Steel Tongue Drum-13 Note 12 Inch Percussion Instrument Lotus Hand Pan Drum C key with Drum Mallets Carry Bag…

My 12 inch (~30cm) 13-note Rakumi steel tongue drum arrived yesterday and it is absolutely wonderful. This is my first steel tongue drum and I did watch a lot of review videos for different drums. I'm a beginning with steel tongue drums but know other instruments and have a decent ear for pitch. * This drum sounds beautiful and is really fun so far. * The case is surprisingly good with thick padding and pretty rigid overall. * The drumstick/mallet case is also great, but I haven't figured out how to keep it inside the main bag. Maybe it's not meant to. What some people might not realize is this drum can be tuned temporarily. The rubber circle at the drum's base can be removed. Placing some small neodymium magnets (make sure to keep those away from electronics; they are super strong), on the underside of the tongue (I'm still learning where the best spot it) can lower the pitch of that tongue because of added weight. Too many very small magnets will make a vibrating sound, so I recommend getting a set of different sized neodymium magnets. While I have not tried fully tuning something with a chromatic tuner (there are free phone apps for that), I am confident I can get it to C-minor. I am going to test Kurd and Akebono (and some other stuff) as well. The pictures of the product don't do it justice. I worried it would be too green, but the color looks excellent. It's a good size for me to play while I'm at my desk on a tray table I can swivel to. It definitely seems to work well!

I purchased what looked like the best options of a few of these steel tongue drums, in these general sizes, from a few different brands so that I could compare and find the best one. Here's what I found out::: BeatRise, both the 13" and the 14" drums -have 'tinny' sound to them and both had dead notes Berning&Lin 14" - sounded 'tinny', dead notes, and the weaving around the edges wasn't staying on. SMAUTOP 14" -came the closest to keeping this one. Its sound was a bit better but still had dead notes. I was also impressed with all of the stuff that came with it. It's like they like their customers. ;) Then I watched videos from people who know a bit more about this stuff and were making recommendations. I found out that bigger isn't necessarily better. You get more notes, but the shape and material differs from the smaller ones in a way that seems to make a real difference. I decided to sacrifice some notes and try a couple of 12" drums, from the list of recommendations. I tried:: Harmonic Star Steel Tongue Drum 10" - it was really nice! the sound was sweet and if I hadn't tried the next one then I might've been happy with this one. It did have a little bit of a dead note, and was hard to get it to register well on the higher notes in general. and then, Rakumi,12" 'lotus' drum - This was the clear winner. And because it was the very last one I tried, I was sure glad I didn't give up or settle! The price wasn't too bad and totally worth it. It was the only one out of all of them that I tried that had ZERO dead notes. And it had the prettiest, fullest and most resonant tone. It also has a large cutout at the bottom so that you can get in there with magnets and tune it to another key. So basically, it's perfect. I'm honestly in love with it. For anyone comparing the options and wondering, I hope this helps!

I got this for my 6 month old and he really enjoys banging on it. It makes a nice sound no matter what he hits it with, which includes his hands or random wooden or plastic or metal toys. I have show him how to play some of the songs from the booklet. I have very limited musical skills and was able to follow along easily with the book. I just wish there were more songs or more books with more songs or some sort of follow along music. It’s fun to just invent music too. My only constructive feedback is that the stickers numbering the notes fall of relatively easily. I may find a metal-friendly marker to make them permanent. If you are talented with music and don’t like the numbers on there, you can just peal them off. The color is very nice and the drum feels sturdy. The carrying case is nice. I can’t let my baby play with the drum sticks because the rubber end pieces come off easily. The rubber drum sticks make a truly beautiful sound.

Beautiful Tongue Drum and it sounds so relaxing and pure! This is quality made and we are extremely happy with our purchase! The color of this is so serene and the case provided protects this awesome instrument! I'd buy this for those hard to buy people on Christmas, they will be enthralled with it!

I bought this tank drum after doing a considerable amount of research. It had great reviews and the price seemed reasonable, especially for a 13-note drum. In retrospect, I should have paid more attention to the few reviews that said that the two highest notes were "off." The drum arrived a week ahead of time and was beautifully packaged. It's sturdy and the tones are bell-like and clear. I know that some people play tank drums with their fingers, but evidently my fingers are weak, and I can't generate a clear tone that way. I've been playing it with the rubber mallets that are included. I was able to make up a tune and play it the first day. (The little song book that comes with it is filled with songs that I don't know, but the first song is really pretty.) So, to the problem... Here's what I wrote to the manufacturer: "I am disappointed, however, because the two highest notes, which are labeled 1 and 3, are dull. 1 is a little bit dull and it's difficult to make any tone at all with 3. When it does make a note, it is very dull and muted. I noticed that two of the reviews indicated that they had the same issue. Is there any way to rectify this problem? Do all of your drums have this issue? Should I return it? Please advise. Thank you! " Their reply (which, to their credit, I received the next day): "Thank you for letting us know your concern. Sorry to hear you’re having problems with our item. We values every single opinion from our customers. We truly understand your disappointment and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Here is the problem, The treble tongue is relatively small and short, so the vibration volume will be lower than that of the mid-bass. When tapping, you can hit the point close to the edge position, and increase the strength appropriately, this would be help. Your understanding will be highly appreciated." In other words, "This is the way it is." In my opinion, if they know that these notes are basically unplayable, they shouldn't include them on their product. Make an 11-note drum and call it a day. I'm keeping this drum knowing full well that I will probably never use those two highest notes, mainly because 12-inch, 11-note drums cost the same amount or more. I love the instrument, but truly wish that A) all 13 notes were playable or B) that I had bought an 11-note drum. *************************** Later: I returned the drum for the reasons indicated above.

This thing is amazing. I wish I could afford a true hand drum but this deffinitely soothes my soul. It is beautiful. Even my toddlers can bang away and it sounds amazing. It has a very nice bag. The clasps are a bit weak. The finger things don't fit my hands but I have large fingers. My kids love them though. I am not a musician but it sounds like it is in tune. I love it and would buy for a friend.

Thanks for the quick delivery. The drum sounds nice with just my fingers. The accessories and bag with strap are great. My favorite feature is the ability to tune. The instructions are included. There’s a music book to get you started. Great product enjoying it immensely! Thanks again.

I have bought four different drums for myself and for others. This one was a gift for my nephew. I loved how this one sounds its not a dead sound at all. The big one I have that is similar the center note has a dead sound that I didnt realize was as bad as it was unitl I heard this one. I honestly may replace mine with the same one.

I am not musically gifted on any instruments, but I was determined to learn to make some energically relaxing sounds...easy to learn or just jamming on top of a mountain or by the sea at sunset. It delivers great vibrating sounds, very sturdy, easy to transport, keeps you focused in the moment. The perfect tool for anxiety. Love it!

Great steel drum.

Loved it but wish the song book had more adult songs in it.

Este instrumento me lo regaló mi papá y quise dejar una reseña, porque realmente me encantó. El color no le es fiel a las fotos y me parece rara la diferencia de precios solo por el cambio de color, pero de verdad que es un instrumento hermoso. El audio en el video no es igual que al sonido que se escucha en vivo. Obvio aún estoy aprendiendo a tocarlo, pero lo pedí por la necesidad de hacer talleres de meditación con música en vivo y es un instrumento hermoso que crea sonido súper relajantes. Es muy lindo tocarlo y escucharlo.