How to Choose a Steel Tongue Drum: Your Guide to Finding the Right Tongue Drum for You!

[@rauljosegarcia]

Oh my goodness, I'm going to have to hide my wallet away for a few days while I get over this tongue drum fever I have going. Thanks for the reviews!

[@Blimbus-Blombo]

Did you ever get one?

[@rauljosegarcia]

@@Blimbus-Blombo I did get one. Sadly I did not become a musical genius, but it has gotten use several times.

[@fleurosea]

Check out these tutorials, I enjoy playing my drum so much now kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJnPh4p7is2Bm6M

[@blipco5]

@@rauljosegarciaIs it a case of you just beat the dust off it every now and then?

[@rauljosegarcia]

@@blipco5 You know, about 15 months ago I had a kid and she really likes playing with it. She doesn't the attention span to play with it for long periods of time, but she bangs on it rather frequently and enjoys listening to me drone on for minutes at a time. So it's not just gathering dust just yet!

[@davidhoffmann345]

Your laughter could cure the world of all that is wrong! Thank you!!!

[@Mezurashii5]

The smile after playing every drum is just gold

[@17vile]

everything about your review made the end of 2024 so much better

[@musicalmiscellany]

This was a great video for someone shopping around. And you nailed it... the big controversy is between handmade and mass-produced. Like everything else... you pay a lot of money for a small increase in quality but yet... it makes all the difference. :-) I love how you covered the difference between playing familiar tunes and playing meditative stuff. That's not obvious to beginners. Great video.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thanks so much! I feel like there's not a lot of content that provides both options, but some drums are just going to work better for some situations, and dismissing either side is a mistake in my opinion 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@musicalmiscellany]

@@MusicalMollyKhan I agree. It just depends on your needs and your budget. Every drum is right for somebody (and wrong for somebody else).

[@sebsoud]

I bought 2 second-hand rav vast, sound quality is night and day with these examples... If one really wants to play regularly it's better to spare money until buying a "real" one, in my opinion. I first bought a cheap one, still about 150$, and was disappointed.

[@Cocytus]

That white Harmonic Star drum 1:32 is as of this moment, dubbed as the Marshmallow Drum.

[@IntoTheOutside000]

All the ones that are made of a magnetic steel you can flaten and fine tune the notes to many different scales with small magnets. A $60 13 note drum fine tuned with magnets sound amazing.

[@jsamc]

Thank you sooo much for your effort and not talking for 5 minutes before you actually played an instrument.

[@thenightporter]

The third one, the white one, sounds like a sound effect one would have heard on a PBS children's show, in the mid 70s, perhaps as part of a magical story! It took me back! 🙂

[@FunLid1]

Reading Rainbow Butterfly in the Sky.

[@gaill7314]

A great video for a music novice who is looking for a good drum to use in meditation. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into producing this video.

[@allenwilson530]

I have a 12in Kosmosky drum. It sounds wonderful. It's green and has UFOs on it

[@xevsetter1201]

I'm a new subscriber and I recently was gifted a tongue drum from a domestic partner and of course in love with playing it now I have a 7-in steel tundrum in G minor and I'm looking for a bigger one you definitely have a huge variety.

[@Cocytus]

THANK YOU!! I actually need this right now. I was getting lost in the rabbit hole.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

There's so many choices, it can be a lot!

[@angelarawlins3703]

I have 2 Tongue drums, one is a C major and the other is G Pentatonic, both have magnets.

[@hanselmansell7555]

Find credit card and goolge hand pan. Find hand pans and discover tounge drums. Find this channel and watch every video. Take notes and think before you buy 🤔 Many thanks 🙏

[@HECAROS512]

I love your videos, they are informative and clear, but the best part is your beautiful smile and your beautiful way of expresing yourself. You are beautiful, your husband and children are fortunate to have you in their lives. Congratulations, I love you

[@cutechiangels]

Thank you so much Molly ! 👍 Besides your beautiful natural smile, your laugh and smooth voice, you instruct us very well, and clearly. 🙂 I wish I had you as my music teacher! Keep making videos, I'm following you! 🎶🌟

[@shawnbruce6934]

The way Your face lights up when You play these is Wonderful. I am a Drumkit, Conga, Bongo and Tabla player. These are a new world for Me to try. Thank You! Subbed.

[@DH-ny1bi]

Excellent tutorial! I think the beauty of tongue drums is using them for improvisation. Anyone can play them and make beautiful music! I originally tried to buy a mass produced drum but even thought I'm retired and haven't made music since high school, I could tell they were out of tune - bought 3 and returned them all! I now have an idiopan, 2 kosmoskys, a hapi mini and a mini vibedrum. Each one is turned to a different scale and all I do is improvise. It's kept me sane during these unprecedented times.

[@purplelizard8]

Which kosmosky would be the best for someone who knows how to play (its a gift) deep tones. With line cuts? please, because i dont know anything about them, non musical myself. Thanks!

[@DH-ny1bi]

@@purplelizard8 I suggest you write to kosmosky and ask for their recommendation. I now have 3. When my friend requested I make a recording for her with only deep tones, I used my dvotone, but I don't recall offhand which scale it is and that was before I bought a woody. You can contact them via email and they're very helpful, although due to the time zone difference, it took a day before I heard back.

[@joeyservo]

Very helpful video thanks, I just got my el cheapo $25 steel tongue in the mail today. I figure if I like this entry-level drum, I'll invest more later to get a superior sound. Keep up the great work

[@jessicaliu4701]

Fantastic videos, I've been searching for an appropriate tounge drum for a kiddo and you've been super informative!

[@thestormcraft4012]

So i have a valid question. How do some people get an echo effect on the tongue drums?

[@sherirogers2649]

OMG your sweet sincere personality comes through so clear. Thank you

[@jkasia78]

Thank you for this video. It was very useful. And your smile and laugh is adorable. 😊

[@jamesmichael20910]

My impression that the most beautiful (while also being of high quality) drums come from Eastern Europe, such as Kosmosky (Russia) and Guda and Nova in Ukraine. I have yet to find a US manufacturer that has anything as visually appealing as these, but the quality may be just as good. I have a 12-inch Kosmosky in D-Minor (pentatonic) as well as a Four Uncles 12-inch in C Major. The latter is nothing special, and C Major is not my favorite scale, but at least I can play popular songs on it.

[@Destinationwithin]

Thank you very much🙏 I was starting to get overwhelmed with all the options in Amazon. So happy I found you 😍

[@AdrienneAjeSings]

Thanks so much!!! I ordered my drum. It didn't come yet, Wish I had saw this video first...

[@cv-art]

😍Well BIG is better 😂... I'm just hypnotised by the way you smile after showing each tongue drum. I'm buying an HandPan anyways but your guide was AMAZING! Thank you. 🤩

[@stevenroberts2541]

What a fantastic video... Great job !! Very informative.. I'm looking to buy my first one.. You've definitely helped me out. Thankyou for taking the time to do this. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@bernardhill1622]

Thank you Sweety..you're a real Darling..!@ As a Bladesmith, retired Arch' & Eng', i can now build one as a Surprise gift for a Family member..!! Your explenation is absolutely superb..!!

[@samuellund1377]

Thank you! Here I am sitting with a fancier drum on my lap completely baffled I can't figure out "Song of the Storms" on it. Now I know it doesn't have all the notes. I'm not insane, thank you.

[@gregmeissner9960]

This is the most helpful of ALL videos on this subject that I was able to find. I made my choice and an very excited because of the information, observations, and demonstrations you provided! My Kosmosky is on the way.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Enjoy your drum 😊

[@corneliabluemchen4660]

I have the steel tongue drum on your left hand side, the thin one with whole. You said, it’s not magnetic because it’s from China. Is it really bad or is it ok. I’m an absolute beginner . Is it a disadvantage that it’s not magnetic?? I didn’t understand exactly 🙈Thank you for your nice video 🙏🍀

[@Ishkiia]

you really never went over the 15 tone. I have one like the gold one you had beside you. Love that one.

[@sarahpazhyde]

Hi Molly! Thanks for sharing such a nice overview of tongue drums w/ the world! From the weeeeee ones to the Kosmosky & Guda! You speak of the differences between mass-produced verses independent, artisan made instruments in a gentle way. I appreciated your neutrality as well as transparency with mentioning that you're an Amazon Associate. It'd be cool to see a list of US & Global independent, artisan makers! I know of at least three in the states from coast to coast! Thanks for sharing the eeeease of music with folks!! Blessings, -sarah paz hyde

[@joepulliam6262]

This video is exactly what I was looking for in my search for a first tongue drum. I've got a question at the end, but first let me say your demeanor, ever-present smile, and cute little chuckles really made this an endearing video. It was a no-brainer to subscribe. I'm looking forward to your other videos and the quiet, friendly, positive calm you showed in this one. Kudos to you! So, my question, which you've probably heard all too many times: Which would you suggest I get? I love music, and I really respond to deep rich tones. A little 6" drum won't do it for me, I probably will be happiest with a 12" or 14". Weight is no problem because I will only play at my home and I'm a 6' tall man. Based on this video (thank you so much!) diatonic is definitely the way to go. I will want to learn and play music from video games (Legend of Zelda, Mario), anime and other similar shows, and even stray into the range of country, pop, classical, etc. as I grow. I have no desire to perform or record, I just want to sit in my home, feel the music envelope and flow through me, and find arrangements that resonate with me. I don't want to buy a cheap thing no matter how it looks, but I don't want to drop a mint on my first drum either. I want decent quality that I won't be disappointed with once I gain a basic level of proficiency, i.e. something that will last a long time in my musical journey. It might be financially smart to start off with a mass produced, but only if I can count on it being reasonably well tuned. So, asking to tap into your obvious extensive knowledge, and understanding that any advice you give me is infinitely better than I can dredge up on my own: What would your top 3 suggestions be? Thank you again MMK!

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad to help! It sounds like you'd do well with the 14 tone Hluru: amzn.to/3tqFYUU This one has my favorite tone of all the mass produced drums, all that I've tried have been well tuned, and it won't break the bank. You could also try this 15 tone drum: amzn.to/3fkt9mu It looks like a Hluru as well, which are good quality. It is made of a different material than the 14 and I don't care for the tone as much personally, it's a bit less clear. But still nice, and you get an extra low note. This one only has 9 notes and may have too limited a range for the covers you want to play, but the tone is beautiful due to the doubled notes: amzn.to/3Fptnn2 I hope that helps! 😊

[@joepulliam6262]

@@MusicalMollyKhan Thank you so much! Now I have to find examples of how each sounds and make a decision. I've found the Kosmosky Dvutone really sounds good, so it is in the mix as well. Thank you for the pointers! I will soon have a tank drum and be off learning a whole new skill 🙂 Have a cup of coffee on me… or even 5!

[@jackiegrant410]

These are beautiful, thank you for your video. I’m off to buy my first tongue drum.

[@wa1ngh]

Thank you for a quick education in Tongue Drums!

[@kariarvisais8588]

Thank you so much. I love music, and have been intrigued by these tongue drums. Thank you for the demo of the different types.

[@tmcdonuts]

This was awesome; thank you, very educational!! Also, love the way you show up. ASMR tingles for sure.

[@thathandpanlady4510]

Lol….you’re as addicted to tongue drums as I am to handpans! Too fun! Thanks for all the shares….knowledge is key in all of this!! 🤗🛸🎶🦋

[@Inspirationgate]

OOOOH thank you! I love the Idio drums! I do sound baths but I like to create songs and record them. Thank you for the demos!

[@delirium11]

Super-useful and charming overview, thank you! It is very helpful :)

[@dragonvok8865]

Very helpful, loved handpan/tongue drum music for the longest time and finally got the motivation to dip my toes in the water, ordered the purple c major one

[@mariapennylane]

This information was phenomenal. So much great info! Thank you so much. 🙏😊 I’ve been reading all about these drums and I really want to purchase one. I don’t want a humongous heavy one… But I definitely want ‘enough’ to do what I want to do- if that makes sense. 😅 So as a beginner interested in getting a mass produced drum, wanting to learn to play actual songs, what scale and how many notes would you recommend? I’ve read articles saying you shouldn’t start with C scale until you’ve mastered D. But I’ve also read that you should start with he C scale. Am I limited on how many songs I can play on, say, an 11 note drum or is there a way to create the notes I need out of the notes available? 😂Sorry for all the extra questions! Thanks again for this video. ❤🎉

[@crossXFaed]

Thank you very much for info, even small lessons on tuning, scales and difference between mass produced vs handmade. Any thoughts on April Yang's and Yinama's drums?

[@lisaspera8590]

Thank you so much for this video, I love percussion and I love the sound of metal drums, especially the tongue drum is beautiful.

[@justanothernoobe]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video. I love the sounds but am clueless on what / how / where / when so this was really useful. Especially useful to hear the difference in sound ... some have quite a metallic resonance ... There are just sooooooo many options out there (especially from Team China - where it's hit-or-miss) so it's really good that you gave links of relatively decent pans / drums to chose from :)

[@melindawiens275]

Thank you! Such great information. Love your smile & laugh too! 😊

[@Engineerboy100]

Really great video! Thank you for posting. Excellent.

[@thehamsterliberator6092]

Thank you I decided on the c major tongue drum with 14 notes from china as the key is good for me and I need to be able to play sheet music on it.

[@rochellebates8438]

The link for the first drum mentioned goes to a thumb piano. Do you have an updated link for the small purple tongue drum?

[@captaincommodore8901]

Whats the best for Young Kids?

[@1965TheAlexandre]

Sua risada é tão mercante como o som desses instrumentos

[@wolfgang4468]

Apart from the great content, your smile is so fantastically infectious you should have it patented. Thanks for spreading this good energy! 🙏

[@Osbox_levrai]

What are some tips for maintaining focus in a video like this?

[@NonSleeper_Occasional_Thinker]

I so very much love your presentation method, and your little giggle make my day, thanks so much for these videos, I have because of you purchased a Diatonic Drum with center cuts, thanks so so much for all your videos!

[@AmantesFideles]

That little white one you showed looks like the four brothers one (brand name) I own

[@AtrusDesign]

This is the video I was searching for.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Glad to help! 😊

[@juliaredifer2904]

Thank you for comparisons of drums

[@adrianneastbury6386]

Fascinating thank you so much. Is the tuning "equal temperament" or true? Could be important if playing with other instruments. Thank you again for a very detailed, helpful introduction.

[@JeanneSargent-k3u]

Hi Molly,I just found your list of drums in order of presentation with the contact info. Thank you so much for an informative video. I will indeed send a contribution for your helpful guidance before I make my purchase. Jeannie

[@MilesTeg_cy]

I haven't seen The Aquadrum(if I haven't missed it😅). Have you ever played it. If not please give it a try. I'm sure you'll love it❤

[@Tim.Traveler]

Can you use any of these tongue drums in the rain?

[@Kizzy-t9i]

Hello dear, great intro. May I get the link to the drums, I cannot see it anywhere. Thanks a lot🌷

[@thenot-so-redneck5932]

Im new to the the tongue drums, but interested in having some for my kids and maybe myself too now. I dont see the links for the drums here in the comments, the pink and green tou showed early in video.

[@UnearthYourGoldenSoul]

This was so informative! Thank you!

[@stephanieredden8861]

Couldn't one add magnets to any of them to change the tone? Very informative video and thank you.

[@UNSCPILOT]

Some may not be magnetic due to the metal or Alloy they are made of, Copper or steel/titanium alloy won't be magnetic at all

[@a2roland]

Awesome video and help! Thank you so much! ❤❤❤😊

[@lilaworley8935]

I have no idea what i am doing. I just bought a drum... Apparently in d major. I went to follow sheet music for a song I like... Why does it only have one 4??? Where did the 4. go? I am so confused. lol I just fell into a rabbit hole. Editing to add... Nevermind. You answered my question towards the end of the video. 😅 Apparently i bought a pentatonic drum missing a 4. Now I am off to find a drum in D scale. 😂

[@jetzhijun554]

Hi Molly, thank you for your reviews! I have been watching so many of your reviews for tongue drums. I'm a yoga teacher, new to tongue drum, I do have ocean drums, singing bowls & chimes for meditation sessions and I would like to bring in tongue drum in 30 mins sound healing sessions too. I couldn't decide either Rakumi 12' inch or HOPWELL 12'', could you please share your opinion? Look forward to your reply, meanwhile I will continue to watch your reviews :) Thank you for all your sharings!

[@marciapatriceganeles-kisli4373]

Thanks Molly. You are so helpful and I love the way you laugh and smile, and have so much knowledge. I have 2 kosmoskys, and learning more. The magnetics are a great suggestion. I like to support the indie makers and Alex Petin is such a great tank player and love their website and their chat help people are great. I feel loyalty to them, but I might try one of the others sometime, based on your recommendations.

[@lidiaprajwocka4662]

OMG, girl... please, make a video about HOW TO BE SO CHEERFULL! 🤣 Thanks a lot, I've watched your videos and ordered my first drum, I hope I'll be as happy as you while playing on it 😁 Greetings from Poland 🥰

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Aww, thank you! I have a blessed life :D

[@HealingDivineLove]

Super helpful, thank you! Ronda

[@mcmenace4847]

*THANKYOU* This was the best, most enjoyable and informative videos ever. If every video I looked up & watched was like this ... I would know alot of stuff! Peace n Mung Beans!

[@alicialevi2376]

I have a group of 15 children and I would like to start an orchestra with drums but I need help in choosing the pieces that should go together.

[@roxannag5642]

hi, i love your videos, thank you so much! A few questions: 1) what size should one get for a child? 2) what is difference in sound and benefit of 6 inch vs 12 inch for example? and 3) what is your best recommendation for an overtone tongue drum for adults, for children, by value (good price) and by preference overall? Thank you so much!

[@UNSCPILOT]

Size probably isn't a big deal, weight might be a bigger concern, even some wider tongue drums can be relatively light. The difference in size probably changes the tone and resonance, small drums will make higher notes with a shorter ring/sustain after each note is hit, bigger Drums will be able to play deeper notes (though they do have higher notes too, and often more overall) and will ring/resonate for a much longer time. I'm just getting started too though so I recommend watching a few more of her videos to find what you like

[@barbbeck2939]

Great video thanks❣️

[@camelCased]

In my country, I have totally different brand choices - Hluru, Hayman, Sela. Hluru is completely Chinese, lots of reviews. Cannot find reviews of Hayman. The company was UK once and produced real drums, but now they seem to be out of business and Taiwanese are using their brand. Their tongue drums seem to be thicker than Hluru, so very likely will have a deeper, more resonant sound. Hluru might sound "flatter"? Not sure. Cannot try it in local stores, have to buy it online.

[@jackbatchelor5270]

Amazing video and well explained. You have a great energy and passion that comes through in your videos. I am not musically trained, nor am I overly savvy in my understanding of music theory. If price were not an option, and I’m starting out with a steel tongue drum, what size, kind, style and scale would you recommend for someone who wants to learn popular music on the steel tongue drum, such a the ‘Let it be’ by The Beatles, to ‘I Guess that’s Why They Call it the Blues’ by Elton John, to a ‘Isn’t she Lovely’, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, The Supremes, Jewel, Christine and the Queens and Amy Wine House (you get the idea - I am not as refined as a trained harp player, but I’m just after an enjoyable past-time musical experience that brings me joy’. From what I understand, an independent diatonic with 7 notes (full range)? Would I go for the tongue slits, a larger size, idiotonic? Any help you can provide would be so so appreciated. I’m based on Australia if that helps and am open to learning more about music as a learn the drum. Thank you Jack x

[@mariapennylane]

Did you figure it out? I am basically looking for the exact same info!! Down to the same songs I want to learn!! (The Beatles, Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Fleetwood Mac!) Lemme know please! Thanks!

[@MADAISELBOR]

There are some drums with leaf-shaped tongues, somewhat longer and thinner than the ones you show. How does this change the sound? Do they have any advantages or disadvantages?

[@77dstar]

My wife and I recently purchased a couple of Steel Tongue Drums and we wanted some nice Hymns to play on it but found the available music books specific to our 11 note steel tongue drums very limited. So...we created our own book of traditional hymns on Amazon with fingering numbers included. We would love to send you one to evaluate. Please let us know how best to get it to you. We enjoy your channel!

[@alicialevi2376]

David, I am interested in your hymn book. Can you give the name so I can purchase from Amazon. Appreciate.

[@77dstar]

@@alicialevi2376 Thank you for checking it out. Title is: 30 Traditional Hymns for 11 Note Steel Tongue Drum

[@ndrolet331]

The purple one link isn't working anymore on Amazon, what's the maker ?

[@AzazelsWings]

Thanks so much for this... sooo helpful. My head has been spinning trying to figure out my first drum and you're so amazing. I don't know if you read comments in this older videos, but I was wondering if you can play these with just your hands? I'd appreciate any input. Thanks again, much love ❤

[@spiritmatter1553]

Nice, accessible and informative video!

[@EdTKWong]

Can't find the link to the manufacturers.

[@Cocytus]

@Musical Molly Khan - Okay, so I have discovered that I like the ones that are kinda on the upper side of the price range. I truly want a Hand Pan but was thinking Tongue Drum as a cheaper alternative. That Kosmosky Dvutone was absolute love at first, uhh, Hearing?? So now I am thinking, should I just spend a little bit more and just go for a decent entry level Hand Pan? What is your take on the idea of Top Quality Tongue Drum vs decent entry level Hand Pan? Is the extra money on an entry level Hand Pan worth it or should a Hand Pan be only top quality for overall longterm best performance/durability?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Great questions! I think with handpans you run into a similar issue you're seeing with the tongue drums - the lower priced ones are not going to be as amazing or mind-blowing beautiful as the top models. You can get a decent handpan for $700 just like the "marshmallow drum" 😂 is a decent tongue drum for $60. But the Dvutone is leaps and bounds more beautiful, and a $3000 handpan is going to be the same way. As far as durability, handpans are just not durable instruments unfortunately. Most will need retuning within 5 years with regular play, and accidents will damage the careful tuning as well. I think if you're drawn towards top of the line sound, an expensive tongue drum is a better bet than a cheaper handpan, but that's just my 2 cents 😊

[@Cocytus]

@@MusicalMollyKhan This helps a lot. Thank you for taking the time. I actually learned a couple new facts that really put it all into perspective. Hand Pan will be a later in life investment. :)

[@kimbartley69]

My drum came with number stickers on it, so what is the purpose of the stickers that comes with the drum?

[@yildelrosario7254]

Totally Beautiful! 💗 thanks a lot for the guide, you've had illuminated my path for buying the right one for my needs (appreciated 🙏 ) keep up the good work

[@mtobin9834]

Thank you Molly. Very detailed. Great info. I want some thing to expose my grandchildren to this type of music. Obviously, not the most expensive as they may not find themselves attracted to steel pan drum music. Any suggestions for younger gen?

[@anthonymckenzie5443]

Hello could you do video and the different kind if mallets and which are best for which size of drum please.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I definitely will be doing one about that! 😊

[@emzz1310]

Excellent video, so helpful, thank you!

[@angelarawlins3703]

Thanks, really informative 👍🏻

[@celticqueen1970]

WHAT DO U THINK OF A PANDA DRUM PRO???

[@LostInLeiden]

What about the difference between the number of notes (11, 13, 15)?

[@jesswong1450]

Very good info , tqvm for the sharing ❤great jobs 🥳🥳🥳

[@michaelhalstead5641]

I love your video and your wonderful energy! 🥰🙏🧡

[@jimmymorgan8543]

What is your professional thought, for a beginner. I saw one with a tones and the c note

[@pookab5905]

Hello Molly, great in depth video . I want to buy one form my husband who has dementia l thought it could be nice for him , l am still unsure of which sort. Have you come across Balamy drums?

[@denisemariegreen531]

Really helpful and you clearly love your drums. Thank you.

[@sallymartin6184]

Hello Namaste 70 years old and never played an instrument; I would like one that I can sing some songs I wrote.........And I know others with instruments, In Sangha everyone learnt instruments and san Mantra's until the two main players (married) were drowned in portugal and everyone fell apart and scattered to the four winds. I have played African drums, but I am not a musicsian........Any advice for a confident beginner. Gratitude Sally🙏

[@NicholasScott-yq3cg]

Thank you for your videos, Musical Molly Khan, I really get something from them and they make me happy. LOL, the Zelda song 😂