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The sound of a steel tongue drum has a meditative, calming effect. It is a beautiful instrument that combines percussion and melody, and it is incredibly satisfying and rewarding to play.
If you’re a drummer, playing this instrument can help you develop your musical ear, and if you’re accustomed to playing melody instruments, your sense of rhythm will be improved.
In this guide, I will provide detailed breakdowns of the best steel tongue drums in production today. You’ll find all of the information you need to choose the best instrument to suit your needs.
What are the Best Steel Tongue Drums?
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Best Overall Sound
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Most Resonant Tone
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Most Percussive Sound
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Most Unique Sound
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Best Low-End Frequencies
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Best Affordable Option
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Steel Tongue Drums
My process of testing these steel tongue drums involved firstly assessing the playability and, secondly, the sonic qualities. To test the playability, I tried various drum-playing techniques, including using fingertips, sticks, and mallets.
I then carefully monitored the dynamic range of the drums by testing the volume at different velocities. Finally, I assessed the resonance of the notes played where the tongues were struck.
After that, I compared each tongue drum to assess how the qualities stacked up against each other. I also took note of all the included tools that each drum comes with to assess the overall value.
In-Depth Steel Tongue Drum Reviews
Pearl Awakening Series 9 Note Tongue Drum C Ake Bono - Purple Burst
Pearl Awakening Series 9 Note Tongue Drum C Ake Bono - Purple Burst Review
Pearl is one of the biggest names in the drum equipment manufacturing industry and has been for many decades. The brand has created a range of excellent steel tongue drums, including this 9 Note instrument from the Awakening Series.
Tuned to the key of C in the Japanese Akebono scale, the Pearl Awakening Series 9 Note produces a soothing selection of notes and is ideal for music therapy, meditation, or simply relaxing to its sound.
I love how ethereal this drum sounds. The tunes that I was able to play on it reminded me of a few anime shows that I used to love.
It also has three rubber feet installed underneath so that it remains in place when you place it on the floor or on a table. The nine tongues have been laser cut, a process that guarantees precise and accurate tuning.
At 10”, this drum is the perfect size for being used at home, and its all-steel construction causes it to produce loud volumes when the tongues are struck with a moderate amount of force.
Pros
- Resonant, calming tone
- Japanese-style note intervals
- Playable with fingertips or mallets
Cons
- Not tuned to a conventional Western scale
Meinl Sonic Energy 12-inch Steel Tongue Drum, A Akebono - Vintage Brown
Meinl Sonic Energy 12-inch Steel Tongue Drum, A Akebono - Vintage Brown Review
Meinl’s Sonic Energy steel tongue drum combines a beautiful aesthetic design with an equally impressive sound. This drum can be played either by hand or with the included rubber mallets, depending on whether you want a softer or more percussive sound.
When playing this drum, I can tell that a lot of care has been taken with the design and the manufacturing process.
Its tongues are carved perfectly, maximizing the vibrational transfer that occurs when they are touched.
This Meinl steel tongue drum is suitable for experienced percussionists or those who are new to drumming. Even if you simply tap every tongue simultaneously, the drum’s sound will be ear-friendly.
I found that you don’t need to strike the drum with a lot of force in order for it to produce a sound that is clearly audible. In fact, it arguably sounds better when you play at lower velocities.
Like many steel tongue drums, the Sonic Energy is tuned to the Akebono scale in the key of A. This gives you access to some high notes that sound great when played at a low volume.
Pros
- Suitable for solo drumming or playing with a group
- Responds very well to different playing velocities
- Durable, all-steel construction
Cons
- Fairly heavy design
Sela Melody Tongue Drum - D Akebono - Navy Blue
Sela Melody Tongue Drum - D Akebono - Navy Blue Review
One of the great things about steel tongue drums is that you can use them to develop both your rhythm and your sense of melody. In this respect, they’re similar to the piano, which is also technically a percussion instrument with melodic attributes.
However, a steel tongue drum like this offering from Sela is considerably easier to play if you have no experience than a piano. It’s made from heavy-duty steel but is only 10″ in diameter, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Tuned to the key of D in the Akebono scale, this Sela Melody tongue drum produces five notes: D, E, F, A, and A#. This scale is similar to the minor pentatonic, so if you’re experienced with scales, it may sound familiar to you.
Due to the compact and lightweight design of this Sela Melody drum, I found that it’s great for recording with.
I borrowed this specific drum from a friend once, and I was easily able to place it in front of a microphone and add the sound of the steel tongue drum to a few recordings.
You also get two identical mallets with the drum so that you can learn to use them along with mastering the technique of playing with your fingertips if you wish.
Pros
- Lightweight and mobile design
- Prominent treble frequencies
- Percussive tone
Cons
- Not as loud as some of the larger steel tongue drums
Meinl Sonic Energy Octave Steel Tongue Drum - D Kurd - Black Engraved Floral
Meinl Sonic Energy Octave Steel Tongue Drum - D Kurd - Black Engraved Floral Review
Meinl’s Sonic Energy Octave drum has an eye-catching design that is matched by its impressive sound. Tuned to the Kurd scale in the key of D, it has a bass note installed in the middle.
This bass note acts like a drone so that you can play it as the root note and then, as it resonates, play the other higher-pitched notes on the drum.
I love the inspirational, uplifting sound that the Kurd scale offers. It’s always been one of my favorites, making me love tongue drums and handpans that have it.
Another great thing about the Meinl Sonic Energy Octave is that it has a wide dynamic range. At 16″, it is one of the largest steel tongue drums you can buy, but while this compromises its mobility, it enhances other qualities.
The drum is louder than its smaller counterparts and produces a thicker low-end, which is perfect for playing in large, reverberant spaces.
Meinl designed this steel tongue drum to relieve stress effectively; in my experience, it certainly had a calming effect.
Pros
- Produces a loud, resonant sound
- Stunning aesthetic design
- The soundhole can be closed for tighter dynamics
Cons
- Heavier than most steel tongue drums
Pearl Awakening Series 8 Note Tongue Drum - A Ake Bono Mode - Brown Burst
Pearl Awakening Series 8 Note Tongue Drum - A Ake Bono Mode - Brown Burst Review
Boasting the level of quality you’d expect from a Pearl product, this 8-note drum has one less tongue than most of the other steel drums in Pearl’s popular Awakening series.
The reduced size of the Pearl Awakening Series 8 Note Tongue Drum makes it easier to store and move around, but it also impacts the way it sounds.
You can strike the tongues with more force without the sound becoming too loud. I found that makes it a good instrument to practice advanced techniques on.
Pearl has added three rubber feet to the underside of the drum to prevent it from slipping when you play, and this also smoothens the resonance that is produced as a note decays.
Tuned to the key of A in the Japanese Akebono scale, this drum produces an uplifting sound with a minor feel, particularly if you play all of the notes in order. You get a pair of mallets with the drum to experiment with different playing techniques.
Pros
- Comes with two mallets
- Rubber feet hold the drum in place
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Lacking bass frequencies
Lexington TGD-1213A 13 Note - 12 Inch - Steel Tongue Tank Drum
Lexington TGD-1213A 13 Note - 12 Inch - Steel Tongue Tank Drum Review
Lexington has designed this steel tongue drum to be equally suitable for novice percussionists as it is for seasoned professionals. It comes with numbered tongues so that you can learn about the interactions between the 13 onboard notes.
This large number of notes is considerably greater than what can be found on other steel tongue drums, which does make it more crowded. However, this forces you to improve your accuracy when tapping your fingers or striking the tongues with a mallet.
Another way that the Lexington TGD-1213A drum is different from the majority of other steel tongue drums is that it is tuned to the key of C major rather than a Japanese scale.
I found that the key made it much easier to play Western classical and popular music songs, so I can see how this would be a popular option for a lot of people.
The lotus pattern that is carved into the steel drum gives it a slightly mystical, ethereal look. Overall, this drum is great value for money and is a worthy competitor to the options produced by perhaps better-known manufacturers.
Pros
- Numbered tongues for easy note selection
- Rich tonality with a prominent midrange
- Comes with a bag and mallets
Cons
- Additional notes may be a little overwhelming
Steel Tongue Drums Buyer's Guide
Combining percussion and melody, the steel tongue drum is an accessible instrument that musicians of all skill levels can enjoy playing. These drums produce a rhythmic, somewhat therapeutic sound that is very relaxing.
Whether you’re new to steel tongue drums or you have experience using them, it’s important to consider all of the most important aspects to ensure you select the best option for your needs.
If you’re an experienced drummer, you’ll probably find the rhythmic aspects of playing the steel tongue drum very easy. Likewise, pianists and other musicians will find the harmonic aspect of the instrument requires little effort.
Despite being a fairly simple instruments, the steel tongue drum can produce a complex range of tones that can be used for live performances or to add atmospheric sounds to recordings.
Let’s get into the specifics of steel tongue drums so that you know what to look out for when considering the options.
Things to Consider When Buying Steel Tongue Drums
Consider the weight
The heavier a steel tongue drum is, the more resonance it is likely to produce. Additional resonance causes the notes to ring out for longer, but if you proffer a percussive, shorter-lasting sound, a lightweight drum may be the best option.
Think about the size
Although this may seem obvious, it’s important to think about the overall dimensions of the steel tongue drum before purchasing. Transportation and storage are both affected by the size of the instrument, but so is the tone. Larger drums tend to produce more bass frequencies than smaller drums, which have a higher-pitched sound.
Consider materials
Steel tongue drums are made from two potential materials – steel and aluminum. Steel is the most popular choice, as it produces a sound rich in harmonics and low-end frequencies, while aluminum offers a sharper, more percussive sound with added decay.
Key Aspects & Features of Steel Tongue Drums
What Affects the Sound of Steel Tongue Drums?
There are several potential factors that can impact the tone and dynamics of a steel tongue drum. Firstly, there are the physical aspects, including the weight, materials, and overall size.
Other factors that affect the sound produced by the drum include the number of tongues that the manufacturer installs on it and the type of finish that is applied to the steel or aluminum material.
If you’re looking for a steel tongue drum that produces prominent low-end frequencies, there are three things to look out for. Firstly, you’ll want to opt for a larger drum, which will also usually correlate to it being heavier in weight.
The second thing to look for if you prefer a bassier sound is a drum that is constructed from steel rather than aluminum. Steel naturally highlights the low-end frequencies, while aluminum produces a glassier tone rich in upper mids and treble frequencies.
The finish of a steel tongue drum is the most likely aspect to be overlooked, as it’s often assumed to be purely aesthetic. However, the drums that have a matte finish will produce a warmer tone, while those that are covered in a glossy finish will sound more percussive.
Steel Drums and Musical Keys
This drum will play some of these notes: A, B, C sharp, D, E, F sharp, and G. It has a brighter sound than the D major tuning thanks to the increase in higher notes in the scale.
One of the great things about playing a steel tongue drum is that you don’t need much prior knowledge of music theory to play ear-friendly melodies and tunes.
This is because each drum is tuned to a specific key – meaning that all of the tongues produce a different note that is harmonically compatible with the others. The most common keys used for steel tongue drums are:
- C Major
- D Major
- G Major
- A Major
Therefore, if you choose a steel drum tongue that is in C Major, it will produce a selection of or all of the following notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Alternatively, choosing a drum that is tuned to the keys of, D, G or A Major will allow you to access higher notes.
Playing Techniques
Steel tongue drums can be played using a variety of techniques and objects. The most common way to play them is by using your fingertips to tap against the tongue, which causes the metal to vibrate, producing a note.
Alternatively, some people prefer to play the drum using a beater or stick. Mallets with softer beaters are great for dampening the sound, while solid materials will result in the sound having a sharper attack.
While playing the steel tongue drum with your fingers provides the most control over the dynamics, it can be fun to experiment with other objects. If you don’t have sticks or mallets available, try using household items like spoons to generate a sound.
Steel Tongue Drums FAQs
Is a Steel Tongue Drum Hard to Play?
Steel tongue drums aren’t the most difficult instruments to play, but they require a level of rhythm, timing, and dexterity. These skills can be developed by starting off playing the drum slowly and regularly drilling techniques and patterns until you become more confident.
What is the Difference Between a Steel Tongue Drum and a Handpan?
Steel tongue drums and handpans often get grouped together because they share some similarities in terms of their physical design and the type of sound they produce.
However, the key difference between these two percussion instruments is that the steel tongue drum is made from metal – commonly steel or aluminum, whereas the handpan is made from nitrided steel.
