unexpectedly) four-finger sleeves.
Sale
Steel Tongue Drum-13 Note 12 Inch Percussion Instrument Lotus Hand Pan Drum C
key with Drum Mallets...
* New Arrival-Lotus Flower style 12''-13 note with water-based environmentally
friendly paint which is pollution-free and does not fade.
* Wider Range-With a wider natural range of 13 tones, which could be played
with most common tunes, works better than 11- tones-drum does.No musical
background needed, just bring a sense of exploration and yourself.
$74.99 −$5.00 $69.99
Buy on Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Diameter: 12 Inches
* Wide Range: 13 Notes
* Item Weight: 5 Pounds
* Material: Steel
* Warranty: 30 days unconditional money back guarantees
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* Steel drum
* Mallets
* Music Book In English
* Bag
* Notes Sticker
* Picks
9.7Expert Score
The people at Rakumi care about you, so they included finger sleeves in order to
protect your fingers when you are playing the drum without the drumsticks. Also,
the carrying bag is exceptional: it has the comfiest silicone paddings to make
the transportation of this big drum easier (as much as it is possible).
Performance
9.7
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.7
Technology
9.7
Value for Money
9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Finger sleeves
* Comfortable bag
* Incredibly rich and resonant
* Great for big spaces
CONS:
* Hard to transport
* Expensive
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. LUVAY STEEL TONGUE DRUM – AFFORDABLE 6” STEEL-TITANIUM MODEL
The Luvay is very similar to Muslady in its philosophy. You can find this
brand’s products in any store around the globe, but it’s not very generous when
it comes to sharing something about the company. Anyway, their 6-inch steel
tongue drum really deserves your attention.
This compact buddy is made of steel-titanium alloy coated in corrosion-resistant
paint. I don’t recommend scratching it to avoid rust and, fortunately, it’s not
easy to do this due to the coating. The tuning of this drum is standard C, and
all the notes are numbered (you may not use the stickers), so you won’t get lost
when you start. The sound quality is very good as for an affordable
beginner-level instrument.
655 Reviews
Luvay Steel Tongue Drum - 6 inches 8 Notes - Percussion Instrument - with Pouch,
Book, Mallets,...
* 6 inch, modest size, portable, lotus flower style
* 8 tongues, tuned, make wonderful music by hands, picks, or mallets
Buy on Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Diameter: 10 Inches
* Wide Range: 11 Notes
* Item Weight: 5 Pounds
* Material: Hand-made of Steel-Titanium alloy, coated by green spraying paint,
corrosion resistant
* Warranty: 30 days unconditional money back
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* Steel drum
* Mallets
* Music Book
* Bag
* Notes Sticker
* Picks
9.6Expert Score
In addition to the drum, you get a set of mallets, a beginner guide, note
stickers, and a set of 4 fingerpicks. These make it very easy to start learning
the fingerplay technique without losing the sound brightness, so I highly
recommend it for beginners. The last accessory is a soft cloth pouch. It’s good
enough to protect the best tongue drum for beginners from scratches, but you
will need another bag to carry it along.
Performance
9.7
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.6
Technology
9.6
Value for Money
9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Sturdy black finish;
* Excellent starter kit (fingerpicks included);
* It’s quite loud;
* Removable note stickers.
CONS:
* Lacks a carry bag.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. ULALOV STEEL TONGUE DRUM – GREAT 12” DRUM WITH A PRO KIT
Ulalov is a dedicated steel drum manufacturer with quite a small lineup of drums
but offering excellent value for the money. The brand’s 12-inch 11-tone
instrument is made of a durable titanium-steel alloy with a silicone-sealed
bottom. It sounds very ambient and ethereal, while the peak volume level is
higher than most competitors provide.
The drum is tuned to the standard C scale and includes 11 tongues (CDBEFGABGAC).
If you already are a musician, and it seems too little for you, don’t worry.
This is a professional-grade tongue drum, and it can impress you with a variety
of sounds you can make within such a short note diapason.
The kit includes 2 pairs of mallets and a stand for them, where you can put one
pair while using the other. Both mallets have different attack brightness, which
lets you be more versatile and sound softer or a bit louder if you want. Next,
you receive 2 pairs of fingerpicks to play with both hands and train your finger
technique.
370 Reviews
Steel Tongue Drum-12 Inch 11 Note Handpan Drum, Steel Drums, Tongue Drums for
Adults with Padded...
* 12 Inch 11 Note Steel Drum: Made of steel titanium alloy, can give a crisp,
ethereal, Buddha-like sound, and with a wider natural range of 11 tones,
which could be played with most common tunes. No so complicated and easy to
get the start.
* Beautiful and Durable: The surface of the protective paint not only looks
beautiful but also prevents rust, abrasion, and scratching. The 3 rubber feet
can prevent slipping, and make the drum sound brighter, crisper and nicer.
Buy on Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Diameter: 12 Inches
* Wide Range: 11 Notes
* Item Weight: 9.38 pounds
* Material: Steel-Titanium alloy
* Warranty: 30 days
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* Steel drum
* Instruction
* Drum Kit
* 2 Pair of Mallets
* Set of Musical Scale Stickers
* Finger Sleeve*8
9.6Expert Score
Even if you have no idea of how to apply these tools, the manual explains
everything very clearly. As a newcomer, you can also use note stickers to learn
the positioning of the notes. Finally, the drum comes in a durable waterproof
cloth bag with shoulder and hand straps.
Performance
9.6
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.6
Technology
9.6
Value for Money
9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* 12 inches + 11 tongues;
* It’s quite loud and sounds very clear;
* Silicone bottom (removable for magnetic tuning);
* Cool waterproof bag with 2 straps;
* 2 pairs of mallets and fingerpicks.
CONS:
* Isn’t stainless, so prevent it from scratching (the coating is great,
though).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. OCARINA WIND 12 INCHES – FINE C-MAJOR TONGUE DRUM
Ocarina Wind is originally an ocarina and lyre harps manufacturer that makes
some of the best instruments in the category at very modest prices. In recent
years, they also started to make hand pans and custom steel tongue drums.
This C-major drum has a universal design as its aim not only at ethereal sound
fans but at music theory learners as well. It has a standard set of 11 tongues
tuned at 440Hz, but you can use magnets to tune it at 432Hz. The whole body is
cut with lasers, so the tone is very clean. I have also enjoyed the textured
coating that protects the instrument from scratches really well and prevents
dirt from building up on the surface.
197 Reviews
12 inches Steel Tongue Drum Black 11 Notes,C Major,with Padded Drum Bag and
Couple of Mallets,...
* Beautifully finished: 12" hardened steel tongue drum emits pure, soothing
notes. Playing a tongue drum can relieve stress and bring relaxation and
peaceful energy into your life.
* Well Tuning: 11 tongues are precision cut with lasers for perfect tuning,
which have a wide range of sound and can be played with mallets or with your
fingers .
$69.99
Buy on Amazon
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Diameter: 12 Inches
* Wide Range: 11 Notes
* Item Weight: 6.45 Inches
* Material: Steel
* Warranty: 30 days
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* 12″ Steel Tongue Drum
* 2 x Teel drum mallet
* Padded Drum Bag
* Tone sticker
9.6Expert Score
The set includes a pair of medium-hardness mallets, tone stickers, and a bag.
Although the bag is padded and very secure, it has only a hand strap and no
shoulder strap. I like to travel and hike without a car, so this is a crucial
thing for me.
Performance
9.6
Design/Ease-of-Use
9.6
Technology
9.5
Value for Money
9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Laser-cut tongues;
* Open bottom for easy magnet tuning (magnets not included);
* Nice textured finish (doesn’t collect dirt);
* Inexpensive 12” for learners and pros.
CONS:
* The bag has no shoulder strap.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. FLATSONS STEEL TONGUE DRUM – ZENTONE DRUM
This tank drum comes from the brand called Flatsons. Although this company is
not very well known, it still stands out from all of its competitors and has
secured itself a second-pick place in this list with the tank drum it
manufactures. The Flatsons manufactures a wide range of musical instruments as
well as musical instrument accessories.
Not to disregard all of the other Flatsons products, but Flatsons Steel Tongue
Drum is one of the best products this brand produces. It is extremely durable
and sturdy. As soon as you take it and feel it with your hands, you will
instantly recognize that it was made of high-quality materials.
The Flatsons Steel Tongue Drum is only 5.5” so it is extremely small. 5.5 inches
is usually the smallest kind of tank drum that you can get. If it was any
smaller, the sounds that such an instrument would produce would be very weak,
quiet, and not meditation-inducive.
The Flatsons Steel Tongue Drum, however, can produce some incredible chiming
ethereal sounds. This percussion piece is wonderful for you, Zen, meditation,
and sound therapy all at home! It will not take up too much space and can fit
neatly on just about any cupboard.
The main material that makes this percussion piece is a very strong and resonant
metal alloy. The alloy is covered with a sleek metallic/pearly finish that gives
it anti-corrosive protection. With the tank drum, you also get the usual
accessories: a pair of drumming mallets, a drum transportation bag, and a book
filled with various musical pieces. One thing has to be highlighted: the
carry-on bag is very funky-looking, and that is extremely pleasing to the eye.
In addition to convenience at home, Flatsons Steel Tongue Drum is quite light
too (when compared to other tank drums), so traveling with it is very convenient
too. So, you can connect with your inner self and explore the wonderful timbers
of this instrument just about anywhere in the world.
This percussion piece is tuned to C major scale (or, more precisely, C Ionian
for you, music theory geeks out there). There are 8 steel tongues that produce 7
different notes, all found on the drum: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. The only
repeating note is the tonic of the scale – C.
Major scales are best associated with positive feelings, relief, and
cheerfulness. It is precisely what you get with the Flatsons Steel Tongue Drum.
This percussive instrument will turn your personal meditation session into some
quality “achieving inner peace” and “letting go of anxieties” time.
Steel Tongue Drum Steel Drums Flatsons C Key 8 Notes 5.5 Inch Percussion
Instrument with Drum...
* Standard C key and 8 tones, allows you to play some simple songs
* No musical background is needed, just follow your heart to play the music
$39.99
Buy on Amazon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Ethereal sounds
* Small form factor
* Great for small rooms and individual use
CONS:
* Smaller and thinner sound
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. OCARINAWIND STEEL TONGUE DRUM
The last but not least, OcarinaWind Steel Tongue Drum is a wonderful alternative
to our top second pick. This brand manufactures tank drums and actual ocarinas.
They are quite known for trying to bring the price down as much as possible to
share the fun of musical instruments with everybody.
This percussion has the same small form factor that allows it to be easily
transportable. Just like the other small tank drum on the list, this one is
tuned to C major pentatonic too. The thing that distinguishes the two percussion
pieces is the fact that OcarinaWind percussion is made with the precision of
precision laser cutters to ensure the perfect tuning.
There are 8 tongues that give the full open pentatonic feel to experiment and
play with. This percussion is incredibly multi-functional, as it can be applied
to numerous situations, including music education, meditation sessions,
psychological therapies, and more.
It is the most budget option when it comes to tank drums, so the build quality
correspondingly drops a bit in this product. When you buy OcarinaWind Steel
Tongue Drum, you will get in addition a pair of drumming mallets, a carry-on
bag, and a tone sticker.
"OcarinaWind" 6 inches C Major Steel Tongue Drum Black 8 Notes Drum with Couple
of Mallets,...
* Beautifully finished: 6" C Major hardened steel tongue drum emits pure,
soothing notes. Playing a tongue drum can relieve stress and bring relaxation
and peaceful energy into your life.
* Perfect tuning: 8 tongues are precision cut with lasers for perfect tuning,
which have a range of sound and can be played with mallets or with your
fingers .
$28.99
Buy on Amazon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Lightweight
* Compact size
* Very affordable
CONS:
* Lower build quality
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. MUSLADY 5.5 INCH – EXCELLENT MINI DRUM FOR BEGINNERS AND TRAVELLERS
The Muslady is a versatile manufacturer of musical instruments, accessories, and
stage hardware, including some of the best radio systems, microphones, DIY
guitar kits, and many more. This Chinese brand can brag about the decent quality
of its products and relatively low prices.
Talking about the price, the Muslady 5.5-inch steel tongue drum for meditation
is a bit more expensive than the 5.5-inch alternatives by other brands. I don’t
know why the price is higher here, but the quality of the steel body is very
satisfying as well as the clarity of its sound and tuning. The item comes
perfectly pitched in the standard C Key. It’s very small, but all the basic 8
tongues are here, tuned at CDEFGABC, and numbered for easy navigation.
As the body is quite small, the drum has a sealed bottom for loudness. Along
with the silicone bottom, it has 4 silicone legs for extra shock absorption. If
you want to put the drum on a table or another solid surface, the vibration
won’t cause any foreign noises.
No products found.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROS:
* Excellent pearl finish;
* Finely tuned at C-major key;
* Shockproof silicone feet and bottom gasket;
* Small but loud;
* Nice bag design.
CONS:
* There are cheaper 5.5-inch alternatives, but it’s of great quality;
* Alloy steel is of good quality but may stain if you scratch it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
METAL TONGUE DRUM BUYER’S GUIDE
Choosing the right tongue drum can be quite challenging as they all look quite
similar at first sight. Of course, colors and patterns don’t affect the sound.
So what should you look for? Let’s figure it out.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A STEEL TONGUE DRUM?
The first and most important step is to pick up a drum model that has the right
scale for your ears. It’s impossible to recommend any scale as all players have
different tastes. The only true recommendation is not to buy a drum that doesn’t
fully grab your attention and block it from other models in the store.
When you shop for a steel tongue drum online, like I usually do, you should do
some research and find at least a couple of videos of people playing the same
drum on the same scale. In most cases, the same scales by different
manufacturers sound quite similar, but tonal differences can be critical too, so
be attentive.
It is quite tricky to understand which scale is the best for you to start with.
That’s why you should take the broadest selection possible and cross out those
drums that don’t make you feel anything. One by one. You will understand which
one is yours when 2-3 items will remain from the initial bunch.
WHAT DOES A STEEL TONGUE DRUM SOUND LIKE?
Although metal hand drums look a lot like hand pans, they are made of thicker
steel. This leads to significantly longer sustained and smoother meditative
sound. It’s comparable to a bell sound but without such a bright attack at the
time you hit a tongue. Another good comparison is the sound of an empty propane
tank. Actually, the original steel tongue drums were made only from these tanks,
so it’s a natural similarity.
The sound of this instrument can also be described as magical, calming, ambient,
and moderately loud. The thickness of metal lets you play a lot of melodies, but
quick staccato tunes won’t sound as they should. Tongue drum music is always
very smooth, letting you relax no matter what note sequences you play.
WHAT IS THE BEST TONGUE DRUM?
I should mention that there’s no perfect choice that will match everyone’s
taste. As for my favorite model, it’s Lomuty Steel Tongue Drum. Lomuty is one of
the most respected brands in the industry. Its masters handcraft each of their
tank drums and apply the best metal cutting and polishing technologies.
I also like that its instruments are versatile and let you change tunings,
depending on your mood. They can also be tuned to the 432Hz reference pitch to
bring you a more transcendent musical experience. Finally, Lomuty’s steel tongue
drums are beginner-friendly and have all the tongues numbered, which is very
convenient for learning how to play. In addition, the item comes in a convenient
soft case with a couple of high-quality rubber mallets. I can’t guarantee that
it will sound the best for you, so take a look at my tongue drum reviews above.
FAQ
The tongue steel drum surprises people more than any other musical instrument.
Many questions from my readers are due to its mystery as well! Here are the
answers you need.
HOW MUCH DOES A TONGUE DRUM COST?
If you search for a steel tongue drum on Amazon, Etsy, or any other popular
online marketplace, you will see that the prices for the instrument vary from
$30 to $250. The price largely depends on the size of the drum. For example,
most 5 and 6-inch models cost from $30 to $60, depending on the tongue drum kit.
Standard 12-14” models usually come for $110 – $250.
The price mostly depends on the production complexity of each drum. Some smaller
drums can cost even more than that if they have complicated engravings or press
on them. The price may also vary, depending on the kit of accessories. Items
that come with tuning magnets, mallets, custom cases, printed tutorials, and
other stuff will usually cost a bit higher. Beginner-level models can cost very
low, even with all these things included, though.
WHAT IS THE TONGUE DRUM USED FOR?
A hand steel drum is considered a percussion instrument from the idiophone
family because it resonates without any additional resonators, strings, or
anything else. Unlike classical drums, it’s much more suitable for solo
performances. In most cases, people use these drums for relaxation on their own
or in a circle with other players. Its sound is also suitable for meditation.
You can concentrate on the object and play unhurried ambient sequences to reach
the meditative state and unplug from the world.
These instruments are quite rarely seen in musical bands, but such application
is possible. For example, Hang Massive has gained up to 50 million views on
YouTube, playing their hang drum tunes along with electronic beats. I think that
tongue drums can be successfully used in a similar way. Sometimes, I turn on
some long meditation tracks on YouTube and improvise in the key. It’s very easy,
so you should try it when you gain enough skill.
WHERE DID THE TONGUE DRUM ORIGINATE?
The modern steel tongue drum is one of the newest musical instruments on Earth.
Although it looks so mystical and alien, it was invented by Dennis Havlena in
2007. He took an average empty propane tank, an angle grinder, a welding
machine, and a metal polishing nozzle to make it, and it turned out to be a huge
success. Unlike its cumbersome predecessors (the 1990 Whale Drum and Tambiro),
Havlena’s tank drum looked much more like a commercial product. Many brands have
improved the original concept since then, which led to its enormous popularity
worldwide.
The initial idea of the tongue drum throws us back to the Aztec civilization.
Aztecs were the first who create log and tone drums with tongues. Later, similar
slit drums were discovered in various parts of Africa, where tonal percussive
instruments had always been a part of the culture and folk music.
METAL TONGUES AND FINAL THOUGHTS
You and I have gone through a number of great tank drums. I gave you my
expertise, and hopefully, you have been inspired by all of this percussion and
music theory talk. Music-making should not be a chore: it should be instinctive
and fun. It is the reason why I think that this kind of simple musical
instrument is important.
The tank drum allows people of all skill levels to express themselves musically
and can create an incredibly freeing experience for any beginner drummer. In our
contemporary world of always online, and always on guard, such calming
experiences are very important for our mental health.
Do you agree with my opinion? Please tell me in the comments below. I would love
to hear what you think. Also, did you like the reviews? Were they complete
enough, or did I miss something? Thanks for reading, and please share your
ideas!
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10 Comments
1. Reply
Brianne E Corbett 02.10.2020 at 21:53
You left out the Kosmosky tank drums which are superior in every way… looks,
manufacture, sound, playability. I have a 35 cm, 2 sided, Om in Sky Tricolor
tank drum that excels in every significant category of comparison. You might
check them out for your next review. And it took 3.5 days to go from Bryansk
Russia to Buffalo NY. That is quite a good shipping performance.
* Reply
Chad Smith 17.10.2020 at 18:23
To be honest, I have never played these drums before. After your reply, I
started to dig deeper. The prices are quite high, especially considering
that country of origin. I also checked their website and had to wait for a
long time till I’ve seen all the drums they offer. Another suspicious
thing is that I can’t find them on Amazon. I also have found lots of
positive comments and reviews for these drums. They all come from Europe
and some from States. Developer offers diameter in cm, not inches, and you
may find it hard to decide which one you need the most. Nevertheless, I
have not tried any of Kosmosky drums and can’t say for sure whether they
are good or not. I hope you will find your ideal drum!
2. Reply
sabina 01.11.2020 at 00:39
Hi, I recently got scammed for a steel drum, I ordered what I thought would
be a 15 inch steel tongue drum and I’ve got in the mail the tiniest 6 inches
steel tongue drum. Each tongue has a different size and it came unmarked. I
have musical scale stickers from 1 to 6 but I have 2 stickers 1, 2 stickers
5 and 2 stickers 6. I have absolutely no clue on which tongue to stick each
of the stickers. The very small music book has very unclear pictures and the
diagrams are very confusing. I was wondering whether you can help me. I keep
looking online for the same king of drum but I haven’t found out the exact
same design. Who knows in what kind of dodgy basment was manufactured.
* Reply
Chad Smith 10.11.2020 at 09:19
Hi, there!
Now, do you want to confess to me about something shameful? I can already
say you have ordered this drum in some unreliable store somewhere abroad
with no customer support service. Is it true? Do they sell everything
besides steel tongue drums? Your luck, they have not sold you the drum
made of papier-mache. Ok, I believe you’ve learned your lesson. Now, I
can’t possibly guess which drum you’ve ordered.
Do you have 6 notes on it in general? In this case, you have to check
similar models and find where to place the notes. It probably means that
you have only three notes range. Each of them is doubled with a slight
difference in timbre. This is a common practice for tongue drums, don’t
worry. Check all the tongues for their sound. Some notes may locate close
to each other, others on the opposite sides. I also advise you to navigate
the website you have made an order on and search for any reviews. I can
recommend you to check the 6 inches drums from my reviews and try to find
similarities among the stickers and notes for your own drum. If nothing
works, just order the drum from a trusted developer via a trusted store.
3. Reply
Jessica 13.12.2020 at 08:08
I just purchased the lomuty drum on lomuty.com and my PayPal receipt seems a
little suspicious. Do you have any idea if this is a legit website? I bought
it because of your product review.
* Reply
Chad Smith 16.12.2020 at 16:18
Hey! My congratulations on your first Lomuty drum. Don’t worry, this is
the legit website of Lomuty company. Yet, if you believe that your receipt
is a little bit suspicious, I still recommend you to contact them. They
have an email address, which is contact@lomuty.com, and I recommend you to
write them a letter, just in case. Perhaps, by the time you read my
answer, the problem is gone.
Anyway, they also have an active Instagram page which you may check and
contact them directly through it. The last time I’ve contacted them
through their account, they’ve answered me. Still, you are totally right
about double-checking the information. In the era of online fraud, you
can’t be too cautious. Let’s wait for an answer together. I hope that
everything is alright right now!
4. Reply
Marilyn 30.12.2020 at 06:14
Do you have any experience with the Sonart 13 note tongue drum? Is it better
than the Ramuki 13 note drum?
Thanks so much for your help!
* Reply
Chad Smith 04.01.2021 at 13:14
Hi!
Do you mean the Rakumi 13 note drum?
I have played the Rakumi 13 note and described my experience in its
review. I like the wide range of tones it provides while I am playing.
Almost every note has double, which I believe is helpful for amateurs and
professional drummers. I usually match these notes with each other for a
unique sound and new timbre. I also enjoy the lotus-shaped design and the
fact that it is 12 inches wide.
As for Sonart, I have also played it but did not include it on my list
here. They both have similar prices, and you can find both of them on
Amazon. As Rakumi, this one is made of high-quality carbon steel. It can
also be used for meditations. It provides 13 notes, and it weighs slightly
less than Rakumi. The difference is in 1 pound, actually. Yet, in my
personal opinion, Rakumi is the best. I’ve heard many complaints about
wrong notes and bad sound. Still, my experience was not that awful. I have
just missed the depth of the sound for this money. It is only my opinion,
and you can do whatever you like. I only ask to consider all the features
of both instruments.
5. Reply
Jane 15.02.2021 at 07:43
Hi, they’re good reviews that you give, and I’m wondering why you haven’t
reviewed Guda drums. I’ve been looking into buying a tongue drum and had
understood that Guda was a good quality drum.
I’m a little confused.
Kind Regards
Jane
* Reply
Chad Smith 16.02.2021 at 13:09
Hi, Jane!
You are right, I did not include Guda drums on my list here. I totally
agree with you about the quality of the drum. However, I tried to give you
options that combine high quality with affordable prices. And Guda drums,
let’s be honest, are quite pricey. Besides, you can’t find them as easy as
those that I’ve mentioned. They are not available on Amazon, but you can
visit their own store if you want.
For those who do not know what Guda is, it is not a pure tongue drum. It
is a hybrid, mix of tongue drum and handpan. It has the quality of both
musical instruments. I think that the most similar product on my list is
Ocarina Wind of 12 inches. I am not here to force you to pick those I
recommend. I simply described my favorite options for an affordable price.
I have tried these models myself. It is up to you which tongue drum you
want to order. Just read the reviews and think about the pros and cons
before you order anything.
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About me
Hello, friends! My name’s Chad Smith, and I am a drummer. I started playing
drums at the age of 8, and since then I have never parted with my favorite music
instrument.
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