The Best Hand Drums
Welcome to our roundup of the best hand drums available in the market today. Whether you’re a seasoned percussionist or a beginner looking to start your musical journey, our selection of hand drums caters to various skill levels and preferences. Get ready to explore the world of hand drums, as we showcase their versatility and unique sound that truly captivates the listener.
The Top 10 Best Hand Drums
- Steel Tongue Drum with 15 Notes — Unleash mind-blowing rhythms with this 15-note Lotus Hand Pan Drum, crafted in steel and ready to showcase your impressive skills.
- Stoneage Arts Multi-colored Aboriginal Djembe Drum with Random Patterns — Capture the essence of universal music with this vibrant, hand-painted Stoneage Arts Djembe Drum, perfect for gifting or enhancing decor with its unique Aborigine-inspired patterns.
- ChunFeng Steel Tongue Drum — Handcrafted Handpan from China — The ChunFeng Steel Tongue Drum 14 Inches 15 Notes D-Key Healing Drum Lotus Hand Pan is a beautifully crafted, versatile instrument that delivers stunning sound quality perfect for both professional performances and beginner learning.
- Twin Sound Choice Remo Hand Drums Set — Elevate your drumming experience with the vibrant, high-quality Sound Choice Remo Hand Drum, boasting a pre-tuned head and perfect for young players or group settings.
- Musfunny Steel Tongue Drum Kit — 6 Inches, 8-Note Percussion Instrument for Yoga, Meditation, and Music — Experience the soothing tones of Musfunny’s Steel Tongue Drum Kit, perfect for music education, yoga meditation, and more — now including a handpan, music book, mallets, and cloth for a complete package.
- 15" Hand Drum Kit with High-Quality Craftsmanship — Experience the rich cultural heritage of hand drumming with our superior 15" Hand Drum Kit, now available with quality wood frames, traditional rawhide heads, and comprehensive instructional materials for all skill levels.
- Studio 49 10 in. Calfskin Head Hand Drum — Experience powerful and versatile sounds with the Studio 49 Hand Drums, featuring high-quality calfskin heads that deliver excellent dynamic range for both low and high tones.
- Club Salsa Hand Drum — Experience the rhythm with the Club Salsa F836500 Hand Drum, featuring a nail attached natural head, wooden frame, and a beater for early musical education.
- Ammoon Wooden Cajon Hand Drum for Kids — Percussion Instrument with Rubber Feet — Experience the captivating sound of the Ammoon Wooden Cajon Hand Drum, perfect for children’s musical education and rhythm practice, featuring an adjustable, high-quality buzz-like effect and natural birch construction.
- Handmade Bali Drum for Celebrations and Rituals — Elevate your cleansing rituals or drumming circles with the enchanting, hand-crafted Bali-made Dumplin Hand Drum, featuring a hand carved wood handle, goatskin head, and unique wood bead embellishments.
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Reviews
Steel Tongue Drum with 15 Notes
Experience the rich, mesmerizing sound of the Steel Tongue Drum, a 15-note, 14-inch percussion instrument that’s perfect for aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts. This Lotus Hand Pan Drum boasts a C key and comes with a complete set of drum mallets to enhance your playing experience.
Its carry bag ensures convenient portability, making it an ideal companion for both practice sessions and performances. Despite its exceptional quality, some users may find it a bit heavy for continuous playing. Overall, this Steel Tongue Drum is a fantastic instrument that combines the beauty of traditional hand drums with the modern appeal of lotus-inspired instrument design.
Stoneage Arts Multi-colored Aboriginal Djembe Drum with Random Patterns
A few weeks ago, I came across this vibrant, hand-painted djembe drum that immediately caught my eye. I noticed the unique random patterns on the drum shell, making each one truly special. This 6-inch drum may not be performance quality but it was perfect for my family’s music room.
The djembe is beautifully designed, showcasing incredible attention to detail. The high-quality materials, including the wooden shell and goatskin leather, make it durable and long-lasting. I loved how it effortlessly blended with our home decor, and it even became a conversation starter for our visitors.
Despite its small size, this djembe proved to be quite versatile. It wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing; I could also hear its distinct and clear sound, which I found quite satisfying. My kids had lots of fun playing air drums with it and they loved how it added a lively vibe to our living space.
While this djembe may not be suitable for professional performances, it was delightfully unique. I’ve even used it as a plant stand, enhancing the look of my living room even more. Plus, it made a perfect gift for one of my friends who shares a passion for music and collecting handmade artifacts.
In conclusion, the Stoneage Arts djembe drum is a fun, versatile, and eye-catching addition to any living space. It’s been a treasured part of our home, and it reminds us every day of the powerful and universal language of music that brings people together.
ChunFeng Steel Tongue Drum — Handcrafted Handpan from China
I’ve been using the ChunFeng Steel Tongue Drum for a few weeks now, and I must say, it’s been quite a journey! The first thing that stood out to me was the vibrant blue color — it’s just the right pop of color to make it stand out in my music room.
What really made me fall in love with this hand pan, though, was the sound quality. It’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before — the tones are crisp, and the notes are so beautiful that they make me want to play for hours on end. The fact that it has 15 notes for a wider range just adds to its versatility.
One of the things I appreciate most about this ChunFeng Steel Tongue Drum is how well it’s crafted. The precision of the drum surface and the full, rounded body are a testament to the professional craftsmanship that went into making it. And the package it comes in is just as impressive — it has everything you need to get started, including a carry bag, drumsticks, and even a music book!
Of course, no product is perfect, and there were a few things I wasn’t thrilled about. For one, the instructions for assembly were a bit confusing, and I ended up having to do a bit of trial and error to get everything set up correctly. And while the drum is relatively lightweight, it’s still a bit of a pain to transport to gigs or performances.
Overall, though, I’m really happy with my ChunFeng Steel Tongue Drum. It’s a beautiful, versatile instrument that’s perfect for both novice and professional players. The sound quality is simply unparalleled, and I can’t wait to see where my musical adventure takes me with this hand pan at my side!
Twin Sound Choice Remo Hand Drums Set
Bring vibrancy to your drumming sessions with the Sound Choice Remo Hand Drum Pack of 2. These 8-inch Renaissance style hand drums boast an eye-catching graphic and pre-tuned head, ensuring a smooth playing experience.
As a high-quality instrument, they mimic the tones of a traditional wooden drum, making them an ideal choice for young musicians or classroom activities. The strong, clear sound they produce makes them a perfect addition to any drumming session.
Musfunny Steel Tongue Drum Kit — 6 Inches, 8-Note Percussion Instrument for Yoga, Meditation, and Music
I recently added the Musfunny Steel Tongue Drum Kit to my daily meditation practice after coming across it at a local music store. The package, which includes the drum itself, a sound stopper, a music book, mallets, and a wiping cloth for yoga, felt both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
What I first noticed about the drum was its impressive craftsmanship — handmade by professional craftsmen. It also has a pleasant sound quality that reminded me of Buddha’s tones, creating a calming and meditative atmosphere. Its versatile sound range makes it suitable for various fields such as music education, percussion concerts, and yoga meditation.
The sound stopper on the back of the drum is easily adjustable, allowing you to change the drum’s timbre to suit your needs. When installed, the timbre is fuller and deeper, ideal for playing modern pop music. Remove the sound stopper, and the timbre becomes clearer, louder, and longer, making it perfect for Chinese classical music.
Although I initially intended to use my hands to play the drum, I found the mallets provided to be more practical for beginners like myself. They produce a more penetrating, purer, and more ethereal sound, which can be achieved by holding the mallet a third of the way and tapping the middle of the tongue head.
My experience with the Musfunny Steel Tongue Drum Kit has been both enjoyable and educational. It’s a unique addition to my meditation routine, and I appreciate the thoughtful features that make it adaptable to various musical settings.
15" Hand Drum Kit with High-Quality Craftsmanship
As you delve into the world of hand drums, our 15-inch Kit is the perfect place to start. Crafted with premium wood frames and genuine rawhide for an authentic, resonating sound, this set offers a true-to-form tribal drumming experience.
The kit is inclusive of comprehensive illustrated instructions to ensure an easy setup process for novices and enthusiasts alike. The compact 12-inch size is versatile, accommodating a variety of settings — from solo singers to larger tribal gatherings. Experience the rhythm and magic of traditional hand drums with this exceptional Kit.
Studio 49 10 in. Calfskin Head Hand Drum
I recently got the chance to try out Studio 49 Hand Drums 10" and I must say, it was a delightful experience. The calfskin heads on the drum provided an impressive dynamic range for the low tones, making it perfect to use in a group setting. The metal tension hoops and screws make it easy to set up and adjust the tension, which is a definite plus.
However, I found that the drums could be a bit noisy when played at higher volumes, which might be a drawback for some users. Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and visually appealing hand drum.
Club Salsa Hand Drum
The Club Salsa Hand Drum, also known as the F836500 Tambour, has made its way into my hands for the past few weeks. This hand drum is a solid piece, with its wooden frame and nail-attached natural head. As I started playing it, the sound was surprisingly warm and resonant. I’m impressed with its build quality, especially considering the affordable price point.
One of my favorite features of this hand drum is its simplicity, perfect for early musical education. I’ve even introduced it to some of my younger students, who have been having a blast playing it. However, some may suggest that the drum could use a more robust beater for better sound quality.
Overall, the Club Salsa F836500 Hand Drum is a fantastic item for anyone looking to get started with percussion instruments or enhance their musical education. Don’t forget to enter your model number before making your purchase to ensure a proper fit.
Ammoon Wooden Cajon Hand Drum for Kids — Percussion Instrument with Rubber Feet
Recently, I added this Ammoon Wooden Cajon Hand Drum to my collection of musical instruments. The sound quality and construction are impressive, especially considering the affordable price. I particularly enjoy the adjustable strings, allowing me to fine-tune the sound to my liking.
One of the best features of this cajon is its portability. The rubber feet provide a stable foundation, preventing unnecessary movement while playing. Additionally, its compact size makes it an excellent option for children’s music education, as it doesn’t take up much space and is suitable for their smaller hands.
While some users have mentioned minor concerns, like the size being smaller than described, I have had a positive experience with this instrument. It blends well into jam sessions and has become a staple in my at-home rhythm practice. Overall, the Ammoon Wooden Cajon Hand Drum strikes the perfect balance of affordability, quality, and versatility.
Handmade Bali Drum for Celebrations and Rituals
I recently stumbled upon the Dumplin Hand Drum and was immediately captivated by its unique design and intriguing origins. Handcrafted in Bali, this diminutive drum features a hand-carved wood handle and double-sided goatskin head, complete with wood beads attached on either side. The most surprising aspect, however, is the way you engage with it — by twirling the drum between your hands, the wood beads strike the head, creating a distinctive sound.
In my experience, this drum turned out to be an unexpectedly versatile instrument. Its compact size made it perfect for modern cleansing rituals, while its distinctive sound made it a standout during celebrations like the 4th of July or drumming circles. Each Dumplin Hand Drum is crafted by hand in Bali, resulting in a one-of-a-kind piece with a unique handle design. The overall dimensions of the drum are approximately 8 inches in length and 2 3/4 inches in diameter.
While handling the Dumplin Hand Drum, I noticed both its striking visual appeal and the satisfaction of its tactile engagement. However, I must mention that the size of the drum may be limiting for some users, and the balance of the drum is crucial to achieve the best sound. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Dumplin Hand Drum proves to be a charming and versatile addition to any musical collection.
Buyer’s Guide
A hand drum, also known as a tambourine, is a percussion instrument that’s small enough to fit in your hand. They come in various shapes and sizes, making them ideal for musicians of all skill levels. This buyer’s guide will provide an overview of the essential features, considerations, and advice when choosing a hand drum.
Size and Material
Hand drums come in three main types based on size and materials: snare drums, rimshot drums, and tambourines. Each type is suitable for different musical styles and preferences. Snare drums are generally larger (8 to 10 inches) and made from metal or wood to produce a crisp sound. Rimshot drums, on the other hand, are smaller (5 to 6 inches) and also made from metal or wood, with a ringing sound. Lastly, tambourines are the smallest (3 to 4 inches) and feature metal jingles, producing a bright and sharp sound.
Tuning and Sound
The pitch and tone of a hand drum can significantly impact its performance. Some drums have an adjustable tension rod that allows you to tune the head for optimal sound quality. The sound can also vary depending on the material used for the drum head. Thinner heads produce a brighter sound, while thicker heads produce a warmer sound.
Material and Finish
Hand drums are usually made from wood, metal, or a combination of the two. Wooden drums provide a warm and bass-like sound, while metal drums offer a crisp and clear sound. The finish of the drum can also affect the overall aesthetic and durability. Lacquer, for example, adds a glossy shine and protects the drum from humidity, while natural finishes allow the wood’s grain to show.
Budget and Maintenance
Hand drums can range in price, depending on the materials used and their quality. Consider your budget and desired sound when choosing a drum. Maintaining a hand drum is relatively easy. Clean the drum regularly, avoid placing it near extreme temperatures or humidity, and store it in a dry place when not in use.
FAQ
What is a hand drum?
A hand drum, also known as a djembe or frame drum, is a percussion instrument played by hand. It typically consists of a thin drumhead stretched over a wooden frame and held in place by ropes or cords. Hand drums come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, producing different sounds and tones when played.
The hand drum has been used in various cultures for centuries, with its most popular origins being from West Africa. It is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as traditional music, meditation, and therapeutic activities. Hand drums are also suitable for both beginners and advanced players, making them a popular choice for people of all skill levels.
What are the main types of hand drums?
There are several types of hand drums, each with their unique shape, size, and construction. Some of the most common types include: Djembe, Frame Drum, Bodhrán, and Talking Drum. These drums vary in the way they are played, the sounds they produce, and the techniques required to play them effectively.
Djembe, for example, is a popular type of hand drum that originates from West Africa. It is typically played with two hands and has a distinctive, deep sound. Frame drums, on the other hand, are played using one hand and have a shallower, more resonant sound. Bodhráns are traditional Irish hand drums that are played with two hands and have a metallic, sharp sound, while Talking Drums produce a unique range of tones and are primarily used in West African traditional music.
How do I choose the right hand drum for me?
When selecting a hand drum, consider factors such as the size, shape, and construction of the drum. Different hand drums have different sounds and tones, so consider what you want to use the drum for and the type of music you want to play. Additionally, consider your skill level and the techniques required to play the specific type of drum.
If you are a beginner, it may be best to start with a hand drum that is easy to learn and play, such as a frame drum or a djembe. As you gain experience and become more comfortable with the instrument, you can explore other types of hand drums that may offer a more challenging learning experience. It is also important to choose a hand drum made of high-quality materials, as this will ensure durability and a more pleasant playing experience.
What are the benefits of playing a hand drum?
Playing a hand drum offers several benefits, both physically and mentally. Physically, playing a hand drum engages multiple muscles in the arms, hands, and fingers, providing a workout and promoting overall strength and dexterity. It can also improve coordination and fine motor skills. Mentally, playing a hand drum can help reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and boost self-confidence.
Furthermore, playing a hand drum is a great way to connect with others through music. It can be used in group activities, such as drum circles or drumming circles, where people come together to play music and connect with one another. The sense of community and shared experience that comes from playing a hand drum can be both rewarding and enjoyable.
How do I care for my hand drum?
Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure that your hand drum lasts a long time and continues to produce high-quality sound. Here are some tips for caring for your hand drum: store it in a dry, cool place when not in use; avoid exposing the drum to extreme temperature changes; and wipe down the drum with a soft, damp cloth after each use to remove sweat or dirt.
Additionally, it is essential to tune your hand drum regularly. To do this, gently tighten or loosen the ropes or cords that hold the drumhead in place until the desired pitch is achieved. If you are unsure how to tune your hand drum, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek advice from a professional drummer or music teacher.
What are some popular hand drum brands?
There are several popular hand drum brands that offer a range of high-quality instruments. Some of the most well-known brands include Remo, Latin Percussion, and Toca. These brands offer a variety of hand drums, including djembes, frame drums, and other traditional styles, made from various materials such as wood, leather, and metal.
When selecting a hand drum brand, consider factors such as the brand’s reputation for quality, the range of products they offer, and the customer reviews and testimonials. Additionally, research the specific type of hand drum you are interested in and read reviews from other customers who have purchased and used the same product to help you make an informed decision.
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