Where to Buy a Good Tongue Drum?

You’ve decided to treat yourself to a tongue drum, that wonderful musical instrument that creates deeply relaxing sounds. But you’re not really sure what the best way to get one is. Where can you buy a tongue drum? Should you shop in a physical store or order online?

Having personally purchased a dozen tank drums, I’ve been able to see the pros and cons of the different options available when buying this type of instrument. That means I can help you choose the route that makes the most sense for you.

To buy a tongue drum, you can shop online through a specialist store or a general music retailer, or browse second-hand listings. You can also visit one of the few physical stores that carry them.

After reading this article, you’ll know exactly where to buy a tongue drum:

• Online
• On the second-hand market
• In physical stores

This way, you can weigh each option and pick the one that fits you best—so you end up with a tongue drum that won’t disappoint.

Let’s dive right in.

Where can you buy a new tongue drum online?

If you’re considering buying a brand-new steel tongue drum online, you’ll mainly have two choices: specialist stores and general music-instrument websites.

Websites specializing in tongue drums

While there are currently very few online stores that specialize in tongue drums, shopping with a specialist can be a great move because they typically offer a much broader selection than general retailers.

If you want plenty of options to find the tongue drum that truly fits you—or if you already know exactly what you’re after—a specialist site is the ideal solution. Do you want a 9-, 11-, or 15-tongue hank drum? Tuned to 440 or 432 hertz? With or without accessories? For beginners or professionals? For a specific use such as meditation or yoga? In all these cases, a specialist store is best placed to meet your needs, with staff who can answer your questions accurately. We therefore recommend visiting the Instruments du Monde store, which offers a collection of over 50 different tongue drums to satisfy even the most demanding musicians.

If you don’t yet know which tongue drum is right for you, take a look at our other article, which will guide you in choosing this instrument. You’ll then have everything you need to select the model that suits you best.

General online musical instrument retailers

General music stores offer almost everything you can sell in this space. As a result, you may find a few tongue drums, but not in large quantities. Since tongue drums are fairly exotic and still relatively unknown, there will inevitably be fewer options available compared to guitars or pianos. This means you’re less likely to find the perfect match in this type of online store.

Also, don’t expect to find people who can answer in-depth questions—if you even get an answer at all. Staff can’t focus solely on tongue drums and are often required to cover dozens of different instruments, which prevents true specialization. The advantages of this type of store are a stronger brand image than small specialty shops, which can feel more reassuring, as well as sometimes more competitive prices since they can buy the same mass-produced model in bulk and drive costs down.

Is it possible to buy a used tongue drum?

You can indeed find used tongue drums online. Popular classified sites like Craiglist and Facebook groups often have listings. Just proceed with caution: while some offers can look tempting, there’s always a risk the instrument could be defective. Admittedly, the steel tongue drum is a sturdy instrument that’s fairly hard to damage. However, a significant impact on the shell that holds the tongues can throw it out of tune. The notes will sound off, and it won’t be easy to restore the tongue drum to its original tuning.

Furthermore, the selection on the secondhand market can be limited, so finding the exact model you want isn’t always easy. Personally, I only consider this option if I’m monitoring listings over time and waiting for the right deal at the right moment—which doesn’t happen every day.

Finally, there is one last important point to note. You have no way of returning the tongue drum if you don’t like it. Whereas you have 14 days when buying from an online store. And when it comes to musical instruments, those 14 days really matter. We therefore recommend focusing only on models you’ve already been able to try, rather than taking a leap into the unknown with a tongue drum that could disappoint you.

Are tongue drums available in physical stores?

Of course, there are physical stores that sell tongue drums. However, there often aren’t many stores that carry them, and the selection is usually very limited. That’s the main drawback. You’ll only have access to a handful of models, and you’ll have to make do with what’s in stock. Prices are generally higher in these types of stores than online because they have more overhead costs.

On the other hand, there’s a real advantage: you can test the few steel tongue drums that are in stock. Playing them in person gives you an immediate feel for the instrument and lets you hear the sound firsthand, without relying on a screen. That said, this point is worth putting into perspective. As we’ve already pointed out, when you order online, you can change your mind and return the tank drum within 14 days, which gives you plenty of time to try it out. As a result, this advantage of physical stores isn’t always a deciding factor, especially if you have to travel dozens or even hundreds of miles from your home to find one.

You also have the advantage of taking the instrument home immediately, unlike with an online store where you have to wait for the package to arrive. It’s up to you to decide whether you’re in a hurry or not.

Find the right tongue drum for you!

Buying a tongue drum is an important step that deserves careful thought because, unlike many other instruments, it can’t really be retuned, which makes it fairly “fixed” in the sounds it will produce. Ideally, the place where you buy your tongue drum should match the instrument you’re looking for. Now that you know the different options available to you, along with their advantages and disadvantages, you’re sure to make the right choice.

However, if you prefer a specialist store, it can be tough to find a reliable website, as scams are common online. We therefore recommend checking out the tongue drum collection from Instruments du Monde, a French company you can trust. Like this small 8-note model, which is perfect for relaxation.

Get this tongue drum for relaxation now by clicking on the image below:

Relax with a tongue drum and its captivating sounds

4.6/5 — 500+ Reviews

See the tongue drum

Want to discover a whole new way to use your musical instrument? Then check out our guide to learning how to meditate with a tongue drum. A whole new world of sound will open up to you, allowing you to reach a contemplative state on an unforgettable, relaxing, zen journey. Plus, learn everything you need to know about tongue drums by reading this article.