In the world of percussion instruments, few recent innovations have captured the imagination of musicians and sound enthusiasts quite like the handpan and the tongue drum. Both produce mesmerizing, ethereal sounds that have found applications in meditation, sound therapy, and various musical genres. Despite often being compared or confused with one another, they are distinct instruments with unique characteristics, manufacturing processes, and playing techniques. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you understand their similarities, differences, and unique features, empowering you to make an informed choice between these captivating instruments.
Table of Contents
History and Origins
The Birth and Evolution of the Handpan
The handpan’s story begins in Switzerland in the early 2000s with the invention of the Hang by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt. After extensive research into various percussion instruments worldwide, including the Trinidadian steelpan, Indian ghatam, Thai gong, and Indonesian Gamelan, they created this revolutionary instrument. The name “Hang” comes from a Bernese German word with dual meaning: “hand” and “hillside,” referring to its convex shape.
The term “handpan” first appeared in 2007 on the website of American steelpan producer Pantheon Steel, as a generic term for instruments similar to the Hang. This terminology became necessary as PANArt had registered “Hang” as a trademark and begun legal action against other makers. Today, hundreds of handpan builders worldwide create instruments that vary in material, manufacturing techniques, shape, sound, and quality.
The Development of the Modern Tongue Drum
The steel tongue drum, also known as tank drum or hank drum, has more recent origins but is based on ancient concepts. Traditional wooden slit drums were developed independently by multiple ancient civilizations, including Africans, Aztecs, and Indonesians, used for both ritual and entertainment purposes.
The modern steel tongue drum emerged in February 2007 when Dennis Havlena created an instrument from an empty 20-pound propane tank. Inspired by the physical properties of the Tambiro (by Felle Vega) and the tone layout of the Hang, Havlena cut tongues radially into the bottom of the tank. The name ‘Hank Drum’ came from combining “Hang” and “tank.” This innovation sparked numerous variations, and today many vendors offer commercial versions worldwide.
Design and Construction
Handpan: A Complex Symphony of Steel
A handpan consists of two metal half-shells glued together at the rim, creating a hollow convex lens shape. The top shell (called the “Ding” side) features a central note hammered into it, surrounded by seven or eight tone fields hammered around the center. Each tone field is carefully shaped and tuned to produce specific notes. The bottom shell (called the “Gu”) typically has a rolled hole in the center that can produce a tuned note when the rim is struck.
The manufacturing process of a handpan is complex and labor-intensive. It begins with a flat steel sheet that is formed into a dome shape or “shell.” This can be done through various methods: traditional hand hammering, rolling (where a machine rolls around the metal sheet), or hydroforming (where water pressure pushes the steel through a circular mold). After shaping, the steel is cut and usually undergoes gas-nitriding, a heat treatment process that adds nitrogen to the metal to strengthen it and prevent rusting.
The maker then defines the scale and marks where the notes will be placed, carefully considering how different frequencies will interact. The dimples or “domes” for each note are created, followed by the formation of borders between notes, which significantly affect the instrument’s sound character. This intricate process requires immense skill and attention to detail, with each hammer strike affecting the final sound quality.
Tongue Drum: Elegant Simplicity
A steel tongue drum typically consists of a round steel vessel with several “tongues” cut into the top surface. These tongues, which vary in length and width, are created by cutting slits into the metal, allowing the tongues to vibrate freely when struck. The original design used an empty propane tank flipped over with the base removed, but modern tongue drums can be made from purpose-built steel shells or even wood.
The construction process for a tongue drum is generally simpler than that of a handpan. For steel tongue drums, it involves cutting the tongues into a suitable steel vessel and tuning each tongue to the desired pitch. Wooden tongue drums require building a box structure with a top piece into which the tongues are cut. The tuning process involves calculating the appropriate length for each tongue based on the desired note’s frequency, then making fine adjustments by filing or adding weights to achieve precise pitches.
The shape of the tongues and the space between them affect the instrument’s sound quality and sustain. Some designs feature tongue patterns that radiate from the center, while others have parallel tongues or more creative arrangements. This flexibility in design allows makers to experiment with different sound characteristics and visual aesthetics.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Handpan: The Artistry of Metallurgy
Handpans are typically crafted from nitrided steel, a treated material that enhances resonance and durability. Some makers use stainless steel, which doesn’t require nitriding but offers different sound characteristics. The quality of a handpan depends heavily on the craftsmanship involved, particularly in the tuning process, which requires extensive skill and experience. Each tone field must be precisely shaped and hammered to produce the correct fundamental note and harmonics, a process that can take many hours or even days per instrument.
The thickness of the steel, the shape of each note area, the borders between notes, and even the glue used to join the half-shells all affect the final sound quality. Many handpan makers consider their specific techniques and material choices to be closely guarded secrets that define their unique sound signature. The steel thickness typically ranges from 0.9mm to 1.2mm, with thinner steel generally producing more responsive instruments with shorter sustain, while thicker steel offers more stability but requires more force to activate the notes.
Tongue Drum: Robust Simplicity
Steel tongue drums are made from thicker steel than handpans, which contributes to their weightier feel despite often being smaller in size. They can be fashioned from propane tanks, custom-made steel vessels, or even high-quality wooden boxes for wooden tongue drums. The manufacturing process is less labor-intensive than handpans, but still requires precision in cutting the tongues and tuning them to the desired notes.
Tuning a tongue drum involves adjusting the length and mass of each tongue to achieve the correct pitch. This can be done by filing to raise the pitch or adding weights (often neodymium magnets) to lower it. Some makers finish their drums with protective coatings, such as powder coating, to prevent rust and add aesthetic appeal. The steel used in tongue drums is typically 2-3 times thicker than that used in handpans, contributing to their distinctive sound characteristics and longer sustain.
Sound Characteristics
Handpan: Ethereal Complexity
Handpans produce a distinctive, ethereal sound often described as having a clear tone with bright, ceramic-like qualities. They offer a mid to high range of sustain (resonance), meaning notes continue to ring for a moderate duration after being struck. The central “ding” note provides a strong fundamental bass, while the surrounding tone fields create melodic possibilities.
What makes the handpan sound unique is its rich harmonic structure. When a tone field is struck, it produces not just the fundamental note but also a series of overtones that create a complex, harmonious sound. This, combined with the ability to play multiple notes simultaneously, allows for rich chords and textures. The handpan’s sound has been described as magical, meditative, and even hypnotic, with a clarity that allows each note to be distinctly heard even when playing fast sequences.
The sound can vary significantly between different makers and models, with some handpans having a more percussive, sharp attack, while others offer a softer, more rounded tone. This diversity allows players to choose instruments that match their personal preferences and musical styles.
Tongue Drum: Meditative Resonance
Tongue drums produce a more bell-like tone with longer sustain than handpans. Their sound has been described as more “blurry” compared to the clearer tones of handpans, but this creates a dreamy, meditative quality that many find appealing. The sound is produced by the vibration of the cut tongues, with each tongue’s length and mass determining its pitch.
The resonance chamber of the drum amplifies these vibrations, creating a full, rounded sound. Tongue drums played with fingers produce a softer sound, while those played with mallets can achieve greater volume and articulation. The overall sound character tends to be more uniform across the range of notes compared to the varied timbres possible on a handpan.
The longer sustain of tongue drums makes them particularly effective for creating layers of sound that blend together, ideal for meditation and relaxation practices. The notes seem to float and merge, creating an immersive sound environment rather than distinct melodic lines.
Musical Capabilities
Handpan: Versatile Expression
Handpans are typically tuned to specific scales like D minor or C major, with most instruments having 7-12 notes, though some custom models can have up to 22 notes. They are diatonic instruments, meaning they don’t include the semitones (sharps and flats) of the traditional chromatic scale, which makes them relatively forgiving to play without producing “wrong” notes.
Handpans can be heptatonic (7 notes) or pentatonic (5 notes), with additional notes expanding the musical possibilities. Their arrangement of notes, with the central “ding” surrounded by tone fields, allows for both melodic and rhythmic playing techniques. The versatility of handpans makes them suitable for various playing styles, from fast, technical pieces to slow, meditative soundscapes.
Advanced players can create incredible complexity on a handpan, playing bass notes, chords, and melodies simultaneously. The instrument’s responsive nature allows for nuanced expression through variations in touch, from gentle caresses that produce whisper-soft tones to firm strikes that create bold, resonant notes. This dynamic range contributes to the handpan’s popularity among serious musicians looking for an instrument with both accessibility and depth.
Tongue Drum: Accessible Harmony
Tongue drums typically have between 6-15 notes, usually arranged in a circular pattern. Like handpans, they are often tuned to diatonic scales, making them accessible to beginners who can create pleasing sounds without extensive musical training. They can be heptatonic or pentatonic, with the pentatonic tuning being particularly popular for meditation and sound therapy applications.
The notes on tongue drums are often numbered to help beginners navigate the instrument. While they offer fewer notes than some handpans, their clear, sustained tones make them excellent for creating hypnotic, repetitive patterns and simple melodies. Some tongue drums are double-sided, offering two different scales on the same instrument for greater versatility.
The uniform sound character across the range makes tongue drums less suited for complex musical expression but perfect for creating consistent, harmonious sound beds. Their long sustain allows notes to blend together beautifully, creating rich harmonic textures even with simple playing techniques.
Playing Techniques
Handpan: The Touch of Hands
Handpans are typically played while resting on the player’s lap or on a stand, with the “Ding” side facing up. The instrument is played exclusively with the hands and fingers, not mallets, which contributes to its warm, organic sound. Players use various techniques:
- Striking the tone fields with fingertips or thumb pads to produce clear, distinct notes
- Using the palm or heel of the hand for bass notes, particularly on the central “ding”
- Creating rolls and tremolo effects by alternating fingers rapidly
- Dampening notes with one hand while playing with the other to control sustain
- Utilizing the space between tone fields for percussive effects
The handpan’s playing surface features dimples corresponding to each note, providing tactile guidance for players. Advanced techniques involve playing multiple tone fields simultaneously to create chords and harmonies. The physical interaction with the instrument creates an intimate connection between player and sound that many find deeply satisfying and almost meditative.
Tongue Drum: Versatile Approaches
Tongue drums can be played with fingers, hands, or mallets, offering more versatility in sound production. Common playing techniques include:
- Striking the tongues with fingertips for a soft, intimate sound
- Using mallets (often provided with the instrument) for louder, more sustained tones
- Creating rhythmic patterns by alternating between different tongues
- Playing multiple tongues simultaneously for chord-like effects
- Using the edge of the drum for additional percussive sounds
The tongues on most commercial tongue drums are numbered or marked, making it easier for beginners to follow simple tunes or instructions. This accessibility, combined with the forgiving nature of diatonic tuning, makes tongue drums particularly approachable for those without musical background.
The option to use mallets makes tongue drums accessible to those who might have difficulty with the finger techniques required for handpans, including children and individuals with limited hand dexterity. The ability to switch between fingers and mallets also offers sound variation that can add interest to performances.
Size, Weight, and Portability
Handpan: Lightweight Yet Substantial
Handpans are relatively large instruments, typically measuring around 50 cm (20 inches) in diameter, with a standard size range of 18-23 inches. Despite their size, they are surprisingly lightweight for their dimensions, making them reasonably portable. Most handpans come with a protective case or bag for transportation, and their shape allows them to be carried comfortably.
The physical dimensions of handpans require a certain amount of space to play comfortably, but their lightweight nature makes them popular for outdoor performances, travel, and street music. Some makers offer “mini handpans” that retain the characteristic sound but in a more compact form, often similar in size to tongue drums.
Tongue Drum: Compact and Solid
Tongue drums are generally smaller than handpans, with diameters typically between 15 and 30 cm (6-12 inches). Despite their smaller size, they are often heavier than handpans because they’re made of thicker steel. This makes them stable when played on a flat surface but can make them somewhat challenging to transport for extended periods.
Their compact size makes tongue drums ideal for situations where space is limited, and their stable base means they can be played on a table or other flat surface without needing to be held. Many tongue drums come with carrying cases or bags, and their smaller footprint makes them easier to store when not in use.
Cost and Accessibility
Handpan: Investment-Grade Instruments
Handpans are generally expensive instruments, with prices ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the maker’s reputation, the number of notes, and the quality of craftsmanship. The high cost reflects the complex manufacturing process, the skill required for tuning, and the time-intensive nature of handpan production. Many high-quality handpans have waiting lists that can extend to months or even years.
The high demand and limited production capacity have created a market where quality instruments are not readily accessible to casual enthusiasts. This exclusivity has contributed to the mystique surrounding handpans but has also been a barrier to wider adoption.
Tongue Drum: Affordable Entry Point
Tongue drums are significantly more affordable than handpans, with prices typically ranging from under a hundred to several hundred dollars. Their simpler construction and less time-intensive manufacturing process contribute to the lower price point. They are readily available from numerous makers and can be purchased without the long waiting periods often associated with handpans.
This accessibility makes tongue drums an excellent entry point for those interested in these types of instruments but unwilling or unable to invest in a handpan. Some enthusiasts start with a tongue drum before deciding whether to make the larger investment in a handpan.
Learning Curve and Musical Development
Handpan: Rewarding Complexity
The handpan has a moderate learning curve. While beginners can produce pleasant sounds immediately due to the diatonic tuning, developing control, technique, and musical expression takes practice. The instrument’s design with no marked notes means players must develop a physical memory of where each note is located.
Advanced techniques like simultaneous playing of melody and rhythm require coordination and practice. However, the reward is significant, as skilled players can create rich, complex music on a single instrument. Many players find the learning process intuitive and meditative.
The potential for musical growth with a handpan is substantial. As players develop their skills, they can explore increasingly complex rhythmic patterns, melodic structures, and expressive techniques. Many professional handpan players continue to discover new possibilities even after years of playing, making it an instrument with considerable depth.
Tongue Drum: Immediate Gratification
Tongue drums have a gentler learning curve than handpans. The numbered or marked tongues make it easy for beginners to follow simple patterns and songs. The ability to use mallets rather than fingers can also make initial playing easier, especially for children or those with limited hand strength or dexterity.
The straightforward layout and generally fewer notes mean players can quickly begin creating pleasing sounds and simple melodies. This immediate gratification makes tongue drums particularly suitable for therapeutic applications, educational settings, and casual music enjoyment.
While tongue drums may not offer the same complexity as handpans for advanced players, they have their own progression path. Players can develop skills in creating intricate rhythmic patterns, exploring different striking techniques, and combining notes in harmonically interesting ways.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
When deciding between a handpan and a tongue drum, consider your musical goals, budget, and personal preferences. Both instruments offer unique qualities that appeal to different players for different reasons.
Choose a handpan if you’re looking for an instrument with rich expressive possibilities, are willing to invest in a premium instrument, and enjoy the challenge of developing technique over time. The handpan rewards dedication with a remarkable ability to create complex, nuanced music that combines melody, harmony, and rhythm in a single instrument.
Opt for a tongue drum if you value immediate accessibility, affordability, and straightforward playability. Its meditative sound, durable construction, and option to use mallets make it ideal for beginners, therapeutic applications, and those seeking a low-pressure musical experience.
Rather than viewing them as competing instruments, it’s perhaps more accurate to see handpans and tongue drums as complementary options within the broader family of intuitive percussion instruments. Many enthusiasts eventually own both, appreciating each for its unique qualities and applications. Whichever you choose, you’ll be joining a growing community of players drawn to these remarkable modern instruments and their capacity to create beautiful, calming sounds that speak directly to the heart.