When it comes to tongue drums, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making your purchase. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect tongue drum for you:
- Consider the size of the instrument. Tongue drums come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that’s comfortable for you to play.
- Think about the tone you want to achieve. Different sizes and shapes of tongue drums create different sounds,
Decide what size you want
When deciding on a size, ask yourself how you plan to use it. Smaller tongue drums are easier to carry with you and might be a better choice if you plan to take your drum with you when you travel. Larger drums have a deeper, fuller sound and might be a better choice if you plan to use your drum for meditation or yoga practice. You can also find tongue drums in a variety of shapes, from traditional round drums to more whimsical shapes like hearts or diamonds.
Once you’ve decided on a size, the next thing to consider is what material you want your drum to be made from. Tongue drums can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and even bamboo. Each material has its own unique sound, so it’s important to choose the material that has the sound you’re looking for.
Wooden tongue drums are the most traditional type of drum and are often used in ceremonies and rituals. They have a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for meditation and yoga practices. Metal tongue drums have a brighter sound that is perfect for creating soothing rhythms. Plastic tongue drums are lightweight and easy to carry with you, making them a great choice for travel
Consider the material the tongue drum is made of
When you’re ready to purchase a tongue drum, the first thing you need to consider is the material the drum is made of. If you want a traditional drum sound, look for one that’s made of wood. For a more resonant sound, try a drum made of metal. You can also find tongue drums made of plastic, but these usually don’t produce as good of a sound.
Once you’ve decided on the material, you need to think about the size of the drum. Tongue drums come in a variety of sizes, from small drums that fit in the palm of your hand to large drums that are big enough to sit on. The size you choose will depend on how you want to use the drum. If you plan on using it for meditation or relaxation, a small or medium-sized drum will be plenty. But if you want to use it for making music, you’ll need a larger size so you can hit all the notes.
Finally, take into account the price when making your decision. Tongue drums can range in price from under $100 to over $1,000, depending on the size and material. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to buy a less expensive model so you can get an idea of whether or not you like playing it before investing in a more expensive one.
Choose between a pre-tuned or an untuned drum
If you’re considering buying a tongue drum, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a pre-tuned or an untuned drum. Pre-tuned drums are ready to play right out of the box, while untuned drums can be customized to your liking. There are pros and cons to both options, so it’s important to weigh your options before making a decision.
Pre-tuned drums are a great option for beginner players or for those who don’t have the time or patience to tune their own instruments. They’re also typically more affordable than untuned drums. However, pre-tuned drums offer less flexibility in terms of playing style and sound. If you’re looking for a unique sound or want the ability to experiment with different tunings, an untuned drum is a way to go.
Untuned drums are more expensive than pre-tuned drums, but they offer more flexibility in terms of sound and playing style. If you’re willing to put in the time to tune your drum, you’ll be rewarded with an instrument that sounds exactly the way you want it to.
When it comes down to it, choosing between a pre-tuned or an untuned drum is a matter of personal preference. Consider your skill level, budget and desired to play experience before making a decision.
Determine what type of sound you want
Tongue drums come in a range of sizes, from 2.5 to 18 inches, and with various numbers of tongues. The size of the drum will determine the pitch or notes that it can produce. For example, a smaller tongue drum will have a higher pitch than a larger one.
Most tongue drums have between 6 and 12 tongues, which are usually tuned to pentatonic or diatonic scales. Some instruments have as few as 2 tongues while others have up to 36. The number of tongues also determines the range or notes that the drum can produce.
If you’re not sure what type of sound you want, it might be helpful to listen to recordings of tongue drums online before making a purchase.
Consider how you will play the tongue drum
Tongue drums, also called tongue percussion instruments, are musical instruments that you play with your hands or sticks. They are similar to hand pans and steel drums, but they have a shorter length and smaller diameter. This gives them a higher pitch and a more focused sound. There are many different types of tongue drums on the market, so it is important to consider how you will play the instrument before you make your purchase.
If you plan to play the tongue drum with your hands, look for an instrument with a smooth surface. The smoother the surface, the easier it will be to produce clear tones. You may also want to consider an instrument with a built-in mute function so you can practice without making too much noise.
If you plan to play the tongue drum with sticks, look for an instrument with raised tongues or nodes. These will provide a good place for the sticks to strike the drum without slipping. You may also want to consider an instrument with a weightier body so it does not move around when you are playing it.
Take care of your tongue drum
Tongue drums are beautiful, unique instruments that can provide hours of enjoyment. But like any musical instrument, they require a certain amount of care and maintenance to keep them sounding their best. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your tongue drum.
- Keep your tongue drum clean. Regularly wipe down the drumhead and body with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. If the drumhead starts to look dull or feels sticky, you can clean it with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Just be sure to rinse it well and dry it thoroughly afterwards.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. tongue drums are made of wood, which can expand or contract in extreme heat or cold. This can cause the drumhead to become distorted, which will affect its sound quality. To avoid this, store your tongue drum in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Handle with care. The wood body of a tongue drum is fragile and should not be dropped or banged on hard surfaces. Also be careful not to sit on the drum or stand on it while playing, as this could damage the instrument.
- Don’t over-tighten the tuning screws. The screws that hold the drumhead in place should be tightened just enough so that the head is secure but can still vibrate freely. Over-tightening will damage the wood and reduce the quality of sound produced by the drum.
5 . Keep away from moisture. Moisture can warp wood and damage the finish , so it’s important to keep your tongue drum away from humidifiers, steam, etc . Be especially careful if you live in a climate with high humidity levels .
Try out different drums before you buy
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a tongue drum, and the best way to find the right one is to try out as many as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping:
- size: Tongue drums come in all shapes and sizes, from small hand drums to large floor models. The size you choose will depend on your intended use and where you plan on keeping the drum. Smaller drums are more portable and can be played with one hand, while larger drums produce a deeper sound and require two hands to play.
- material: Tongue drums may be made from wood, metal, or resin. each material produces a different sound, so it’s important to experiment with different types before making a decision. Metal drums tend to have a higher pitched sound, while wood drums produce a warmer tone. Resin drums are the most affordable option but their sound is less articulate than that of wood or metal models.
- number of tongues: Most tongue drums have between 6 and 12 tongues, each of which produces a different note when struck. The more tongues the drum has, the wider range of notes it can produce. If you’re looking for a drum that can play complex melodies, opt for one with at least 8 tongues. If you want something that’s easy to carry around and play informally, a 6-tongue drum will suffice.
Get the best deal on a tongue drum
When you’re in the market for a tongue drum, also called a log drum or a slit drum, there are several factors you should consider to get the best deal.
First, decide what size you need. Tongue drums come in a range of sizes from about 10 inches to 2 feet long. The size you need will depend on how you want to use the drum. If you plan to play it as a solo instrument, a larger drum will give you more range. If you want to use it as part of a band or ensemble, a smaller drum will be easier to transport and will blend better with other instruments.
Second, think about what material you want your drum to be made of. Tongue drums can be made of wood, metal, or plastic. Each material has its own unique sound, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your musical style. Wood drums tend to have a warm sound, while metal drums have a brighter sound. Plastic drums are the most versatile and can produce a range of sounds depending on how they’re played.
Finally, decide what type of finish you want on your drum. Tongue drums can be left natural or they can be painted or stained. A natural finish will allow the wood grain to show through and will give the drum a more rustic look. A painted or stained finish will give the drum a more finished look and can help it blend in with your other instruments if you’re using it in an ensemble setting.
