Looking for a unique musical instrument that you can make yourself? Look no further than the steel tongue drum! This fascinating instrument is easy to make and fun to play. In this blog, we’ll show you how to make your own steel tongue drum so you can enjoy making music in your own home.
Introduction to steel tongue drums
Steel tongue drums are percussion instruments that consist of a steel shell with a series of tongues (or blades) of different lengths and thicknesses attached to the inside. The tongues are struck with mallets to produce a variety of sounds, and the drums can be played solo or in ensembles.
Steel tongue drums originated in Asia, and their exact history is not known. However, they are known to have been used in religious ceremonies and as healing tools. Steel tongue drums are now popular all over the world, and they are used for a variety of purposes, including meditation, relaxation, and music therapy.
The history of steel tongue drums
The steel tongue drum is a musical instrument that originated in Africa. The first documented use of the steel tongue drum was in the early 1800s, when people living in the Congo region of Africa used them to communicate over long distances. Steel tongue drums were later brought to the United States by slaves who had been taken from Africa.
In the United States, steel tongue drums were used by slaves to communicate with each other and to send messages back to Africa. They were also used in religious ceremonies and rituals. After emancipation, steel tongue drums continued to be used by African Americans as a form of expression and communication.
Today, steel tongue drums are used by people all over the world for a variety of purposes, including relaxation, meditation, and healing.
How steel tongue drums are made
Steel tongue drums are made by hand, using a variety of techniques. The basic process involves creating a mold, castings, welding, and finishing.
Molds are made out of steel or aluminum. They are created by either machining or using a 3D printer. The size and shape of the mold will determine the size and shape of the steel tongue drum.
Castings are made by pouring molten steel into the mold. The steel is then cooled and solidified. This process is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved.
Welding is used to attach the castings together. This can be done either by hand or with a machine.
The final step is to finish the steel tongue drum. This includes polishing it to a high shine, painting it, or adding decorations.
The benefits of playing steel tongue drums
There are many benefits of playing steel tongue drums, including stress relief, improved concentration, increased focus and attention span, improved hand-eye coordination, and increased dexterity. Steel tongue drums can also help to improve respiratory function and increase lung capacity.
The different types of steel tongue drums
There are many different types of steel tongue drums, each with their own unique sound. The most common type is the handpan, which is played with the hands. There are also footpans, which are played with the feet; and lap pans, which are played on the lap.
Handpans are the most popular type of steel tongue drum, as they offer a wide range of sounds and can be played with a variety of techniques. Footpans are less common, but offer a different sound that can be used for a variety of genres. Lap pans are the least common type of steel tongue drum, but offer a unique sound that is perfect for relaxing or meditating.
How to play steel tongue drums
Steel tongue drums are unique musical instruments that can be played with your hands or with mallets. They produce a range of sounds, from gentle tones to rich, deep notes. You can create a wide variety of rhythms and melodies on steel tongue drums, making them perfect for both solo and group performances.
To play steel tongue drums, you will need to know how to hold the drum and how to strike the tongues. The following sections will provide some tips on how to do both of these things.
How to Hold the Drum
You can hold the drum in two ways:
-With your hands: Place your palms on either side of the drum and gently press down. This is the best way to get a feel for the instrument and to experiment with different sounds.
-With mallets: Use two mallets, one in each hand, to strike the tongues. This is the best way to get a consistent sound and to play complex rhythms.
How to Strike the Tongues
There are two ways to strike the tongues:
-With your hands: Use your fingers or palm to lightly tap or drag across the tongues. This is a good way to produce gentle sounds and explore different rhythms. Be sure not to press down too hard, as this can dampen the sound.
-With mallets: Use two mallets, one in each hand, to strike the tongues. This is the best way to create a consistent sound and play complex rhythms
Steel tongue drum care and maintenance
To maximize the longevity and performance of your steel tongue drum, we recommend the following care and maintenance tips:
-Always store your drum in a cool, dry place.
-Tighten or retune the lugs as needed to keep the head taut.
-Clean the drumhead with a soft, dry cloth after each use.
-Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning agents on the drumhead or body.
-If you plan to travel with your steel tongue drum, be sure to pack it securely in a padded case or gig bag.
Conclusion
Once you have completed building your steel tongue drum, you will need to tune it. This can be done by using a hammer to strike the tongue in the center, working your way around the entire drum. Start with the note you want in the center, then find the next note above or below it and strike that tongue. Find the next note and do the same thing. When you have gone around the entire drum, you should have a chromatic scale tuned from low to high or vice versa.
