What is the Hank Drum , Tank Drum, Steel Tongue Drum, or Steel Tongue Drum ? They are actually the same instrument , it can also be called a Lotus Drum or simply a Tongue Drum . In this article we will discuss the Hank Drum and often call it a Tongue Drum, because that is how it appears in our online shop - just so there is no unnecessary confusion.
Whether you have musical experience or not, the Hank Drum is definitely one of the most interesting instruments to try out. It is a beautiful sounding and easy to play instrument that is accessible to everyone. You also don't have to train for years or invest many thousands of dollars, like you would with a large drum kit .
Adults, children, beginners or die-hard Hank Drum fans , everyone can start playing right away. Even jamming with other musicians is possible. Your new hobby will soon have a unique meaning that corresponds to your personal expression.
You don't have to learn music theory to be able to assign notes and chords, but rather concentrate on rhythmic sequences and the nuances of the tone sequence. Learning to play the Hank Drum happens quite naturally without you noticing it - learning to play the tongue drum is easier than you can imagine! Read on and find out everything you need to know about the Hank Drum .
What is a Hank Drum
The steel tongue drum (or tongue drum , hank drum , tank drum or steel tongue drum ) is a percussion instrument from the group of idiophones. The sound is produced by the actual material of the musical instrument itself, so it is not necessary to use a string, a membrane or an external resonator.
The origin of the tongue drum is ancient, but in recent years it has been making a comeback, mainly due to the appearance of instruments made from gas cylinders (tanks): the bottoms of the gas cylinders are cut off and welded together, then tongues of different lengths are "cut" onto the upper part of the instrument to define the notes.
The “father” of the tank drum is Dennis Havlena. Dennis has been building instruments for over 40 years. In his house you can find just about every surprising instrument you can imagine.
He built a drum that imitated a hand drum . He tried to build something that was similar in style and sound. Instead, he created the most wonderful sounding bell-like drum, the Hank Drum . This instrument has a similar sound to steel drums, but with excellent bell-like music.
Dennis spent many hours trying to build the drum. The Steel Tongue Drum or Hank Drum is made from an empty propane tank. Seven to ten tongues are cut into the bottom of the tank and they form the top of the drum . The maker of the drum can choose whether to make it with any notes, the diatonic, pentagonal scale or the chromatic scale and how many tongues are cut into it. High quality tongue drums are made of alloy steel.
What is the difference between a tongue drum and a handpan?
The sound of the tongue drum is very similar to that of another percussion instrument: the hank drum (also called handpan ). However, the manufacturing process is completely different, as in the case of the hank drums, this is tuned by hammering. The term " hank drum " is a mix of " tank drum " and "hank drum", but despite the similarities, it should be noted that the price of the hank drum is higher, which makes it less "accessible" (between €1,500 and €3,000 for a hank drum or hand pan compared to around €2,000 for a high-quality hank drum / tongue drum).
Buying a Hank Drum – What should you pay attention to?
The Sonodrum website is all about Hank Drums. There are simpler models for those who are just getting into the subject and don't want to jump straight into one of the larger products.
What should you consider when buying a Hank Drum ? Here is a small summary:
1. The size
Tongue drums come in a variety of sizes. The mini versions can be very small, and for ease of use, you should not choose anything under 6 inches in diameter. As a beginner, it can be difficult to hit the notes you want on the smaller diameter instruments.
Large Hank Drum, more than 35 cm
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more than 5 kg
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ideal for meditation and playing at home
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can be double-sided with different scales
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good for gatherings and jamming
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Larger drums have a larger sound field and are more versatile
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can be more expensive
Medium sized Hank Drum, approx. 30 cm
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about 3.5 kg
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suitable for music students
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less wearable, but still OK
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can be used double-sided with different scales
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Prices in the middle range
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Accuracy is important, but larger reeds can help
Small Hank Drum, approx. 20 cm
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about 1.5 kg
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good for taking away
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suitable as a tongue drum for children
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limited number of tones
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usually only playable on one side
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smaller clay fields
The advantage of smaller hank drums is that they are easy to carry. A small steel drum is easy to transport and take anywhere. Even a medium-sized hank drum can still be easily carried in your hand luggage, but you have to take into account the additional weight of about 3.5 kg.
2. The aesthetics
The design, the color and the size, everything plays a role in the aesthetics and what you like best. We have a huge range of colors and many sizes, so you are sure to find what you are looking for in the shop.
3. The sound
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right Hank Drum, as there are a wide variety of instruments to choose from. One of the most important factors is the scale. The scale determines the "feel" or "atmosphere" that can be created when playing the Hank Drum. Steel drums are available in the following common scales: E minor, pentatonic, chromatic, diatonic, C major or D major.
The last two ranges are the most commonly purchased and therefore available at Sonodrum, the Hank drums with C and D major notes. However, there are more options than these, so it is important to do your research before buying, for example, a children's tongue drum.
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A minor scale is generally considered to be more contemplative, melancholic and dark, if you can describe it that way. A C sharp scale is considered to be particularly melancholy.
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Hank Drum Notes in a major scale, on the other hand, are bright, happy and cheerful. A C major scale is pleasant and brings a positive feeling.
To hear the difference between the two - it's subtle but noticeable in terms of tuning - it would be useful to listen to as many recordings as you can. Watch and listen to YouTube Hank Drum videos , which will help you distinguish the different sounds.
Hank Drum Test – how good is our Hank Drum
That is a question that we are happy to answer quickly, because we are very proud to be the test winner at fitforhobby.de. The best tongue drum in terms of user-friendliness and popularity in Germany is our Sonodrum tongue drum. The Hank Drum test revealed this and we are of course happy to report it to all readers.
What makes our Hank Drum special? Here is a brief overview:
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Our Hank Drums are available in C and D major.
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Sonodrum has products for every budget and every taste.
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Each Hank Drum at Sonodrum is handcrafted from high-quality alloy steel .
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Whether you want to take the drum with you to yoga class or need it to calm your crying baby, you can find the corresponding Hank Drum sheet music at Sonodrum.
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The product you choose comes in a set to immediately play beautiful Hank Drum songs :
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The tongue drum
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A carrying bag that protects the pan even when you are not using it
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Mallets
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A Hank Drum Guide
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Shipping is always free for you.
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The website is easy to understand, you can find what you are looking for at a glance and it is user-friendly.
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Customer service will help you with any questions or doubts – even after your purchase.
Product tips Hank Drum
When choosing a Hank Drum, it is best to consider the following points:
Durable
The tongue drum is naturally durable because it is very resistant! The sonodrum.net model is made of alloyed steel and has a scratch-resistant coating, which makes it particularly durable. Your tongue drum should last for as many years as possible. It does not rust and the thickness of the material also guarantees the long-term quality of the instrument.
Applicability in various areas
The Hank Drum is a musical instrument that will help you discover your hidden talents through intuitive scales. Playing the Sonodrum is child's play. And it can be used in numerous areas:
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musical awakening,
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Wellness,
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Children's music,
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Relaxation – fast and anywhere,
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theatrical creation,
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Composition,
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Soundtrack, etc.
Steel drums, such as those found at Sonodrum, are easy to get started with. The mallets always provide a good sound and a wide range of tonal nuances. But you can also create unique and beautiful sounds with this type of hank drum using your fingers or the back of your hand.
Is it suitable for therapy?
You will be able to buy an instrument that is suitable for education, relaxation and wellness because it has a high vibration potential. The sound of the scales on our models enables an interaction between the respective sound experience and your own body. The sounds produced can create sensual and happy moods.
flexibility
One of the great advantages of this musical drum kit is that you can transport the smaller tongue drums easily and simply. Due to their size and weight, they can be transported safely. You can take your standard Sonodrum with you as it takes up very little space. And it is particularly popular with people who travel a lot.
Looking for good value for money
Are you looking for a new instrument that is high quality but still doesn't break your budget? At Sonodrum you will find tongue drums that stand out for their quality, as they represent a combination of industrial technology and craftsmanship. The result is a professional and innovative instrument that is still very affordable for a hand-tuned and hand-crafted piece. When choosing a model from other retailers, make sure that the products are also sold hand-tuned.
How do you play a tongue drum?
Simple steps to playing a tongue drum – when you pick up your tongue drum for the first time, there are a few basic things to keep in mind
1. First, you need to position your tongue drum correctly.
Because it's circular, it's not immediately obvious, and there is NO correct positioning, but you'll find that it's much easier if you make sure the lowest note is closest to your body. By pulling the lowest note closest to you, you know that progressing on the note will be a simple left-right affair forward and around the drum. Let's call the lowest note, the largest tongue, number 1 - and then mentally work our way to the next number 2, the next number 3, and so on.
Some tongue drums come with note labels that you can stick on the tongues to identify them when you start playing, then you can simply remove them later!
2. Play with your hands or with mallets?
Whether you play your tongue drum with your hands or with mallets depends on several factors
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Desired sound
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Size of the drum
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Level of skill
For the smaller versions, mallets may be better, especially for those new to the instrument. For some of the smaller, cheaper models that are popular with beginners, mallets are the easier choice because the pitches that need to be struck precisely are smaller.
Mallets produce louder sounds
Mallets are harder than your fingers or thumbs, so they produce a louder sound when struck. There are a range of mallets that can be used. The sticks are shorter than those of timpani or marimba , which is related to the size of the instruments. Many tongue drums come with mallets when purchased (such as those at sonodrum.net) and these mallets are suitable for beginners.
Hands produce softer sounds
When you play with your hands, thumbs or fingers, the sound of the tongue drum will tend to be warmer. It may take a little longer to get the feel of playing with your hands and it will take some practice, but there is no doubt that as you progress you will be able to achieve much more.
The use of hands offers a huge variety of playing styles, even on smaller instruments, so it's worth practicing with them as much as possible.
3. Find the notes
There are some simple exercises you can do either with mallets or with your hands to find your notes on an instinctive level. The tongue drum is tuned to a scale , which on Sonodrum is either C or D major. This scale is very practical and you will find it difficult to play a note that sounds bad after the previous one. It just always sounds good. There are no wrong notes!
Start at the lowest note (1) and play the scale ascending : 1, 2, 3, 4 , etc. In many cases this will be moving from left to right across the drum. But in any case, just play each note in that order with one hand.
Now repeat this exercise with both hands, switching hands for each note. When you hear each note in this order, you can not only hear the ascending scale, but also begin to visualize the notes on the drum
Now play each note clockwise around the drum.
4. Experiment as much as you can
Now the fun begins because you can create your own melodies. Even as a beginner!
Play 2 notes together
You've played each note with the mallets or hands, in ascending or descending order. You may have discovered a few notes that sound particularly nice together. Play around on the drum a bit and choose two notes to play one after the other to hear how they sound. You'll develop a preference for which two notes sound better than others, and you'll remember them. You'll almost certainly use these two notes together when you start experimenting with playing more notes in a rhythm as you create your first melody.
Play your first chord
When you hit two or more notes at the same time, you create and play a "chord." You've probably heard of chords before, because guitarists talk about them all the time. When you hit any two notes on your tongue drum at the same time, you've played a chord. No matter what the chord is called, it doesn't change how it sounds or how you like it when you play it. You don't need chord names to begin with!
You can do some research and understand the different chords available in your scale at a later date, but for now, enjoy finding them.
Sonodrum Hank Drum – soothing sounds – easy to play
The tongue drum should not be played on a hard surface as it has a harsh sound. It is best played on the knees or on soft grassy ground. It is recommended to use a bungee cord to wrap the hank drum for a better sound. Players like to use the hank drum along with other instruments such as flutes or bells which can be used together in a performance or concert.
You will discover an emanating calm when you start playing it. This instrument produces the lightest of bell sounds with a haunting flair and rhythm.
Conclusion Hank Drum
We invite you to watch the different videos we have to get a better understanding of the sound of the Hank Drum and the benefits it can bring to all users looking to enrich their lives. It is a wonderful hobby that children, friends and relatives can benefit from equally. For you and as a gift idea - it is ideal for giving the gift of relaxation.
Learning an instrument like the Hank Drum is the beginning of a path of personal growth. Being able to express yourself through music is a wonderful experience that we recommend to everyone, so don't hesitate any longer and take the first step.
FAQs about the Hank Drum
Question: What is a Hank Drum?
Answer: The Hank Drum is a great musical instrument that produces amazing sounds. There is no better way to experience good music than with an instrument that beats from the depths of your soul. It is a percussion instrument from the idiophone group.
Question: Which Hank Drum is the best?
Answer: We believe that the best steel tongue drum is the one that produces the most beautiful sound effects. At Sonodrum we prefer this model because of its versatility: Sonodrum Tongue Drum - "Premium" - Handmade Pan - 33 cm - 15 reeds - D major.
Question: Is learning Hank Drum difficult?
Answer: The Hank Drum is harmonically aligned, so it is easy to learn even without extensive knowledge of music theory or experience on conventional instruments. It is also important to know that the Hank Drum is available in various scales. It is very easy to learn to play it.
Question: How much does a good Hank Drum cost?
Answer: Good Hank Drums can fetch high prices. You can find them for as little as 60 euros, but you can also buy them for 2,000 euros. Fortunately, there are always good deals on the Sonodrum website - this way you can get an excellent tongue drum for as little as 300 euros (if you happen to get a bargain). The drum comes with free mallets, a carrying bag and instructions. Shipping is also free.
Question: How does the Hank Drum work?
Answer: The tongue drum's milled tongues give it its name. Tongues are tuned to a specific note of the musical scale. The sound of each tongue depends on its width, weight and length. These determine the sound and its pitch. To produce a sound, you hit the tongues with your fingers, hand or mallets. The drum itself amplifies the sound and emits it through the gaps in the "tongue".
Question: How big is a Hank Drum?
Answer: There are many different sizes of Hank Drums, from mini to standard to large premium versions. In our shop you will find the following sizes/diameters: 14 cm, 20 cm, 33 cm and 35.6 cm. They are also often given in inches online.
Question: What does a Hank Drum sound like?
Answer: Most Hank Drums have an 8 or 11 note scale, and while the traditional bell sound can't be beat, this small scale extension gives the Hank Drums a unique range of tones that you must try. The tongue drums have a magical sound that can relax anyone.
Question: Which Hank Drum is suitable for beginners?
Answer: For beginners, it is advisable to start with simple models, such as the standard model, and move on to more complex variants as needed.
