Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on May 8, 2026
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Have you recently discovered a round musical instrument called a steel tongue drum? Have you noticed that other instruments that look extremely similar are also called tank drums, hank drums, zen drums, or even Hang drums? Is there any real difference between all these names?
As someone whoâs been passionate about unusual musical instruments for over 20 years, I can easily clear up the mystery behind these labels, some of which actually refer to the very same instrument.
While the names steel tongue drum, tank drum, hank drum, and zen drum are synonyms and all refer to the same instrument, the Hang drum, also known as the handpan, is a different instrument and shouldnât be confused with the tongue drum.
So, once you have read this short article, you will know:
- The different names used for the tongue drum
- How it differs from the Hang drum
This way, no matter what term comes up in conversation, youâll always know exactly which instrument someone is talking aboutâand youâll never again risk using the wrong word.
Now let's get to the heart of the matter.
Is there a difference between a steel tongue drum, a tank drum, and a hank drum?
Whether itâs a steel tongue drum, a tongue drum, tank drum, hank drum, or zen drum, all of these names are synonyms and refer to the same musical instrument. To understand exactly how this object can have so many names, itâs worth briefly mentioning the origins of the tongue drum.
In 2007, when Dennis Havlena developed his prototype instrument, he published the plans and videos to encourage other amateur musicians to try their hand at making the same object. At the time, he called his creation a "Propane Tank Drum" because the instrument was made from a used, empty propane tank. Soon, the word "propane" disappeared, leaving only the term "tank drum."
However, in his instructions for making the instrument, Dennis Havlena also used the word "tongue" to refer to the cutouts he had made in the propane tank so the instrument could produce different musical notes. The shape of these cutouts resembled tongues, and the name tongue drum naturally caught on, even though it wasnât officially validated by its creator. You can watch the video below to see the shape of the cutouts mentioned above:
Later, when Dennis Havlena presented his prototype on an online forum specialising in handpans, the musical instrument that largely inspired the tongue drum, a forum user under the pseudonym "Cheapbastid" suggested that Dennis Havlena call his instrument a hank drum, which is a contraction of tank drum and handpan. Dennis liked the idea and adopted it, subsequently calling his instrument the hank drum.
So while youâll come across several different names, tongue drum is the one youâll hear most often. Sometimes the word "steel" is added at the start to create âsteel tongue drum,â but itâs still the same instrument. And to be totally thorough, the tongue drum goes by plenty of other names, too. Some call it a zen drum (you may also see the French term "tambour zen"), tongue drum, âtambour Ă langues,â âtambour Ă languettes,â Empty Drum, Butadrum, Dreampad, or Vibe Drum. Itâs not uncommon for a brand or instrument maker to come up with an original name that sounds good to help boost sales. But in reality, all these names still refer to the same musical instrument.
Why are the hank drum and the Hang drum not the same musical instruments?
People who are new to tongue drums often assume that, because thereâs only a one-letter difference between âhank drumâ and âHang drum,â the names must refer to the same instrument. In reality, they do not. As mentioned earlier, the tongue drum was largely inspired by the handpan, also known as the Hang drum. At the time, Dennis Havlena wanted to buy a handpan from the Swiss company PANArt. However, demand far outstripped supply, and it was very difficult to get hold of one. The second-hand market was no better, and the very few examples available were selling for a fortuneâaround NZ$17000.
Determined to offer a more affordable option, he set about designing the tongue drum. As a result, the tongue drum began as a more accessible alternative to the handpan, which is why the two instruments look similar yet are not identical. With the Hang drum, no cuts are made in the upper shell; instead, it is hammered in several places until the desired musical note is achieved. This hammering process is far more precise and complex than simply cutting the shell. You can read our article dedicated to the differences between these two instruments, and watch the video below showing a Hang drum to see those differences for yourself.
Have fun playing the tongue drum
It can sometimes be hard to keep track of the nuances between instruments when so many terms end up referring to the same object. As a result, many musicians make the mistake of referring to a tongue drum as a Hang drum and vice versa. Thanks to the explanations you have just read, you can be sure youâre using the correct term, while knowing that tank drum, hank drum, and zen drum all refer to the same instrument.
However, if youâre interested in the world of tongue drums, youâve probably already noticed that it can be tricky to find a shop that sells them. Thatâs why we invite you to visit the Instruments du Monde website, which offers dozens of tongue drums to suit every budget and playing style. For example, you could purchase this 15-note model, which is perfectly playable by a beginner.
Discover this tank drum now by clicking on the link below:
Not sure which key to choose for your tongue drum? Find all the answers to your questions in this dedicated article, which will help you choose the right scale for your future percussion instrument. Also take a look at our comprehensive guide to tongue drums. You'll learn a lot about this fascinating instrument.
