"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.
See how you can flourish with this instrument
Treat yourself to a miniature tongue drum that’s perfect for all ages!
Play the steel tongue drum with a mini model
Did you know that the mini steel tongue drum is one of the most sought-after melodic percussion instruments among today’s music lovers? This compact, lightweight instrument, with 11 notes and tuned to a D major scale, will take you on a truly inspiring sonic journey. Designed for beginners and pros alike, its mini format offers unbeatable portability while preserving outstanding sound quality. Measuring just 20 cm in diameter, this miniature steel tongue drum is ideal for children and for adults looking for an easy-to-carry model or a brighter, higher register than larger instruments. Supplied with a storage bag and a pair of mallets, you can start composing and playing beautiful tunes the moment your tongue drum arrives, guided by pure creativity. Create without limits and treat yourself to this instrument.
Free gift:
An exclusive instruction booklet
A soft fabric carrying pouch
2 mallets
4 silicone finger protectors
A set of stickers to place on the tongues to make memorisation easier
Technical specifications of the mini steel tongue drum
Instrument family: percussion – idiophone
Diameter: 20 cm
Number of notes: 11
Key: D major
Frequency: 440 Hz
Material: stainless steel
Weight: 1 kg
Small tongue drums are mainly designed for young players or percussionists who want to take their instrument everywhere. If that’s not you, a larger vibe drum is a much better fit. Plus, you’ll find bigger sizes in our tongue drum collection.
Discover why the tongue drum is ideal for beginners
If you’re looking for a percussion instrument that’s affordable and easy to enjoy from the very first notes, then the tongue drum—created by Dennis Havlena—is sure to catch your attention. This type of drum focuses on simplicity to deliver a great playing experience for everyone, especially newcomers. Its metal tongues are tuned only once during the instrument’s lifetime, during manufacturing. So, unlike a guitar or violin, you can forget spending hours tuning. The notes will stay in tune and sound beautifully harmonious. You can choose to play with a pair of mallets or directly with your hands—or, more precisely, with your fingers. Plenty of online guides are available to help you learn, and its gentle learning curve makes it far more beginner-friendly than many other instruments. Choose this model to enjoy a richer sound!
Explore the benefits of the tongue drum for your well-being
Many music lovers are also drawn to meditation, relaxation, and overall well-being. Beyond its musical role, the tongue drum can help you go further in these areas by giving you a moment of calm and release. A study conducted a few years ago explored the therapeutic benefits of this instrument and found that it can improve sleep quality by helping listeners fall asleep faster. Many music therapists consider the tongue drum a go-to tool for easing high stress levels. On top of that, it can support concentration while you play beautiful melodies. Take advantage of the extra benefits of this rare gem!
Discover the deep roots of the American tongue drum
Although the tongue drum was invented in America in 2007, its roots go back much further. In fact, in the 1990s, artist Jim Doble created an instrument very similar to the tongue drum, which he called the Whale Drum. Like the tongue drum, the Whale Drum was made from an all-metal body, often crafted from recycled gas cylinders. This instrument also calls to mind the Aztec teponaztli, a type of solid-wood slit drum that was widely used at the time and played with simple sticks. By modifying the Whale Drum and drawing inspiration from other instruments such as the Tambiro and the hang drum, Dennis Havlena developed the tongue drum. Popular since the early 2010s, the tongue drum has earned its place among the most recognised instruments in the music community. Enjoy an American instrument with the beautiful sound of the steel tongue drum!
Take your music with you wherever you go with the tongue drum
The tongue drum is a trusted companion for music lovers who travel often. It’s robust and durable, making it easy to bring on a multi-day expedition or simply on a short walk in nature a few minutes from home. You can share your talent with friends, loved ones, or strangers anywhere. Whether you’re in an underground station, by the ocean, in the mountains, or in the city centre, it stays reliable wherever you play. Treat yourself to a moment of pure joy with this instrument’s beautifully balanced acoustics!
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.
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