Handpan vs. RAV Drum: Identical Scale Comparison, B Celtic and D Celtic Minor (Aura Handpans)

*Order RAV Drum and Aura Handpan here: didgeproject.c...
*Take lessons with Matt Bazgier: [e-mail]
What are the similarities and differences between handpans and RAV drums? They are both made of steel and they both sound amazing, but one has a longer sustain than the other, and there is quite a different character to the sound. In this video we compare the newly updated 2019 RAV Drum with an Aura Handpan in the same identical Celtic Minor scale.
In this video we made 2 comparisons: B Celtic Minor RAV vs. B Celtic Minor Aura Handpan as well as D Celtic Minor RAV vs. D Celtic Minor Aura Handpan, so you will see 4 different pans in this video. This is a literal side by side comparison where we play each pan note for note and compare how they sound.
If you haven’t already seen the first comparison we did between RAV Drums and Handpans a few years ago, check it out here: • Hang/Handpan vs. RAV D...
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[@dfigravity]

I'm in love with both, but I think the longer sustain (and lower price point) of the RAV are more forgiving for a beginner. Thanks for the video, you guys have made the decision process so much easier!!

[@didgeproject]

dfigravity that’s what we are here for. Let us know if you have any specific questions about either of the pans.

[@atlantean1209]

Aura definitely sounds better. More of a boing sound, if you know what I mean

[@Awareness_With_Dennis]

@@didgeproject are these both tuned at 432hz? your website dont have that info either

[@shawnellis6581]

As a newbie who has never played, my ear tended to drift towards the RAV. I was researching Handpans and never considered the RAV before. Thank you for the introduction.

[@elisabethm9655]

Thank you for this side by side ...this kind of analysis helps in understanding this new class of instrument. I just received my first handpan - a Rav B-Kurd and I’m working on my strike techniques. I’m glad I went with a rav for my first drum. I really like the clear sustain.

[@didgeproject]

Happy to hear it. For most people RAV is a better starter instrument because of its entry price point.

[@cord11ful]

On 'paper': the Rav should win; never needs tuning, purer sound, long sustain. BUT. Just hearing the handpans (Aura or otherwise) grabs me by the soul and totally captivates me on a much deeper level; time stands till when I hear it. No comparison. (Having said that, I'll still get a Rav for the price point and as I couldn't afford to retune a pan every one or two years, which you have to with the pans.....sadly.)

[@eloisebaker1125]

I feel the same

[@TompaPocok]

you ust retune handpans? that's a gamechanger feor me... :D how and who can do that?

[@ayishamindset1111]

I completely agree👌🏽🙏🏽 totally mesmerised by the hand pan the cheapest I’ve seen is almost £400

[@dredwick]

Absolute nonsense. Aura will retune their handpans for FREE. You just have to pay about $40 to ship it. You can't afford $40 every couple of years? Smh.

[@cord11ful]

@@dredwick You sound delightful! It amazes me how people's real character comes out when they are anonymously typing away in a comments section to total strangers. Put your manners on! For your information (not that anyone gives a damn about your random opinion), I'm in Australia, not the U.S., so I can assure you shipping would be far more than U.S. $40. Then there's the exchange rate. Plus the fact that I'm a pensioner struggling to cover basic living costs. Not that you'd care. Learn some manners!

[@dertonchirurg3085]

The Rav is my choice, cause of the longer sustain and it sounds more compressed. I like it for meditation music!

[@RelaxingMusic-xy4jl]

A magical range of sound that resonates with the air and shimmers

[@readerenergy]

Thanks very much for the video guys. It's great to hear the comparison. They both sound nice, though I tend to lean a little more toward the sound of a handpan at the moment. I think as I move further into my exploration, I will like the addition of a Rav, (or I guess more correctly, a tongue drum) to the handpan, to add to the sound depth.

[@williamlopez9261]

Thank you for this comparison. As someone who is just beginning to explore these drums as a first instrument it was exactly wha I was looking for. In truth I personally like the sound of the handpan better than the Rav drum but not so much that it outweighs the cost difference, durability, and lack of tuning needed with the Rav. I hope to buy my first one in a month or two!

[@choschiba]

You really have to have the RAV on your lap in order to feel the long lasting vibration an richness of sound. You can not hear it‘s potential in this video. I would highly recommend to drive to the store to give a try by yourself.

[@SoundMtn]

Very nice presentation. Enjoyed learning more about the differences between the two instruments... Such great sound... I lean more to the rav sound...

[@michelbrown1060]

Both sound celestial. . . the hand pan has a fuller sound and it touches my soul more The RAV has a magnific sound also but diffenern and if theu were not one besides the other, it would bu hard to tell. . . But in direct comparison. . The hand pan is, to my taste, fuller, more cosy ? ? more inviting ? ?

[@myfirstnamemylastname2994]

I just like these DidgeProject guys...

[@Pasha_Aeon]

Good comparison! Thank you!

[@pawelkoszelak6741]

9:44 he play on Hang Drums not Rav Vast D Celitic Minor Jesus!!!!!

[@AngieF8]

Thank you for this detailed comparison, but I just noticed it appears to be labeled incorrectly in the video beginning at 09:45 and again at 09:58 It states "RAV Vast D Celtic Minor " when he is still comparing the Aura handpans. And it continues to incorrectly label the B scale as RAV Vast. Just an FYI, I didn't want anyone disappointed, if they purchase the wrong one, or confused (I hope I am not confused myself, I am not even a beginner yet! I'm just basing my observation on the introduction information.) I Love this information. I too am enchanted by both instruments and can't decide which one, if I exclude purchase and upkeep cost. And I really love this scale. I'm also glad to see you are located in the U.S., which will be easier for me, most of the others I have priced are in Europe. Thank you!🙏🏻

[@didgeproject]

If we made a mistake thanks for clarifying. We appreciate all your comments and are happy to answer any further questions. Many RAVs and handpans pass through our hands so are very lucky that we get to handle lots of these instruments. Cheers!

[@atomipi]

Amazing - One sounds like a charming bin lid, and the other sounds like the lid of a charming bin

[@jasonbaer6341]

To me, a handpan always sounds better than a tongue drum! Doesn't even matter if the quality is bad, the handpan always wins! To bad they cost so dang much!☹

[@cord11ful]

Totally agree!

[@abdellebadabdel9987]

Thank you great comparison (I love your work and your shop). I think that you have to say that people have to try them to have a really better feeling : just the contact between the hands and the polished metal and then the sound vibrating inside our body 🙂 I love my handpan for its particularly harmonic raised with each note BUT I didn't try a Rav so now I want to try it myself to check the differences as the weight the size and his sustain sound. A question : for beginners is it easy to deal with the sustain of a Rav ?

[@1029steveo]

To me, its about the "noise elements" that are created in addition to the actual notes. The Aura creates such a pure fundamental tone with clear, well tuned harmonic tones. The Rag tongue construction seems to create more "noise elements" - A small chiff when striking, the harmonic tones are less in tune and create a bit of dissonance when striking. Its sustains longer due to the free vibrating tongue, But it doesn't hold together musically as well as the purer fundamental and partial tomes of the Aura. Of course, depending on the music, A "dirtier" tone may add character and feeling, like adding a distortion pedal to an electric guitar. But for me, listening to hand pan style drums is about the magical purity of tone, and the Aura wins out in this regard.

[@didgeproject]

Not sure what you mean by noise elements. Can you explain further?

[@marcgregoryneville]

They are both in D Celtic Minor - yes? The video description indicates otherwise. Thank you for this helpful presentation!

[@didgeproject]

there are two pairs here: a pair of d celtic minors and a pair of b celtic minors. i will update the description. thanks!

[@TruthIsNot4Sale]

Happy with the Rav but I like them both of course

[@Ra.Konstantin]

Thank you very much for the wonderful video!

[@sumcd6348]

I like them both, but would take a RAV vast in D and the Aura in B

[@whitehare5347]

RAV is my favourite. Very relaxing.

[@IdaWhispers]

RAV pan all day!

[@spockadoo1]

Brilliant video thank you 🙏 In you opinion which would suit better to be played with a guitar and didgeridoo through a loop pedal

[@tomatoplantsgonewild1470]

While I do appreciate the more cost-effectiveness of the RAV, the Aura has a fuller, richer sound to me. My lady's birthday is coming up and while she won't share what she wants, I figure I can't go wrong with either. That said, the RAV seems a bit "tinny" to me but does hold the note for a longer resonance... Decisions, decisions...

[@dylanbardin965]

I honestly feel the exact opposite way. The Rav has a more rich and fuller sound because it's got more tones tuned into the tongues. Harmonically it's a fuller sound super watery and flowy. For me the Aura sounds too thin. It emphasizes the upper harmonics doesn't give enough mid or low resonance to me. Reminds me of touristy Hawaiian music. I like each one for what it is but to me, the Aura doesn't sound twice as good. And it should considering the price is twice (if not more) as much.

[@karenshelters8197]

I just got the pygmy low e and there is 0 tinniness. I can't keep my hands off it

[@toneenorman2135]

I feel the same as you. Your lady is a lucky woman. As a small,older woman,I’m trying to decide. I definitely like the handpan sound better,but,the size and easy maintenance ( no tuning needed,I think) has me leaning towards the Rav….🤷‍♀️

[@ayishamindset1111]

Go with handpan it’s a fuller sound defo I agree the rav is tinny to me also 🙏🏽

[@SimplySavvyLife]

Could you get a stronger attack on the Rav by using a mallet or does that defeat the purpose of a hand drum?

[@didgeproject]

Soft mallets are great on ravs or handpans

[@Which-Way-Out]

The Aura handpan has the better bottom end and fuller tone going from what your mics are picking up, just beautiful. But the cost of any good handpan is outrageously expensive.

[@didgeproject]

Great observation. Much appreciated. Yes the costs are high but not what they used to be. To be able to get an Aura for $1400 USD is quite a good deal compared to other pans on the market. Most quality pans start at $1700-$1800 these days.

[@teegees]

Thank you for this comparison. The RAV center note sounds an octave higher than the handpan. Is that right?

[@didgeproject]

No, they should be in the same register

[@teegees]

@@didgeproject Maybe there are more harmonics in tongue drums than in handpans as it sounds an octave higher to me

[@Zlinky111]

Lovely video. Thank you : )

[@JohnTheFrugalFatGuy]

I'm getting a RAV G Pygmy at my earliest opportunity!

[@didgeproject]

Good on ya! That's one of our best sellers

[@JohnTheFrugalFatGuy]

Will it have the new border or do I have to wait awhie for the old stock to sell?

[@didgeproject]

@@JohnTheFrugalFatGuy We won't be able to answer that until we get the next shipment in. That scale just sold out today!

[@didgeproject]

@@JohnTheFrugalFatGuy We have new golden borders on all models

[@JohnTheFrugalFatGuy]

@@didgeproject soon, I hope! I think about it all the time.

[@ayishamindset1111]

Handpan for Me 🙏🏽defo resonates with my spirit 🙏🏽 il pay the extra for the feeling it gives me alone 👌🏽🙏🏽

[@rtjacobsen]

Can you not mute the sustain on the rav (or the pan) with your palm or finger? Seems to me you could, it’s vibration through metal, and putting your flesh on a vibrating instrument would typically mute and lessen the sustain. But maybe that kills the overall sound of the instrument? I’m a newbie to this instrument and am genuinely curious, I may be completely wrong. (Closet guitarist)

[@didgeproject]

Check out the technique of how to get the harmonics in this video. Its like muting, only better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXfUfoRtirCfqck

[@sergiolonghi1380]

Does every hand pan in D Celtic minor have this particular feature as you show starting from min 4.17? Thanks

[@didgeproject]

I’m not exactly sure what you’re asking, but the scale sequence should be the same on any D Celtic minor handpan

[@sergiolonghi1380]

Didge Project I mean, the 2 different voices you talked about, and you showed us, one bright and the other one deeper, is this beautiful thing present on every D celtic minor handpans? Can you find something similar also in some other scales or is it just on the D Celtic minor?

[@scd6969]

would it be possible to manipulate the sustain on the RAV by temporary modifications? such as adding a material you can use to deaden the vibrations a bit? I'm guessing some circular cutouts of some cloth tape, such as gaffers tape or medical tape, both of which will peel off easily with no residual impact... What do you think? If it works, the RAV might offer the best of both worlds.. Honestly it sounds very close with exception to the sustain, and the bass note. For only 1/3rd of the cost, it would be a win-win for me.

[@didgeproject]

Some handpan players use foam inserts, attached to the inside of each note, to dampen vibrations, so it could work.

[@eduardgercog4422]

You can put a thin cloth over to reduce sustain. Also the price of rav with all taxes, shipping etc comes very close if not the same with a handpan from a maker. I am in UK and can get a decent pan from local makers for the price of imported rav.

[@sumcd6348]

What are the prices?

[@didgeproject]

See pricing at didgeproject.com/store

[@mrdavrosjipo]

the rav is for me

[@didgeproject]

Why do you vote for RAV?

[@jayk6087]

Handpans the tones are distinct more crisper rav has sustain but the tones get too muddled it get shrill.

[@movingstartup]

does the rav come in 432hz? and if so which is the model? love to get it asap

[@didgeproject]

Thomas Truong no it does not but we get this question often. We can get you any aura handpan tuned in 432hz: didgeproject.com/aura

[@lisasilverman3456]

I want one of each.

[@ShakeMyWay]

Is there one that is easier on your hands and fingers than another?

[@didgeproject]

ShakeMyWay I think the Hand Pan is a little softer on the fingers. With The Rav drum you need to strike slightly harder

[@MrsSilver21]

Both

[@ChantelStays]

So, is there a difference between rav and tongue?

[@didgeproject]

Chantel Wensley rav is a brand, tongue is a style of instrument of which rav is one maker

[@jounikorhonen]

A handpan needs to be TUNED?... So I understood from comments. That's a dealbraker since I would have no clue how that thing can be tuned. Handpan has more harmonics in the sound and is more vivid than the more monotonous Rav-pan, though the Rav has more sustain. Some chords from both would have been nice in comparison.

[@didgeproject]

Handpans can go out of tune if played to hard. RAV drums generally keep their tuning with normal play. Cheers!

[@teegees]

Is there an A Celtic? That would be the lowest?

[@didgeproject]

No but there is E low pygmy, that is the lowest rav drum

[@SavvySteak]

RAV Drum is amazing.

[@shaktiveda7041]

Both have an Impressive sound!!!

[@ephicpanama]

I need to get one in 432Hz

[@didgeproject]

We can get you an Aura handpan in 432hz

[@ephicpanama]

@@didgeproject not for me . I am poor. =)

[@mikustar]

I was just thinking this

[@86jurica]

Io ho scelto di partire con rav 2 d celtic minor, per 2 motivi : 1 come primo strumento della mia vita ho visto in RAV un opportunità economica alla portata di tutti e 2 ma non meno importante RAV col tempo non perse l 'intonazione, non deve essere aggiustato, è anche più robusto, ma un giorno tra qualche anno cercherò anche di avere un handpan

[@dylanbardin965]

Rav all the way.

[@Matt.777]

Aura

[@2S1L3NT]

The drum by a mile... But I can't afford it!!!

[@CCSABCD]

Handpan all the way

[@didgeproject]

Why do you vote for handpan?

[@CCSABCD]

Didge Project i feel it has a more powerful sound and more versatility. The rav it's more monotonous, overall less entertaining i think.

[@cord11ful]

@@CCSABCD Yes, I think the pans have more harmonics going on with every strike. Some people hear that as 'muddier', others as more beautifully complex. I'm in the latter camp.

[@dredwick]

What is this nonsense people are saying about the Aura costing too much to retune?? Aura retunes their handpans for FREE. How is FREE too expensive?

[@didgeproject]

Aura does indeed offer free retunes on their instruments for life!

[@itsmetorque]

Very dood video

[@thewaterwarrior9817]

Handpans sound better and are more for music, ravs you have to play slower because of the sustain and are for relaxatuon/meditation. That being said I can't spend 1800 on a handpan!!

[@samonsounds]

:)

[@dredwick]

What is this Russian propaganda? Oh yeah, I love my pan to sound dull when I hit it.

[@awapuhi]

Play more. Talk less. Sshheessh I'm out of here.

[@John-jd8vx]

made in russia so, no buy for me.

[@didgeproject]

RAV Labs just moved manufacturing to serbia

[@patriotpearl264]

Ugh... Too much talking. I just want to hear them. 😒

[@CHITUS]

The Rav is my choice, cause of the longer sustain and it sounds more compressed. I like it for meditation music!