What is a HAPI Steel Tongue Drum?
HAPI Drums harness the power of precision-cut steel tongues to create a captivating blend of musical tones, reminiscent of traditional wood tongue drums.
Can anyone play one?
Yes! Anyone who wants an intuitive steel tongue drum can learn to play one. You don't need a musical background. The note layout makes it easy to jump right into grooving rhythms. Our drums offer endless possibilities for musical expression. Experiment with different note combinations to create your own unique compositions. Check out our Gift Guide here!
How is the tone created?
HAPI Drums have a unique tone that is created by a tuned vibrating tongue of steel. When a tongue is quickly and lightly struck with your finger or mallet it vibrates creating sound waves. When each note is struck it excites surrounding notes that are musically compatible with it. This adds to the harmonic spectrum of the tone. Rather than just one tone we create a spectrum of supporting sound for each note. The tone is similar to singing bowls or musical bells which create multiple harmonic overtones. The body of the drum acts as a resonating chamber adding depth to the note.
How is a HAPI steel tongue drum played?
We recommend playing the HAPI Drum with the pads of your fingers. A wide range of sounds can be created with different techniques. Playing by hand connects you with the HAPI Drum in the way that traditional drums are enjoyed. A minimal amount of force creates a big sound on these drums. We also supply each HAPI Drum with mallets designed to bring out pure tone. Our mallets are designed to eliminate “head slap” creating a very clear tone. When using mallets, hold the mallet lightly and let it drop onto the note. This creates the ideal tone. When using your hands all that is required is a light quick touch from the pad of your finger.
When playing with your hands, use the pad of only one finger to strike the note. Hit the note at the top of the tongue, your target area is towards the top, in the middle of the tongue. Do not use the tip of the finger but rather the full pad of your finger. Your finger should be about level with the steel tongue drum before you start the motion and two to three inches above the drum. Use a wrist motion to slap the finger off of the note. Do not move your elbows, it’s all in the wrist. Let your finger lightly bounce off the drum note like the mallets do.
Why choose HAPI?
You can only get the original and best sounding steel tongue drums from HAPI Drum. We created the HAPI Drum in 2008. Over the years we have added many new features that enhance our drums. You won't find these features on other drums in the market:
Musical Steel. We tested many different alloy compositions of sheet steel to find one that is perfect for steel tongue drum sound quality. We only use this musical steel when producing all of our drums.
Rubber Feet. Installed on our drums is a set of sound isolating rubber feet. This allows the drum to be played in your lap or on any surface for enjoyment. If a drum does not have rubber feet installed it will sound dull and flat when set on a surface to be played.
A Bottom Sound Port. We have carefully chosen the size of the opening port in the bottom of the HAPI Drums. It allows the sound to escape and increases the volume. It also releases the tone from the body so that the notes do not overlap each other.
Dampening System. Additional dampening of the notes and drum body is required to keep these drums from becoming discordant and “ringy”. We have developed a breakthrough proprietary technique built into each HAPI Drum which provides excellent resonance
while supplying the correct amount of dampening.
Mallets. We supply each drum with mallets designed to bring out pure tone. Our mallets are designed to eliminate “head slap” creating a very clear tone. With a little practice, you can also play HAPI Drums by hand.
Instruction Booklet. Each HAPI Drum comes with a complete instruction booklet on how to play the drum.
Pentatonic Scales. The word "pentatonic" comes from the Greek word pente meaning five and tonic meaning tone. It is a musical scale that consists of five notes within one octave. Because of their arrangement, pentatonic scales are often used to introduce beginners to music. You don't need a musical background to enjoy a HAPI Drum. There are no wrong notes. You can play any note in any order and the drum will sound great.
Our steel tongue drums can, of course, be used in any setting. But, we have broken out some specific uses for them here:
Our Slim is amazing for yoga and stress release. Our Mini is great for camping or taking to the beach. Our Tini is ideal for music development and memory skills. Our Aura is a perfect fit for music therapists, sound therapy and rehabilitation. Our Origin is ideal for mindful meditation and sound bath settings. Our Omni is great for focus, awareness and intention. Our Handpans are amazing for sound studios, recording artists, buskers and musicians.
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