8 Best Hand Drums

Looking to add some melodic charm to your musical collection? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be reviewing and comparing a range of percussion instruments, from handpan drums to frame drums, djembes, and steel tongue drums. Each one of these instruments brings its distinct sound and beauty, making them perfect for various purposes, such as meditation, entertainment, musical education, concerts, and even yoga sessions. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of percussion!

Handpan drums, also known as hang drums, have a fascinating history originating in Switzerland. Created in the early 2000s, these steel instruments were designed to mimic the soothing sounds of ethnic drums and bells from various cultures. The benefits of owning a handpan drum are manifold. They provide a unique and meditative playing experience, allowing you to create tranquil and mystical vibes. Handpan drums are portable, durable, and versatile, making them ideal for both professionals and beginners alike.

In this article, we will be focusing on several handpan drum models, including the FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum, LingTing Handpan Drums Sets, and Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum. Additionally, we will review other percussion instruments such as Foraineam Hand Drums, Kmise Djembes, and Remo Frame Drums. By comparing these products, we aim to give you a comprehensive overview of each instrument’s features, sound quality, and overall value for money. So, join us as we take a closer look at these remarkable instruments, and discover the perfect addition to your musical ensemble!

FOUR UNCLES 12 Inch Black Steel Tongue Drum with Bag, Music Book, Mallets – Meditation Entertainment and Music Education Instrument

The FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum in C Key is a versatile percussion instrument that can be used for various purposes. Whether you want to use it for meditation, entertainment, musical education, concerts, or even as a healing tool during yoga sessions, this handpan drum offers a unique and soothing sound that can enhance any experience.

We love the craftsmanship of this steel tongue drum. It is made of high-alloy material and is carefully cut by hand, resulting in an instrument that is not only visually exquisite but also resistant to corrosion. The finished surface is smooth and appealing, adding an extra touch of quality to this percussion instrument.

The main purpose of the FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum is to provide a clean, ethereal sound that resembles the tones of a Buddha’s chant. With its C/D key and 8/11/13 tongues drum, it offers a wide range of notes that can help purify the soul and provide a deeply meditative experience. The drum is carefully tuned, allowing for a harmonious and relaxing sound.

This steel tongue drum is also perfect for beginners. It can be played with the included drum mallets or with your hands, making it accessible to musicians of all levels. Additionally, the package includes music scores that are specifically designed to help beginners learn and play the instrument more easily. The drum also comes with a convenient carry-on bag, allowing you to take it anywhere.

The overall quality of the FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum is exceptional. From its excellent craftsmanship to its tuned and harmonious sound, this percussion instrument is built to last and provide a high level of satisfaction to its users. It is visually pleasing, durable, and offers an immersive musical experience.

Pros:

• Excellent craftsmanship and anti-corrosion properties
• Clean and ethereal sound
• Suitable for beginners with included music scores
• Portable and comes with a carry-on bag

Cons:

• Limited color options (currently only available in black)

The FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum in C Key is a fantastic percussion instrument that excels in craftsmanship, sound quality, and overall performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this handpan drum offers a unique and immersive musical experience that can be enjoyed in various settings.

LingTing Handpan Drums Set 22″ D Minor Steel Hand Drum with Bag, Mallets, Stand, Cloth (Ash-Gold, 9 Notes)

The LingTing Handpan Drums Set is designed to provide music enthusiasts with a versatile instrument that is suitable for various performance settings. Whether used for street performances, festival celebrations, or even intimate gatherings with friends and family, this hand drum is capable of producing captivating sounds that will delight both the player and the audience.

We are impressed with the LingTing Handpan Drums Set due to its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Handmade with traces of manual thumping, this drum is constructed with nitrogen steel material, making it durable and sturdy. Furthermore, the drum has undergone heat treatment, making it wear-resistant and rust-proof. This ensures that musicians can rely on the longevity of this instrument, allowing for endless hours of playing enjoyment.

The purpose of the LingTing Handpan Drums Set is to offer musicians a rich and vibrant sound experience. With its 22-inch diameter and 9-note composition in the key of D minor, this drum produces captivating tones that resonate with depth and clarity. Additionally, this set includes essential accessories such as a soft handpan bag, two handpan mallets, a handpan stand, and a dust-free cloth. These accessories not only facilitate the transport and storage of the drum but also enhance the overall playing experience for the musician.

The LingTing Handpan Drums Set showcases exceptional quality in both construction and sound production. The nitrogen steel material ensures durability, while the intricate craftsmanship results in a beautiful instrument. The resonance and tone quality of the drum are outstanding, providing a satisfying playing experience for musicians of all skill levels.

Pros:

• Durable and sturdy construction
• Wear-resistant and rust-proof material
• Versatile instrument suitable for various performance settings
• Includes essential accessories for convenience
• Rich and vibrant sound experience

Cons:

• Limited to the D minor key composition

With its exceptional quality and versatile nature, the LingTing Handpan Drums Set is a valuable addition to any musician’s collection. Its impeccable craftsmanship, durability, and captivating sound make it a worthwhile investment for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Foraineam Hand Drum Set with Drumsticks: 10 Inch & 8 Inch Wood Frame Drums

The Foraineam 10 Inch & 8 Inch Hand Drum is a versatile percussion instrument that can be used in various musical settings. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced percussionists, making it ideal for practice sessions, performances, and jam sessions.

One of the reasons we love the Foraineam Hand Drum is its solid and sturdy poplar wood frame. This ensures durability and longevity, allowing players to enjoy the instrument for years to come. Additionally, the high-quality synthetic drum head produces a melodious sound that is pleasing to the ears.

The Foraineam Hand Drum is designed to provide an excellent percussion experience for musicians of all levels. It comes in two sizes, 10 inches and 8 inches, providing versatility in sound and playability. The drum is equipped with a wood beater, allowing for easy percussion, and it can also be played by hand directly. The delicate texture of the drum surface enhances the quality of the sound produced.

The Foraineam Hand Drum is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a top-notch product. The solid poplar wood frame and high-quality synthetic drum head contribute to its overall excellent build quality. The strong ribbon edge on the drum frame prevents scratching, providing a safe and comfortable playing experience.

Pros:

• High-quality materials ensure durability
• Delicate texture produces a melodious sound
• Comes with drum sticks for easy percussion
• Versatile in size and playability

Cons:

• Some may find the drum size slightly limited for specific musical styles

The Foraineam 10 Inch & 8 Inch Hand Drum Percussion Wood Frame Drum with Drum Stick is a fantastic percussion instrument suitable for musicians of all levels. Its solid construction, melodious sound, and versatile playability make it a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their musical rhythm and develop their music ability.

Kmise 8-Inch African Hand Drum, Mahogany Djembe with Goat Skin Drumhead (MI3039)

The Kmise 8″ Djembe African Hand Drum Mahogany Standard Goat Skin Drumhead (MI3039) is primarily used for musical performances, cultural events, drum circles, and personal enjoyment.

We appreciate the quality craftsmanship and authentic sound of the Kmise 8″ Djembe African Hand Drum. It offers a rich and resonant tone, making it a joy to play. Additionally, its visually stunning design adds to its overall appeal.

The Kmise 8″ Djembe African Hand Drum is meticulously crafted with real Indonesian mahogany, ensuring a high-quality and durable instrument. Its high hardness and density contribute to the exceptional sound quality it produces. The drum skin is made of adult goat skin, which provides a distinctive sound and enhances the playing experience.

This hand drum features a high-strength inelastic mountaineering lanyard, which allows it to remain in tune for extended periods of time. The drum is hollowed out from a single piece of wood, ensuring consistent vibration transmission throughout the drum body. The ethnic style painting on the drum adds a touch of beauty and cultural significance.

The Kmise 8″ Djembe African Hand Drum boasts excellent overall quality. Its sturdy construction, combined with the use of high-quality materials, ensures durability and longevity. The drum’s professional craftsmanship delivers outstanding sound clarity and resonance, making it a reliable and enjoyable instrument to play.

Pros:

• Authentic sound with rich and resonant tones.
• High-quality craftsmanship and materials.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Great tuning stability.
• Beautiful ethnic design.

Cons:

• Drum surface may not be completely flawless due to the use of unbleached goat skin.
• Limited availability of size options.

The Kmise 8″ Djembe African Hand Drum Mahogany Standard Goat Skin Drumhead is a top-notch instrument perfect for musicians, drum enthusiasts, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Its exceptional sound quality, attention to detail in design and craftsmanship, and overall durability make it a solid choice for anyone seeking an authentic and enjoyable hand drumming experience.

Remo 10″ Fiberskyn Frame Drum

The Remo HD-8510-00 Fiberskyn Frame Drum, 10″ is a hand drum that is primarily used for percussion and rhythm purposes. It is perfect for both beginners and experienced musicians who want to add a unique and authentic sound to their music. Whether it is for jamming sessions, performances, or recording sessions, this hand drum is a versatile instrument that can be used in various musical genres.

We absolutely love the Remo HD-8510-00 Fiberskyn Frame Drum, 10″ for several reasons. Firstly, its construction with Remo’s patented Acousticon shell ensures that it produces a rich and resonant tone. The drumhead, also made by Remo, adds to the overall quality of sound that the drum produces.

Another reason we like this product is its durability. The high-quality materials used in the construction make it long-lasting, ensuring that it withstands continuous playing and transporting without losing its quality.

Additionally, the 10″ size of the drum provides an excellent balance between versatility and portability, making it easy to handle and play. Whether you are an adult or a child, this size is comfortable to hold and play for extended periods.

The Remo HD-8510-00 Fiberskyn Frame Drum, 10″ is designed to provide a traditional, warm, and resonant sound. The drumhead helps to recreate the authentic sound of traditional frame drums and is suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Key features of this hand drum include its 10″ diameter, Remo drumhead, and Acousticon shell. The drumhead ensures excellent tonal quality, while the Acousticon shell enhances resonance and projection. The drum also comes with a mallet for additional playing options and convenience.

The Remo HD-8510-00 Fiberskyn Frame Drum, 10″ is a high-quality instrument that delivers both excellent sound and durability. The craftsmanship and attention to detail put into its construction make it a reliable and preferred choice for many musicians. Its tonal quality, resonance, and versatility are highly regarded in the hand drum community.

Pros:

• Authentic and warm sound
• Durable construction
• Comfortable size for all ages
• Versatile for various musical styles

Cons:

• Some users may prefer a different drumhead material
• Mallet could be of better quality

The Remo HD-8510-00 Fiberskyn Frame Drum, 10″ is an exceptional hand drum that offers quality sound and durability. Its versatile size and construction make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to expand their percussive instrument collection.

FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum in C Key with Bag, Book, Mallets (12 Inch, Green)

The FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum in C Key is a versatile percussion instrument that can be used for various purposes. It is ideal for meditation, entertainment, musical education, concerts, and even yoga sessions. With its soothing sound, it creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for mindfulness practices and performances.

We are particularly fond of the FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum due to its excellent craftsmanship and exceptional quality. Made of high-alloy steel, this handpan drum is meticulously cut by hand, resulting in a beautiful and durable instrument. Its finished surface not only adds to its overall aesthetic appeal but also protects it against corrosion, ensuring its longevity.

The primary purpose of the FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum is to provide a unique and ethereal musical experience. It produces clean and soothing sounds reminiscent of the Tibetan singing bowls, creating a harmonious atmosphere. It is available in C/D key and has 8/11/13 tongues drum, each offering a range of sounds that can purify one’s soul.

This steel tongue drum comes with a range of accessories, including drum mallets, a drum mallets holder, a drum bag, a music score, spare notes, and finger picks. These additional items enhance the user’s experience, making it easier for beginners to learn and play the instrument. With its carry-on bag, the drum can be conveniently transported anywhere.

The overall quality of the FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum is exceptional. The craftsmanship is evident in its precise design and attention to detail. The high-alloy steel used contributes to its durability, while the finished surface ensures its long-lasting beauty. This drum is built to withstand regular use and produce optimal sound quality throughout its lifespan.

Pros:

• Exquisite craftsmanship
• Produces clean and soothing sounds
• Versatile and can be used in various settings
• Easy to learn and play, especially for beginners
• Includes a range of accessories for a complete music set

Cons:

• Some users may find it difficult to grasp the technique initially
• Limited color options available

The FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum is a top-notch hand drum that offers a unique and enchanting musical experience. With its superb craftsmanship, wonderful tuning, and wide range of uses, it is a fantastic choice for anyone interested in exploring the world of percussion instruments. Its overall quality, combined with the included accessories, makes it an excellent investment for individuals of all skill levels.

Lronbird 6-Inch Alloy Steel Tongue Drum with Bag, Sticks, and Music Book – Sound Healing and Meditation Instrument for Music Education and Entertainment (Malachite)

The Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum is primarily used as a musical instrument for sound healing, meditation, yoga, and entertainment purposes. It is also suitable for music education and concert accompaniment.

We like the Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum because of its unique design and high-quality sound. The drum is made of high-alloy steel, which not only provides better corrosion resistance but also ensures a stable tone. The drum surface sound tongue is shaped like lotus petals, giving it a visually appealing and artistic touch.

The purpose of the Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum is to create soothing and relaxing sounds that help with meditation, sound healing, and stress relief. It has a total of 8 tones, offering a wider range of sounds and enabling the player to create beautiful music.

Key Features of the Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum include:

• High-quality alloy steel construction for durability and stability of sound
• Hand-modulated and accurately cut by hand for precise tuning
• Produces clean, ethereal, and Buddha-like sounds
• Comes with drum mallets and a music book, making it easy for beginners to learn and play
• Portable design with a carry-on bag for convenience

The overall quality of the Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum is exceptional. The materials used in its construction provide durability and longevity. The hand-modulated tuning ensures that each tone is accurate and stable, allowing for a pleasant musical experience. The drum’s craftsmanship and attention to detail make it a high-end percussion instrument.

• Beautiful and crisp sound

• Stable tuning

• Unique design with lotus petal-shaped sound tongue

• Comes with drum mallets and a music book

• Portable and easy to carry

• Some users may find it challenging to master playing the instrument

The Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum is a high-quality hand drum that offers beautiful sounds and a unique design. Its versatility makes it suitable for various purposes, including meditation, sound healing, and musical education. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this hand drum is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation.

Handpan Drum Set – 15 Note 14 Inch Steel Tongue Drum with Music Book, Mallets, and Carry Bag – D Major

The Steel Tongue Drum – 15 Note 14 Inch Tongue Drum is primarily used for personal meditation, yoga practice, zazen, music therapy, performances, and religious activities. It is a versatile instrument that can create melodious and pure sounds, allowing individuals to find inner peace and relaxation through its soothing tones.

We are impressed with the high-quality materials used in the construction of this steel tongue drum. Made from high-grade steel, it is not only durable but also tuned and cut by hand to ensure that every pitch is perfect. The water-based environmentally friendly paint used on the drum is pollution-free and does not fade, adding to its overall appeal.

The Steel Tongue Drum is designed to provide individuals with a musical instrument that can be easily played and carried anywhere they go. It comes with a carry bag for convenient transportation, enabling users to bring the drum with them on their journeys. The instrument is available in the latest Auspicious cloud style, adding a unique and aesthetically pleasing touch to its overall design.

Key features of this tongue drum include the ability to play it with the included drum mallets or with your hands. This allows users to explore different playing techniques and experiment with the sounds produced. Additionally, beginners can benefit from the included music book in English and note stickers, which make it easier to learn and play the instrument.

The Steel Tongue Drum – 15 Note 14 Inch Tongue Drum is of exceptional quality. Its meticulously hand-tuned and hand-cut design ensures that every pitch and sound produced is of the highest caliber. The use of high-grade steel materials guarantees its durability, allowing users to enjoy its beautiful tones for years to come.

Pros:

• Melodious and pure sound
• High-grade steel material
• Hand-tuned and hand-cut for perfect pitch
• Includes carry bag for convenient transport

Cons:

• Limited to D Major key
• May require some learning and practice for beginners to master

Comparison Section

In this comparison section, we will compare the specifications of all 8 products mentioned above. The table below visualizes the specifications for easier comparison:

Product Name	Material	Size	Included Accessories	Suitable for	Sound
FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum	High-alloy steel	12 inches	Drum Bag, Drum Mallets, Drum Mallets Holder, Music Score, Spare Notes, Finger Picks	Meditation, Entertainment, Musical Education, Concert, Mind Healing, Yoga	Clean, ethereal, Buddha-like sound
LingTing Handpan Drums	Steel	22 inches	Soft Hand Pan Bag, 2 handpan mallet, Handpan Stand, dust-free cloth	Meditation, Entertainment, Musical Education, Concert, Mind Healing, Yoga	Melodious, pure, empty sound
Foraineam Hand Drum Percussion	Wood	10 inches, 8 inches	Drum Stick	Music Education	Melodious sound
Kmise Djembes African Hand Drum	Mahogany	8 inches	None	Music Education	High-quality sound
Remo Fiberskyn Frame Drum	Acousticon shell, Remo drumhead	10 inches	None	Music Education	Varies based on drumhead
FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum	High-alloy steel	12 inches	Drum Bag, Drum Mallets, Drum Mallets Holder, Music Score, Spare Notes, Finger Picks	Meditation, Entertainment, Musical Education, Concert, Yoga	Clean, ethereal, Buddha-like sound
Ironbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum	Alloy Steel	6 inches	Bag, Sticks, Music Book	Musical Education, Entertainment, Meditation, Yoga, Zen	Melodious sound
Steel Tongue Drum	Steel	15 inches	Mallets, Music Book, Carry Bag	Personal Meditation, Yoga, Music Therapy, Performances, Religious Activities	Melodious, pure, empty sound

The specifications of these products vary in terms of material, size, included accessories, suitable usage, and sound produced. Customers can refer to this table to compare and choose the product that best suits their needs and preferences.

Conclusion

After reviewing all eight products, it is evident that each one offers unique features and benefits for those interested in percussion instruments. Whether it’s for meditation, entertainment, musical education, concerts, mind healing, yoga, or other purposes, there is a drum that suits everyone’s needs.

Drawbacks

However, it is important to address some drawbacks that were found during the review process. Some customers may find the FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum to be on the smaller side, as the 12-inch size may not produce the desired sound for everyone. Additionally, the LingTing Handpan Drums Sets may be a bit too large for some users, as the 22-inch size can be harder to handle. The Kmise 8″ Djembes African Hand Drum may not have the same sound quality as higher-end models, which could be a drawback for professional musicians.

Recommendation

For those looking for a versatile and reliable option, the Foraineam 10 Inch & 8 Inch Hand Drum Percussion Wood Frame Drum is an excellent choice. It offers a traditional hand drum design and comes with a drum stick, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians. The Remo HD-8510-00 Fiberskyn Frame Drum is also worth considering, thanks to its durable construction and outstanding sound quality.

The Steel Tongue Drum by Lronbird is recommended for individuals who prefer a smaller instrument, as the 6-inch size is portable and easy to carry. The Steel Tongue Drum – 15 Note 14 Inch Tongue Drum is a great option for those looking for more advanced features, such as the ability to play in different keys.

Overall, for individuals seeking a percussion instrument for meditation, entertainment, musical education, concert performances, or yoga, these products offer a wide range of options to meet their needs. Whether it’s for personal enjoyment or professional use, each drum provides a unique and enjoyable experience.