"My first purchase was for my husband, who’s just getting started on the tongue drum. I’m very happy with the product, and the preparation and shipping times were exactly as promised."
Amy C.
Watch an example of a tongue drum in action
Add a touch of originality to your everyday life with this steel tongue drum percussion instrument!
Buy a steel tongue drum, a unique musical instrument
Captivating and one-of-a-kind, the steel tongue drum shines like a bright star in the musical sky. Its chords, a blend of mystery and clarity, create an intimate connection with anyone who listens, opening the door to introspection. Perfect for first-timers and seasoned players alike, its carefully crafted design produces pure, vibrant tones. A small, circular percussion instrument, the steel tongue drum can be played with two mallets or by striking the tongues directly with your fingers. This 15 cm-diameter model features a gorgeous iridescent finish and comes in three different colours. Three non-slip pads on the bottom help keep it steady on a table, the floor, or any other playing surface. With eight notes tuned to the C major scale, you’ll have plenty of room to let your musical creativity flow. Pick your favourite version today.
Free gift:
An exclusive instruction booklet
A rigid fabric carrying case
2 mallets
4 silicone finger protectors
A set of stickers to place on the tongues to aid memorisation
Technical specifications of the steel tongue drum
Instrument family: percussion – idiophone
Diameter: 15 cm
Number of notes: 8
Key: C major
Frequency: 440 Hz
Material: stainless steel
Weight: 600 g
Very similar to this model, the 8-note tank drum is slightly larger, giving you more resonance when you play. That can make a real difference if you want notes with longer sustain. You can also choose one of our other tongue drums.
Get started with the tank drum using online resources
In 2007, Dennis Havlena came up with the clever idea of creating the tongue drum to meet the needs of musicians looking for an instrument that was simple and easy to pick up. He crafted it by cutting shapes directly into a metal shell, producing rich, highly original sounds. Thanks to this unique design, you won’t have to worry about hitting “wrong” notes: no matter how you strike the instrument, it stays in tune, which makes it especially beginner-friendly. Today, there are plenty of online lessons and play-along resources to help anyone learn beautiful pieces on this sonic gem. That’s one of the reasons it’s so loved for its fast learning curve. Websites such as Instruments du Monde are also here to support beginners as they get started. Whatever your level, it’s made to bring you joy. Start your musical adventure now with this tank drum!
Enjoy the benefits of the steel tongue drum
The steel tongue drum is a go-to companion for musicians looking to explore a sense of inner calm. It lets you unwind anytime, anywhere. In fact, the tongue drum is a wonderful instrument for meditation. Some studies suggest it may help support relaxation by lowering cortisol, often called the stress hormone. That’s especially meaningful at a time when stress levels seem to be rising worldwide. On top of that, it can help with focus and sleep quality. For these reasons, it’s often used in sound therapy by care professionals who work in hospitals and clinics. Support your well-being with the help of this magical instrument!
Discover the American origins of the tongue drum
In 2007, after having already contributed to the creation of dozens of different musical instruments, Dennis Havlena, a Michigan resident, had the idea to create the tongue drum. He didn’t start from scratch, though. Like many instruments, it drew inspiration from a variety of sound-making objects. While the Tambiro, the handpan, and even the Aztec teponaztli are often mentioned as influences, the closest relative is the Whale Drum, another percussion instrument invented in 1990 by an American named Jim Doble. Both feature cutouts made in a metal shell that serves as the resonating body. Discover a unique sonic beauty straight from the USA with this type of drum that’s sure to win you over!
Turn your getaways into musical sessions with the tongue drum
For many musicians, getting out and about is part of making music. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and draw inspiration from the outdoors, and plenty of pieces have been born from simply observing the natural world. The tongue drum is a perfect match for that. With this model, you’ll enjoy beautiful tones wherever you go. Thanks to its compact size and solid build, it’s ready to follow you on all your musical adventures, and its lightweight, portable design makes it easy to bring along. Add this wonderful-sounding instrument to your collection now!
Legal warranty: when you order from the French company Instruments du Monde, you’re covered by a 2-year statutory warranty on all our items.
Returns and exchanges: not satisfied with your order? Not sure if this product is right for you? We’ve got you covered! Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery, and you don’t need to provide a reason. Shop with peace of mind.
Free delivery: if you live in New Zealand, delivery is free.
Dispatch time: dispatches within 48 working hours.
Delivery time: orders are delivered to New Zealand within 3–14 working days. This time frame may be extended to 30 days for other countries.
Excellent
4.6
out of 5, based on 500+ reviews
Share
Frequently bought together
Add this selection of items, recommended by most of our customers, to your basket.
