YOUR ENTRY INTO A MUSICAL JOURNEY
WITH THE STEEL TONGUE DRUM
The Steel Tongue Drum is a percussion instrument related to the Handpan. Both instruments belong to the group of the so-called idiophones. This category includes only those percussion instruments that produce tones by vibrating their own sounding body.
What an empty tank has to do with the Steel Tongue Drum
The Steel Tongue Drum was invented only a few years ago, in 2007, when Dennis Havlena, who is dedicated to creating and building folk instruments himself, came up with the idea of creating a Steel Tongue Drum from an empty propane tank. This makes it a rather young instrument, which unlike Frame Drum, Didgeridoo & Co. does not originate from any tradition or culture. Because of this first version of the Steel Tongue Drum, it is still often called Tank Drum.
What the tongues are all about
The Steel Tongue Drum is basically nothing more than a hollow metal body with a resonance hole on the underside, to which the Steel Tongue Drum owes its long sustain. The name Steel Tongue Drum does not come from nowhere, but can be explained quite simply with their structure: There are between seven and ten incised tone fields on the top side arranged in a circle around the center of the striking surface, which look like tongues. Depending on the shape and size of the tongues, different pitches result. The number of these tongues tells you the number of notes playable with this Steel Tongue Drum. Meinl Sonic Energy Steel Tongue Drums feature between six and 17 tongues in five different scale types:
| Minor Scales | Minor scales crate a mystical, pensive, almost melancholy sound. |
| Major Scales | The sound character of Steel Tongue Drums with major scales is descriped as upbeat and cheerful. |
| A Akebono | Due to their relaxing and soothing sound characteristics, these Steel Tongue Drums are especially popular with sound therapists. |
| D Kurd | D Kurd sounds mystical and dreamy. |
| D Amara | The tuning D Amara corresponds roughly to the sound character of D Kurd. |
For those who want to start one size smaller, Meinl Sonic Energy offers the Mini Steel Tongue Drums, a scaled-down version of the standard models (6" in diameter). These feature six notes in three different major scales: A Major, C Major and B Major. Also equipped with six tongues and tuned to A Major are the Pocket Steel Tongue Drums. Thanks to their diameter of only 3" they can be easily transported in your pocket.
Released in 2021, the 7" diameter Meinl Sonic Energy Small Steel Tongue Drums are the optimal middle ground between Standard Steel Tongue Drums and those in miniature size, available in F Minor and G Minor tunings.
But now to the most interesting point:
How to play a Steel Tongue Drum?
To make the steel tongues vibrate and thus elicit a sound, the steel tongues are struck with the fingers or a rubber mallet.
The sound of Steel Tongue Drums in terms of articulation features a soft attack and long sustain with a reverb-like characteristic. The dynamic range reaches from very quiet to loud without creating any inharmonious overtones. Depending on the intended use, different playing techniques are possible:
If you want to create a soothing and relaxing mood to put yourself and your listeners in a meditative state, simply strike the tongues quickly and briefly with your fingers (as if you were testing whether the stove top is hot).
Bass tones can be produced by striking with the fist, percussive sound is produced by tapping with the finger bones.
It is also possible to combine the Steel Tongue Drum with other sound healing instruments, like Singing Bowls or Tuning Forks, because with their help the therapy session can be revalued and intensified to great extent. Setting the mood and achieving a state of total relaxation before a Singing Bowl or Tuning Fork session and maintaining this state throughout can be accomplished by playing the Steel Tongue Drum before and concurrently.
In most cases the Steel Tongue Drum is played while sitting. It can simply be placed in front of you on the table or your lap. A nice side effect: The pyhsical vibration of the instrument gives a soothing massage. If you prefer to play while standing, Meinl Sonic Energy offers suitable stands.
For young and old, for at home and on the road, for musicians and non-musicians, …
As you can already see from the different playing techniques, the Steel Tongue Drum has numerous uses. Due to its relaxing and warm sound, it is suitable, for example, in the field of sound therapy for use in so-called sound baths or for guided meditations. But also for music in the classroom, the Steel Tongue Drum (especially the Meinl Sonic Energy Pocket Steel Tongue Drums, the Meinl Sonic Energy Mini Steel Tongue Drums, the Meinl Sonic Energy Small Steel Tongue Drums and the NINO Percussion Mini Melody Steel Tongue Drums) is an absolute must-have. Of course, the Steel Tongue Drum should not be missing in a perfect percussion setup, whether it is a solo performance or an ensemble.
It doesn’t matter if you are a teacher, a sound therapist or simply a music lover, the Steel Tongue Drum can be played regardless of age and prior musical experience. You don't have to be able to read music to play the Steel Tongue Drum, because the notes are chosen to go well together, so no matter what order you play them in, it will always sound like a coherent melody. There are no wrong notes on the Steel Tongue Drum. So, you can just play intuitively without the risk of creating a crooked sounding sequence.
Steel Tongue Drums are, as the name suggests, made of steel. This material has the advantage of being very durable and can withstand even intense heat or cold. The powder coating gives the Meinl Sonic Energy Steel Tongue Drums a sleek look and feel. Their compact size, weather resistance, as well as the included padded bag, makes them a perfect travel companion. And when you're not on the road, the Meinl Sonic Energy Steel Tongue Drum will look great on your coffee table as well.
Meinl Sonic Energy is a collection of instruments that supports our connection to experience the body, mind and energy, as One. Many practitioners and guides within the health and wellness industry use these instruments therapeutically for stress management, anxiety relief, insomnia, depression, addictive recovery, pain management, etc. They are unique expressions of the vibrations we encounter on a daily basis and when listened to closely, seem to have a language all their own. They invite us to appreciate the definition of all things we find harmonious in our life and through this support, our journey begins toward new peace and restoration. Our collection of beautifully crafted creations makes self-discovery through sound a simple, profound practice.
Choose from a collection of 19 Steel Tongue Drums in five different sizes
Meinl Sonic Energy
Mini Steel Tongue Drums
Meinl Sonic Energy Mini Steel Tongue Drums are more compact (6" in diameter, 2.55" high) than traditional Steel Tongue Drums, making them ideal for both, home and travel. They feature six tone fields, all from the same scale. The Mini Steel Tongue Drum by Meinl Sonic Energy is available in three versions: Black (tuned to C Major), Navy Blue (tuned to A Major) and Gold (tuned to B Major).
Price: 39.90 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Small Steel Tongue Drums
The Small Steel Tongue Drums are the middle ground between the Mini Steel Tongue Drums and conventional Steel Tongue Drums. At 7" in diameter, they are extremely space-saving and fit in almost any handbag. The eight tone fields are tuned in minor scales, which are considered as mellow, soothing and melancholy. A perfect gift for any music lover – available in navy blue (tuned to F Minor) and black (tuned to G Minor).
Price: 49.90 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Regular Steel Tongue Drums
These models correspond to a conventional Steel Tongue Drums. They are made with great attention to detail from powder-coated steel and, like the Small Steel Tongue Drums, have eight tone fields. The resonance hole on the underside ensures a particularly long-lasting resonance. Depending on your personal taste, you can choose between four scales (A Minor, G Minor, G Major, A Akebono) and three finishes (black, vintage brown, pearl grey).
Price: 299.00 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Octave Steel Tongue Drums
The new Octave Steel Tongue Drums with decorative Nylon cord have a flat shape and a diameter of 15.7" (40 cm). They feature a central bass note in the middle plus eight more notes around it. These eight notes consist of two reeds each that deliver the tone in two octaves. This creates a wonderful, meditative sound similiar to the tone of a handpan. Another special feature is the sound hole at the bottom of the drum, which can be closed with a silicon plug to make the sound even more compact.
Our Octave Steel Tongue Drums can be played with mallets or with fingers and are available in the tunings D Kurd (Black, with or without engraved floral design) or D Amara (Navy Blue, with or without engraved floral design).
Price: 349.00 € (without design) or 369.00 € (with graved floral design)
Meinl Sonic Energy
Pocket Steel Tongue Drums
Super cute Steel Tongue Drums that can become your constand companion due to their pocket size of only 3" (about 7.6 cm). The six circularly arranged tongues are tuned to A Major and produce joyful and soothing sounds. For an appealing look, the engraved design elements on the top (choose from Lotus Flower, Om, and Venus Flower).
Price: 19.90 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Pocket Steel Tongue Drums
Super cute Steel Tongue Drums that can become your constand companion due to their pocket size of only 3" (about 7.6 cm). The six circularly arranged tongues are tuned to A Major and produce joyful and soothing sounds. For an appealing look, the engraved design elements on the top (choose from Lotus Flower, Om, and Venus Flower).
Price: 19.90 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Pocket Steel Tongue Drums
Super cute Steel Tongue Drums that can become your constand companion due to their pocket size of only 3" (about 7.6 cm). The six circularly arranged tongues are tuned to A Major and produce joyful and soothing sounds. For an appealing look, the engraved design elements on the top (choose from Lotus Flower, Om, and Venus Flower).
Price: 19.90 €
YOUR ENTRY INTO A MUSICAL JOURNEY
WITH THE STEEL TONGUE DRUM
The Steel Tongue Drum is a percussion instrument related to the Handpan. Both instruments belong to the group of the so-called idiophones. This category includes only those percussion instruments that produce tones by vibrating their own sounding body.
What an empty tank has to do with the Steel Tongue Drum
The Steel Tongue Drum was invented only a few years ago, in 2007, when Dennis Havlena, who is dedicated to creating and building folk instruments himself, came up with the idea of creating a Steel Tongue Drum from an empty propane tank. This makes it a rather young instrument, which unlike Frame Drum, Didgeridoo & Co. does not originate from any tradition or culture. Because of this first version of the Steel Tongue Drum, it is still often called Tank Drum.
What the tongues are all about
The Steel Tongue Drum is basically nothing more than a hollow metal body with a resonance hole on the underside, to which the Steel Tongue Drum owes its long sustain. The name Steel Tongue Drum does not come from nowhere, but can be explained quite simply with their structure: There are between seven and ten incised tone fields on the top side arranged in a circle around the center of the striking surface, which look like tongues. Depending on the shape and size of the tongues, different pitches result. The number of these tongues tells you the number of notes playable with this Steel Tongue Drum. Meinl Sonic Energy Steel Tongue Drums all have eight tongues in three different scale types:
| Minor Scales | Minor scales crate a mystical, pensive, almost melancholy sound. |
| Major Scales | The sound character of Steel Tongue Drums with major scales is descriped as upbeat and cheerful. |
| A Akebono | Due to their relaxing and soothing sound characteristics, these Steel Tongue Drums are especially popular with sound therapists. |
| D Kurd | D Kurd sounds mystical and dreamy. |
| D Amara | The tuning D Amara corresponds roughly to the sound character of D Kurd. |
For those who want to start one size smaller, Meinl Sonic Energy offers the Mini Steel Tongue Drums, a scaled-down version of the standard models (6" in diameter). These feature six notes in three different major scales: A Major, C Major and B Major. Also equipped with six tongues and tuned to A Major are the Pocket Steel Tongue Drums. Thanks to their diameter of only 3" they can be easily transported in your pocket.
Released in 2021, the 7" diameter Meinl Sonic Energy Small Steel Tongue Drums are the optimal middle ground between Standard Steel Tongue Drums and those in miniature size, available in F Minor and G Minor tunings.
But now to the most interesting point:
How to play a Steel Tongue Drum?
To make the steel tongues vibrate and thus elicit a sound, the steel tongues are struck with the fingers or a rubber mallet.
The sound of Steel Tongue Drums in terms of articulation features a soft attack and long sustain with a reverb-like characteristic. The dynamic range reaches from very quiet to loud without creating any inharmonious overtones. Depending on the intended use, different playing techniques are possible:
If you want to create a soothing and relaxing mood to put yourself and your listeners in a meditative state, simply strike the tongues quickly and briefly with your fingers (as if you were testing whether the stove top is hot).
Bass tones can be produced by striking with the fist, percussive sound is produced by tapping with the finger bones.
It is also possible to combine the Steel Tongue Drum with other sound healing instruments, like Singing Bowls or Tuning Forks, because with their help the therapy session can be revalued and intensified to great extent. Setting the mood and achieving a state of total relaxation before a Singing Bowl or Tuning Fork session and maintaining this state throughout can be accomplished by playing the Steel Tongue Drum before and concurrently.
In most cases the Steel Tongue Drum is played while sitting. It can simply be placed in front of you on the table or your lap. A nice side effect: The pyhsical vibration of the instrument gives a soothing massage. If you prefer to play while standing, Meinl Sonic Energy offers suitable stands.
For young and old, for at home and on the road, for musicians and non-musicians, …
As you can already see from the different playing techniques, the Steel Tongue Drum has numerous uses. Due to its relaxing and warm sound, it is suitable, for example, in the field of sound therapy for use in so-called sound baths or for guided meditations. But also for music in the classroom, the Steel Tongue Drum (specially the Meinl Sonic Energy Pocket Steel Tongue Drums, the Meinl Sonic Energy Mini Steel Tongue Drums, the Meinl Sonic Energy Small Steel Tongue Drums and the NINO Percussion Mini Melody Steel Tongue Drums) is an absolute must-have. Of course, the Steel Tongue Drum should not be missing in a perfect percussion setup, whether it is a solo performance or an ensemble.
It doesn’t matter if you are a teacher, a sound therapist or simply a music lover, the Steel Tongue Drum can be played regardless of age and prior musical experience. You don't have to be able to read music to play the Steel Tongue Drum, because the notes are chosen to go well together, so no matter what order you play them in, it will always sound like a coherent melody. There are no wrong notes on the Steel Tongue Drum. So, you can just play intuitively without the risk of creating a crooked sounding sequence.
Steel Tongue Drums are, as the name suggests, made of steel. This material has the advantage of being very durable and can withstand even intense heat or cold. The powder coating gives the Meinl Sonic Energy Steel Tongue Drums a sleek look and feel. Their compact size, weather resistance, as well as the included padded bag, makes them a perfect travel companion. And when you're not on the road, the Meinl Sonic Energy Steel Tongue Drum will look great on your coffee table as well.
Meinl Sonic Energy is a collection of instruments that supports our connection to experience the body, mind and energy, as One. Many practitioners and guides within the health and wellness industry use these instruments therapeutically for stress management, anxiety relief, insomnia, depression, addictive recovery, pain management, etc. They are unique expressions of the vibrations we encounter on a daily basis and when listened to closely, seem to have a language all their own. They invite us to appreciate the definition of all things we find harmonious in our life and through this support, our journey begins toward new peace and restoration. Our collection of beautifully crafted creations makes self-discovery through sound a simple, profound practice.
Choose from a collection of 19 Steel Tongue Drums in five different sizes
Meinl Sonic Energy
Mini Steel Tongue Drums
Meinl Sonic Energy Mini Steel Tongue Drums are more compact (6" in diameter, 2.55" high) than traditional Steel Tongue Drums, making them ideal for both, home and travel. They feature six tone fiels, all from the same scale. The Mini Steel Tongue Drum by Meinl Sonic Energy is available in three versions: Black (tuned to C Major), Navy Blue (tuned to A Major) and Gold (tuned to B Major).
Price: 39.90 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Small Steel Tongue Drums
The Small Steel Tongue Drums are the middle ground between the Mini Steel Tongue Drums and conventional Steel Tongue Drums. At 7" in diameter, they are extremely space-saving and fit in almost any handbag. The eight tone filds are tuned in minor scales, which are considered as mellow, soothing and melancholy. A perfect gift for any music lover – available in navy blue (tuned to F Minor) and black (tuned to G Minor).
Price: 49.90 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Regular Steel Tongue Drums
These models correspond to a conventional Steel Tongue Drums. They are made with great attention to detail from powder-coated steel and, like the Small Steel Tongue Drums, have eight tone fields. The resonance hole on the underside ensures a particularly long-lasting resonance. Depending on your personal taste, you can choose between four scales (A Minor, G Minor, G Major, A Akebono) and three finishes (black, vintage brown, pearl grey).
Price: 299.00 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Octave Steel Tongue Drums
The new Octave Steel Tongue Drums with decorative Nylon cord have a flat shape and a diameter of 15.7" (40 cm). They feature a central bass note in the middle plus eight more notes around it. These eight notes consist of two reeds each that deliver the tone in two octaves. This creates a wonderful, meditative sound similiar to the tone of a handpan. Another special feature is the sound hole at the bottom of the drum, which can be closed with a silicon plug to make the sound even more compact.
Our Octave Steel Tongue Drums can be played with mallets or with fingers and are available in the tunings D Kurd (Black, with or without engraved floral design) or D Amara (Navy Blue, with or without engraved floral design).
Price: 349.00 € (without design) or 369.00 € (with graved floral design)
Meinl Sonic Energy
Octave Steel Tongue Drums
The new Octave Steel Tongue Drums with decorative Nylon cord have a flat shape and a diameter of 15.7" (40 cm). They feature a central bass note in the middle plus eight more notes around it. These eight notes consist of two reeds each that deliver the tone in two octaves. This creates a wonderful, meditative sound similiar to the tone of a handpan. Another special feature is the sound hole at the bottom of the drum, which can be closed with a silicon plug to make the sound even more compact.
Our Octave Steel Tongue Drums can be played with mallets or with fingers and are available in the tunings D Kurd (Black, with or without engraved floral design) or D Amara (Navy Blue, with or without engraved floral design).
Price: 349.00 € (without design) or 369.00 € (with graved floral design)
Meinl Sonic Energy
Pocket Steel Tongue Drums
Super cute Steel Tongue Drums that can become your constand companion due to their pocket size of only 3" (about 7.6 cm). The six circularly arranged tongues are tuned to A Major and produce joyful and soothing sounds. For an appealing look, the engraved design elements on the top (choose from Lotus Flower, Om, and Venus Flower).
Price: 19.90 €
Meinl Sonic Energy
Pocket Steel Tongue Drums
Super cute Steel Tongue Drums that can become your constand companion due to their pocket size of only 3" (about 7.6 cm). The six circularly arranged tongues are tuned to A Major and produce joyful and soothing sounds. For an appealing look, the engraved design elements on the top (choose from Lotus Flower, Om, and Venus Flower).
Price: 19.90 €
