The Best Tongue Drums
Hey there, music lovers! Do you find yourself intrigued by unique instruments that offer a fresh sound and a fantastic way to unwind? Look no further, as we’ve curated a special collection of Tongue Drums just for you. Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey as we introduce you to the world of this extraordinary musical instrument! From beginners to seasoned musicians, there’s something for everyone in our Tongue Drum roundup. Let’s dive right in and discover the magic that awaits you with each beat!
The Top 10 Best Tongue Drums
- Nino Small Steel Tongue Drum Pre-tuned G-Minor C Major Blue — Discover the tranquility of music with the Nino C Major Blue small steel tongue drum, featuring pre-tuned G-Minor scale, two soft rubber mallets, and a transportation bag making it perfect for classrooms or at-home fun.
- LEKATO 6-inch 11-Note Tongue Drum for Beginners — Discover the soothing sound of the LEKATO Steel Alloy Tongue Drum, an ethereal musical instrument perfect for meditation, yoga, and early music education, all included in this beginner-friendly package.
- Steel Tongue Drum — 11 Note, D-Key, 6 Inches, Emerald Greenn with USB Connection — Discover the harmonious sound of the Steel Tongue Drum, a 11-note, 6-inch D-Key Tank instrument designed to resonate perfectly with you, perfect for music, meditation, and children’s development.
- Royal Purple Dominus 14-inch 10-Note Steel Tongue Drum (2023) — Experience the rich, warm sound of the Dominus 14-inch 10-note steel tongue drum with pre-tuned G Major pentatonic pitch, perfect for musicians seeking easy-to-tune scales and customizable tuning options.
- Cosmos Steel 10-inch Tongue Drum for Meditation and Yoga — Experience the ethereal sound of the Cosmos Steel Tongue Drum, handcrafted for yoga, meditation, and outdoor entertainment, with a matching gift set that includes mallets, rings, and educational materials.
- Handcrafted Steel Tongue Drum for Ethereal Zen Sounds — Discover the ethereal sound and versatility of our handmade 11-note Steel Tongue Drum, perfect for music education, relaxation, and soulful self-exploration, with a high-quality hand-painted steel-titanium alloy body and premium accessories included.
- Oxt Tongue Drum: Upgraded Steel 8-Note C-Key Tongue Drum for Beginner Adults and Kids — Discover the ethereal and melodious sounds of the Worry Free 6-inch Steel Tongue Drum, perfect for beginners and professionals alike to unleash their inner music maker.
- ChunFeng 15-Note 14-inch Tongue Drum for Adults — Experience beautiful, resonant tones and versatile melodies with the ChunFeng 15-note Steel Tongue Drum, handcrafted for both professionals and beginners to bring you joyful, stress-relieving sounds.
- Mini Steel Tongue Drum in C-Major Black — Sonic Energy Mini Steel Tongue Drum C-Major Black — Compact, pre-tuned, and incredibly versatile, this drum offers calming and peaceful tones for sound therapy, classrooms, and coffee tables alike.
- LOMUTY Tongue Drum: 8 Notes 6 Inches Percussion Instrument with Accessories — Experience the ethereal sound of this handmade 6-inch steel tongue drum, expertly pre-tuned to mixed C major and perfect for self-exploration, zen-like experiences, music education, and meditative practices, all included in a thoughtful package.
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Reviews
Nino Small Steel Tongue Drum Pre-tuned G-Minor C Major Blue
The Nino small steel tongue drum in C Major, a soothing and tranquil musical instrument, is perfect for players of any age and skill level. With its compact 7" diameter and included transportation bag, this charming steel tongue drum is portable and ready for inspiration. The drum features eight tongues, each precisely tuned to the C Major scale, ensuring harmonious notes fill the air.
Easily accessible, even for beginners, the Nino small steel tongue drum offers an octave of tones, ranging from low C to high C. The pre-tuned scale allows the tongue drum to be the ideal choice for music teachers seeking a calming instrument for their students.
Nino includes two soft rubber mallets designed specifically for playing steel tongue drums, ensuring the smoothest, fullest resonances are achieved. The mallets’ comfortable handles enable intricate rhythms to be played with ease.
As a complete package, the Nino small steel tongue drum provides everything you need to create mellow, relaxing melodies. Let its heavenly tones inspire you and help you find your musical Zen.
LEKATO 6-inch 11-Note Tongue Drum for Beginners
Experience the soothing sounds of the LEKATO Steel Alloy Tongue Drum, a handcrafted masterpiece made by professional artisans. Crafted from durable steel alloy and coated with spray paint for protection, this drum is perfect for those seeking a unique and calming sound. With a wider range of 11 notes in D major, you’ll find yourself immersed in a clean, ethereal, and zen-like music world.
Ideal for beginners, this drum comes with a music book and is an excellent gift for friends and family. The package includes a 6-inch drum, a pair of drum mallets, 4 finger picks, 2 tone stickers, and a storage bag.
Steel Tongue Drum — 11 Note, D-Key, 6 Inches, Emerald Greenn with USB Connection
Everyone has their go-to stress reliever, and for me, it’s this brilliant Balmy Tongue Drum. I’ve tried various handpans out there, but this one does something truly magical: it releases all the tension from my body.
The moment I held the 6-inch steel piece, I felt its weight and noticed the sleek emerald green finish. The hand-polished artistry is evident in every curve and cut, giving it a personality that stands out. But what really blew me away was the laser-cutting precision, which made it sound even more refined.
The beauty of this Balmy Tongue Drum lies in its tone and stability. Each of the 11 notes is tuned meticulously through a 6-key system, ensuring a crisp and pure sound. However, I noticed something peculiar — it produced a certain resonating ring that might not be preferable for everyone.
Despite the slight downside, this Tongue Drum proves its versatility. It’s not confined to just music but has been a great companion in my yoga and meditation sessions. Plus, it’s a fun way to encourage creativity in kids, and they love playing with it as much as I do.
The customer service team goes above and beyond, ensuring a seamless buying experience, and they stand behind their product with a 100% lifetime guarantee. While there’s room for some minor tweaks, overall, I highly recommend this Balmy Tongue Drum for anyone looking for a melodic stress reliever.
Royal Purple Dominus 14-inch 10-Note Steel Tongue Drum (2023)
The Idiopan DPD14–10S2-RPE Royal Purple 2023 is a beautifully crafted tongue drum, designed with a warm, deep bass sound and crisp high notes. With 10 pre-tuned tongues, it allows for tuning in four different octaves, offering a versatile range of sounds. This durable drum is made in the United States and finished in a stylish royal purple color.
The Dominus series includes an optional advanced magnet pack for even more tuning options. Despite the lack of reviews, users have reported great satisfaction with the quality and sound of this drum.
Cosmos Steel 10-inch Tongue Drum for Meditation and Yoga
I’ve been using the Cosmos Steel Tongue Drum for a while now, and it’s become my go-to instrument for yoga, meditation, and even casual gatherings. The 10-inch drum is made of steel-titanium alloy, making it corrosion-resistant and perfect for outdoor use. One of the standout features is the hand-made tuning process, which ensures an accurate tone that’s full and ethereal.
The external heat treatment and unique square tongues give the drum a sound that’s truly unique, making it a great tool for relaxation and mindfulness. The mallets and playing rings that come with the gift set are comfortable to play with, and the tutorial book is a valuable resource for beginners. The silicone foot pads keep the drum stable during performance, and the first-class texture and spray-painted finish make for a visually appealing instrument. Overall, the Cosmos Steel Tongue Drum is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their yoga or meditation practice.
Handcrafted Steel Tongue Drum for Ethereal Zen Sounds
If you’re looking for a drum to add a unique sound to your music collection, then this 11-note steel tongue drum is just what you need. Handmade by professional craftsmen, this 12-inch drum is pre-tuned to the mixed C major, with 3 different octaves for a cleaner and ethereal sound. The 11 notes are arranged in pentatonic scales, making it easier to play simple melodies. It’s the perfect instrument for beginners to explore music, and no prior musical knowledge is required.
The steel tongue drum is easy to play; you can tap it with your hands or use the included mallets. It comes with a carrying bag, music book, mallets, finger picks, and even a branded sticker to give it a personal touch. The drum itself is made of high-quality materials; steel-titanium alloy ensures durability and corrosion resistance. It’s suitable for various fields, from music education to meditation, and even yoga. Its unique sound can enhance your zen practice, helping with self-exploration and soul healing.
Although some users have reported issues with the carrying bag, the majority of customers are highly satisfied with their purchase. The steel tongue drum delivers a beautifully ethereal sound, making it a versatile addition to any music collection. It’s a great gift idea for music lovers or anyone interested in trying out a new instrument, regardless of their musical background. Overall, the steel tongue drum is a worthwhile investment for its great sound, ease of use, and a variety of applications.
Oxt Tongue Drum: Upgraded Steel 8-Note C-Key Tongue Drum for Beginner Adults and Kids
Experience the magic of music with the Oxt Tongue Drum, a professional-grade instrument that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. Crafted from high-quality titanium alloy, this durable drum is known for its stable timbre and melodic tones.
The 6-inch drum offers 8 notes in the standard major C key, allowing you to play a wider range of songs effortlessly. Whether you prefer playing by hand or with drum mallets, this versatile instrument will inspire your musical journey.
Just remember, while it’s a great choice for many, there have been instances of malfunctioning notes, which could be a potential concern for some users. Overall, the Oxt Tongue Drum is an enchanting addition to any music lover’s collection.
ChunFeng 15-Note 14-inch Tongue Drum for Adults
As a music enthusiast with a knack for finding unique instruments, I’ve recently discovered the wonders of the ChunFeng Handpan Steel Tongue Drum. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, this beautifully designed, 14-inch steel drum boasts 15 distinct notes, offering a wider range to explore and experiment with.
The instrument’s elegant design provides a comfortable grip, with its well-rounded body perfectly complementing its modern yet traditional aesthetic. Thanks to its innovative craftsmanship, it’s both convenient to carry and provides a harmonious blend of tones that soothes the soul.
Upon opening the package, I was pleasantly surprised by the included accessories: drumsticks for optimal performance, a helpful music book in English to guide my learning journey, a carry bag, extra scale sticker, and even finger picks to protect your precious digits.
Getting right to the heart of the matter, when struck, the ChunFeng produces a crisp, beautiful, and very stable sound that resonates throughout the entire drum cavity. This makes it an ideal instrument for both beginners and experienced musicians alike, capable of delivering a diverse range of tones for a variety of genres and styles.
Whether played at a concert, during a yoga session, or as a part of a music class, the ChunFeng Handpan Steel Tongue Drum’s melodic, soft sound creates a delightful ambiance, offering an engaging and relaxing experience. It has the power to uplift our moods and relieve stress, gradually calming us from the inside out.
In conclusion, the ChunFeng Handpan Steel Tongue Drum is an exceptional instrument that not only adds a unique touch to any music collection but also serves as a source of tranquility and personal enrichment. With its well-thought-out design, versatile functionality, and ease of playing, I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a soul-stirring, transformative musical experience.
Mini Steel Tongue Drum in C-Major Black
The Sonic Energy Mini Steel Tongue Drum is a delightful little instrument that boasts a calming, peaceful tone. Its small size, just 5.5 inches in diameter, makes it perfect for sound therapy, classroom sessions, or simply placing it on your coffee table for all to enjoy. The pre-tuned notes provided ensure that anyone can play it without fear of making a mistake, and it sounds ethereal, evoking the pleasant tones of a steel pan drum. The package includes two soft rubber mallets, and the option of local pickup for those in the Collingwood, Ontario area.
This compact drum is perfect for taking on the go and can be played by people of all skill levels. The Mini Steel Tongue Drum from Meinl Sonic Energy is an excellent choice for music lovers, teachers, and sound therapy practitioners alike. Its pleasant, tranquil sound makes it perfect for promoting relaxation, whether you’re using it in a yoga class, at the office, or at home.
The Sonic Energy Mini Steel Tongue Drum’s compact size and pre-tuned scale make it easy to play and transport. Its high-quality construction ensures that it will hold up well, even with regular use. Each drum comes with two soft rubber mallets for a full, soothing sound.
Overall, the mini steel tongue drum is an ideal choice for those seeking a new and soothing way to incorporate sound therapy into their daily life. Its tiny size means it’s easy to transport and play anywhere, making it a versatile and useful addition to any home or office.
LOMUTY Tongue Drum: 8 Notes 6 Inches Percussion Instrument with Accessories
Experience the transformative power of music with the LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum, a handcrafted percussion instrument that invites deep exploration and soul healing. Measuring 6 inches in diameter, this 8-note drum comes pre-tuned to the mixed C major scale, offering a clean and ethereal sound that resonates deeply. Ideal for enhancing mindfulness in music education, yoga, and meditation practices, the LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum is your ticket to uncovering a new world of sound and self-discovery.
Crafted with a sturdy steel-titanium alloy, this drum features a corrosion-resistant exterior and is suitable for a wide range of applications. The green spray-painted finish not only adds a beautiful lotus flower tongue design but also ensures durability and stability during play. The LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum package includes everything you need to get started, with two mallets, an English music book, a carrying bag, and a set of notes stickers and picks.
Easy to learn and portable, this drum is an exceptional choice for beginners and seasoned musicians alike. With its 5-inch depth and 8-inch width, it fits comfortably in your hands and produces a rich, resonant sound that will captivate your senses. Experience the soothing waves of sound that the LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum provides and unlock new dimensions of meditation and self-exploration.
Buyer’s Guide
The tongue drum, a unique and intriguing percussion instrument, is growing in popularity due to its versatile sound and ease of playing. As you explore the world of tongue drums, consider these crucial factors to help choose the perfect instrument for your playing style.
Material
Tongue drums are typically made of metal or a synthetic material called Delrin™. Metal drums generally have a brighter and more resonant sound, while Delrin™ drums tend to have warmer and more subdued tones. Make sure to try a few instruments of different materials to determine which one suits your preferences best.
Sizes and Pitch
Tongue drums come in various sizes, which can alter the pitch of the instrument. Most tongue drums are tuned to the key of C or G and fall into one of two categories: “full-note” or “half-note. “ Full-note tongue drums have a deeper pitch and fewer notes, while half-note drums have a brighter sound and a greater range of notes. Consider your playing style and preferences when choosing between these two options.
Quality and Craftsmanship
As with any musical instrument, quality and craftsmanship play a significant role in the sound and durability of a tongue drum. Look for reputable manufacturers and models with a proven track record for producing high-quality tongue drums that are built to last. You may also want to consider any warranties or guarantees provided by the manufacturer.
Sound Quality and Tone
Every tongue drum has a unique sound, so it’s essential to try different instruments before making a purchase. As you try various models, pay close attention to the instrument’s overall sound quality, sustain, and tone. Is the sound bright and crisp, or warm and subdued? Does the drum have a strong fundamental pitch with clear overtones? Make sure the chosen tongue drum delivers the desired sound for your particular playing style.
FAQ
What is a tongue drum?
The tongue drum is a distinctive percussion instrument that captivates listeners with its lively, melodic tone. It stands out as it belongs to the non-pitched category of instruments, not unlike traditional drums or other percussive devices. Instead, it generates harmonics through the vibrating motion of the tongue on the drum’s surface, resulting in a soothing, captivating sound that is perfect for meditative practices, relaxation, and musical adventure.
What sets the tongue drum apart is its uncomplicated design and remarkable versatility. Through its construction, it’s capable of creating an extensive range of sounds, from deep, rumbling bass notes to high-pitched tones. This makes it an excellent instrument for both budding and seasoned musicians seeking to augment their musical arsenal or venture into uncharted sonic territories.
What materials are tongue drums made of?
Tongue drums are typically crafted from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or brass. These materials are selected for their durability and their ability to generate a full, resonating sound. Occasionally, other metals or composites may be used, but stainless steel and brass remain the most popular choices.
The type of material utilized can have an impact on the overall sound and feel of the tongue drum. For instance, brass drums often yield a warm, luxuriant sound, whereas stainless steel drums tend to produce a brighter, more vibrant tone. Stainless steel drums, furthermore, are more resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making them a practical option for damp environments.
Are tongue drums the ideal choice for novices?
Yes, tongue drums make an excellent choice for novices. They are user-friendly and simple to use, making them an attractive option for those who want to delve into the world of music percussion instruments without the hefty price tag. Additionally, no prior musical knowledge or technical skills are required to play them, making them perfect for beginners seeking to immerse themselves in the realm of music.
Even if their journey into music starts with tongue drums, they can serve as an entry point for more advanced musical exploration, offering a soothing, versatile sound for relaxation and meditation. For experienced musicians, tongue drums offer a new level of creativity and expression, allowing them to deepen their understanding of music and sound.
What are the benefits of playing the tongue drum?
Playing the tongue drum comes with numerous benefits, both musical and personal. It has been known to improve focus, reduce stress, and even boost creativity. The calming, meditative nature of playing this instrument is conducive to promoting mindfulness and facilitating relaxation, making it a wonderful tool for those looking to incorporate music into their self-care routines.
The tongue drum also serves as an excellent option for musicians looking to expand their musical horizons or experiment with new sounds and techniques. Its unique design and unconventional playing style offer a wide range of expressive possibilities, making it a valuable addition to any musician’s toolkit.
How do I tune a tongue drum?
Unlike conventional drums, tuning a tongue drum isn’t as straightforward. Instead of tuning it in the same way, tongue drums produce a collection of harmonics when played, creating a rich, melodious sound. Most tongue drum manufacturers tune their instruments to a specific scale or key, ensuring the harmonics produced are pleasing to the ear.
Despite this, if your tongue drum isn’t producing the desired sound or harmonics, you can try tweaking your playing technique or experimenting with other methods to coax out the desired notes. Some tongue drum enthusiasts even use tuning forks or other tools to further fine-tune the instrument’s sound, but this is generally not necessary for most players.
What is the history of tongue drums?
The tongue drum’s history is relatively brief, compared to that of other musical instruments. The first tongue drums, sometimes referred to as tongue drums or vibraslap drums, emerged in the early 20th century, courtesy of Arthur Lee Land, an innovative Swiss instrument maker and music therapist. Land was influenced by the Vibraslap, a similar hand instrument he used in his music therapy sessions to help patients relax and ease their tension.
Land started experimenting with various materials and designs, eventually creating the first tongue drums. His unique approach to music therapy and the use of percussion instruments quickly gained traction, and tongue drums became a highly sought-after tool for relaxation, meditation, and musical expression.
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