Learning a musical instrument has many benefits: it builds your self-confidence, improves your memory and broadens your social horizons. But what musical instrument could you start with if you have no previous knowledge and would like to play meditative melodies? What do you think about a shaman drum (a tongue drum , a handpan or a kalimba)? Are there differences between these shaman drum instruments or are they perhaps one and the same?
Playing melodies calms our nerves in the fast-paced world we are exposed to on a daily basis. Shamanic drumming can help us to find ourselves again, even for a brief moment in the day. The music of the shamanic drum has a unique effect on our emotions and has even been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Slow, meditative music is often the most relaxing. Musical performances can have a beneficial effect on our physiological processes. They slow down the pulse and heart rate, reduce blood pressure and lower stress hormone levels.
Whether it's a tongue drum, handpan or kalimba - playing these instruments could immediately reduce your stress levels. Today we will tell you what a shaman drum (handpan or tongue drum) is, what properties it has and how you can best play it - we hope you have fun!
What is a shaman drum?
You've noticed that two musical instruments called shaman drums - the tongue drum and the handpan - look very similar. You want to buy a shaman drum and aren't sure which model to choose? How can you make a good choice when buying a handpan?
The handpan is a so-called idiophone, i.e. an instrument that produces sounds mainly through its own vibrations and without the support of compressed air, strings, stretched membranes or electricity. This category also includes bells, cymbals, tambourines and even marimbas and xylophones.
Although the individual designs of shamanic drums may vary slightly, handpans always consist of two convex steel halves glued together (sometimes giving the impression of a flying saucer). There is a central dome in the top of the hand drum, the thing that produces the fundamental tone or bass, while the gu is a recess on the bottom of the shamanic instrument that provides the resonance and warm, long tones that are characteristic of a shamanic drum .
When you play the handpan with your hands, you get soft, harmonious tones. The resulting sound can vary in tone and stamina depending on which part of the hand is used and where exactly the surface is struck. When buying a shaman drum, it is important to pay attention to a few aspects that we will discuss shortly.
Buying a shaman drum - what should you pay attention to?
Playing shaman drums is an exciting experience. Unlike other drums that are played with drumsticks, playing with hands is an intense experience for the whole body. If you want to buy your own shaman drum but aren't sure what to look for, here are the best tips for choosing a handpan.
What should you pay attention to?
Here are some of the most important aspects to consider when buying a shaman drum :
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Adaptation to your personal needs
Regardless of the appearance and construction of the shaman drum, you should make sure that the shaman drum instrument meets your personal needs. At Sonodrum we sell a large selection of authentic, masterfully handcrafted drums that meet your specific needs, be it in size, material, for outdoor use or whether they are intended for the youngest.
The material is important when choosing a drum. Natural materials such as raw leather on drums are beautiful to look at and produce warmer, stronger and more authentic sounds. However, they are susceptible to changes in the environment and climate and may not be suitable for people who only want to play their shaman drum outdoors. Plastics are less sensitive to weather and temperature, but produce sharper, less natural sounds. Take a look atSonodrum , because here you will find high-quality handpans made of metal.
The ideal sound is important and depends on personal preferences. To find the right type of drum for your needs, you need to consider the shape, size and material of the shaman drum instrument . Each of these features can significantly affect the sound of the shaman drum. If you get the chance, take a close look at the drum or watch videos before buying. Judge the sound and feel when playing.
You should also check the condition of the sound box. If the shaman drum is in poor condition, this can affect the longevity, appearance and sound of the drum. Look for noticeable cracks in the drum body. Dents and cracks - even if they look unsightly - usually do not affect the sound of the shaman drums . This applies primarily if you want to buy a handpan or tongue drum used .
Benefits of the Shaman Drum
A shaman drum can be used for meditation. Here are some of the advantages of shaman drums :
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They make you happy: Join a drum circle - you'll immediately notice how happy it makes you. When you drum, alpha waves, enkephalins and endorphins are released in the brain, which are associated with general well-being and a positive mood.
- They lead to deep inner relaxation: According to a study, blood samples from participants in a one-hour drumming session showed a decrease in stress hormones.
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Drumming makes negative feelings disappear: The act of drumming can be a way for you to express yourself. You are literally drumming out your feelings. When negative emotions are held in the body, they can cause energetic blockages. The physical stimulation of drumming can help to overcome these blockages.
- The shaman drum puts you in the moment: When you drum, you align your conscious actions with the flow. You no longer let your past catch up with you or worry about your future.
- Helps to control chronic pain: Drumming on the shaman drum can serve as a distraction - even from physical pain. It stimulates the production of the body's own opiates and endorphins, the morphine-like painkillers in the body.
Shaman drum test - how good is our shaman drum
Just take a look at the reviews of the shaman drum instruments in our Sonodrum store - tongue drum, kalimba and handpan - to find out how good the quality is and which tests Sonodrum has clearly passed in Germany.
For example, Dirk B. writes: “...I personally often take my SONODRUM tongue drum with me into our garden....
Your pleasant, "warm" sound helps me to relax and unwind after a stressful day!
If you would like to treat yourself to this "massage of the soul" after a stressful day, e.g. at work?!... I can really only recommend "you"!!......”
Since the instruments you play are handmade, they will last a long time. Only high-quality materials are used!
Differences between a shaman drum and a tongue drum
Let’s now take a look at some aspects of the shaman drum/handpan and the tongue drum:
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Sonodrums - steel tongue drum
Steel tongue drums are usually smaller but heavier than
Shaman drums. They are made of thick steel and have a longer reverberation than the handpan, for example. Their sound is meditative, but they are less suitable for fast, percussive playing.
Disadvantages compared to the shaman drum
- The variety of sounds is less
- Less noisy
- Heavier in weight
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Shaman drum made of steel (handpan)
Shaman drums can be played much more powerfully than steel tongue drums. The handpans exude an enchanting charm and captivate many people. That is why they are particularly popular for combating stress. When a shaman drum sounds, you forget your surroundings and all your worries.
Disadvantages compared to the steel tongue drum
- More expensive than the steel tongue drum
- Sensitive, goes out of tune more quickly than steel tongue drums
- Must be retuned approximately every 1 to 6 years
- Sensitive to heat (sun!)
- Shaman drums that are not made of stainless steel may rust.
How to play a shaman drum?
A shaman drum can be played gently with the fingers, quickly with the thumb, loudly with the palm or closed fist, or in a variety of other ways using a combination of palms, fingers, knuckles, and wrists. As with a normal drum kit, the ability to produce sounds depends on the size and timbre of the drums, the drummer, and the way the instrument is struck. Practice makes perfect, but anyone can start playing immediately, because the shaman drum simply cannot produce wrong sounds.
Product tips Shaman drum
When making shaman drums, an uncut sheet of steel is formed and the internal tension of individual surfaces of the sheet of steel is adjusted as if the skin of a drum were vibrating.
Here are some of the most famous and best shaman drums:
- Sonodrum Handpan: Today there are more than 200 handpan manufacturers.
- Steel tongue drums - a hollow body with tongue-shaped cuts. When the tongues are struck with a mallet, a bell-like sound is produced. Also called a tank or hank drum, tongue drums are usually made of steel, although earlier models were also made of wood.
- Electric Handpan - an electronic percussion instrument designed to imitate the sounds of handpans. Electric Handpans are not actually shaman drums, but electronic software that allows the user to improvise and train with predefined scales and sound combinations.
Sonodrum shaman drum, soothing sounds - easy to play
A Sonodrum shaman drum is a musical instrument used primarily for playing meditative melodies with its percussive sounding characteristics.
Some people find their ethereal and powerful sound meditative and therapeutic and use it for yoga and meditation sessions as well as sound healing therapies for stress relief. Handpans are one of the rare instruments whose tones are tuned in a frequency ratio of 1:2:3. This means that each tone contains three frequencies:
- the fundamental tone,
- the compound fifth and
- the octave in it.
This sound has a harmonizing and calming effect on the human brain, making the instrument ideal for meditation, sound healing and yoga sessions to treat many mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and chronic stress.
Conclusion Shaman Drum
The shaman drum is a truly amazing instrument with mesmerizing, celestial sounds. They are a joy to play for both musicians and non-musicians. They are great for meditation, yoga, sound healing and also for composing great pieces.
Since they are relatively unknown instruments, not much is known about shaman drums. After this article, you can safely dive into the world of shaman drums and explore what this UFO-like, unique instrument has to offer. We at Sonodrum are always here for you if you have any additional questions.
Shaman Drum FAQs
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What else do you call a shaman drum?
Shaman drums can also be called handpans, tongue drums, hanks or hank drums.
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What does a shaman drum look like?
As handcrafted instruments, their shapes are unique, resembling a turtle shell or a UFO.
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How much does a shaman drum cost?
In 2023, a high-quality 9-note shaman drum (with carrying bag) will cost between €1,200 and €2,500, depending on the model, brand and distribution channel.
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How to play a shaman drum?
In most cases, the shaman drum is played with the fingers, hand or palm. You can also use various mallets with foam or rubber heads.
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What types of shaman drums are there?
There are about 50 types of shaman drums. Here are some of the most popular:
- Handpan
- Tongue drum
- Drum
- Conga
- Kalimba
- Bongo
- Lollipop drum
- Taiko
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How do you hold a shaman drum?
This depends very much on the size of the shaman drum. Usually you hold the drum on your lap, in your hand, or it is attached to a special structure and is played while standing.
