Difference between a Tongue Drum and Handpan

The handpan and tongue drum are metallic percussion instruments known for their distinct tones and easy playability. These instruments are very popular for creating spontaneous and emotive music, making them suitable for personal meditation and professional performances.

Handpan and Its Correlation to the Tongue Drum

The handpan, with its unusual UFO-like shape, creates deep, resonant tones and is played by striking its surface with your hands. The tongue drum, while often smaller and played with mallets, has a similar sound generation technique and belongs to the larger family of steel percussion instruments. 

Both instruments provide rich, compelling tones while catering to slightly distinct musical interpretations.

Ease of Play with Scales That Prevent False Notes

One of the most enticing features of the handpan and tongue drum is their pre-tuned scales, which remove the possibility of playing discordant notes. This function enables even beginners to create harmonious and melodic music easily.

Demand and Perception of the Tongue Drum as an Alternative to the Handpan

As the handpan's popularity has grown, its cost has risen, making it less affordable for some players. The tongue drum has evolved as a popular and less expensive alternative, providing similar meditative benefits and ease of play. Its versatility and cheaper price have increased its popularity, particularly among beginners and those looking for a low-cost introduction to metallic percussion.

Main Differences Between Handpan and Tongue Drum

Handpans Are Played with Hands, While Tongue Drums Are Typically Played with Mallets

Handpans offer a tactile and expressive playing experience with a broad range of dynamics and tone variations because they are made to be played with the hands. On the other hand, mallets are typically used to play mouth drums, which produce notes with more clarity and precision but call for a different tactile response.

The Handpan is Larger and More Expensive Compared to the Tongue Drum

Handpans are typically larger and more complex to design and manufacture, contributing to their increased cost. Because of their complexity, they are frequently handcrafted, which raises the cost. Tongue drums, due to their smaller size and simpler construction, are less expensive and more accessible to a wider range of artists.

Tongue Drums Offer a Greater Number of Notes and Can Often Be Re-tuned Using Magnets

One of the primary benefits of tongue drums is their capacity to produce a broader spectrum of notes. Many tongue drums may be retuned with magnets, providing additional versatility and customization in the sound they can make. This trait makes them ideal for musicians experimenting with different scales and tonalities.

Handpans Produce a Deeper, Warmer Tone, Whereas Tongue Drums Have a Longer, Gong-like Sustain

One of these instruments' most noticeable characteristics is its sound quality. Handpans are noted for their deep, warm tones, which can fill a whole room with resonant, meditative sounds. Tongue drums, on the other hand, have a longer sustain and a clear, gong-like tone that is calming and suitable for extended melodic patterns.

Handpans Are More Percussive with a Bright Attack Compared to the Melody-focused Tongue Drums

Handpans excel in percussive performance, with a bright, crisp attack ideal for rhythmic patterns and rapid, detailed playing. Tongue drums, on the other hand, have a more melodic sound, delivering clear and sustained notes that are great for creating tuneful and rhythmic patterns.

Reasons to Choose a Handpan

Ideal for Fast Phrases and Percussive Rhythms

Handpans are intended to produce quick, complex rhythms and interesting percussive effects. Their sensitive surface enables quick transitions and dynamic playing, making them excellent for players who appreciate complex rhythmic patterns.

Easier to Play with Hands Due to Its Size

The handpan's increased surface area makes it easier to play with your hands, providing a wide range of expressive options. This design provides a more immersive and tactile playing experience.

Known for Its Meditative and Magical Tone

The handpan's rich, resonating tones are known for their contemplative and magical properties. This instrument is frequently utilized in therapeutic and spiritual contexts to induce relaxation and emotional well-being.

Read: Exploring Different Handpan Scales: Kurd, Dorian, and Beyond

Reasons to Choose a Tongue Drum

Smaller, Cheaper, and Better Suited for Melodies

Tongue drums are often smaller and less expensive than handpans, making them an excellent choice for individuals on a budget. Their design is frequently more suited to melodic performance, allowing for various musical interpretations.

Maintains Tuning Better Than a Handpan

Tongue drums have more stable tuning than handpans, which are sensitive to temperature and humidity variations. Because of their stability, they are an excellent choice for various settings.

Can Be Re-tuned with Magnets for Customized Notes

Many tongue drums can be re-tuned using magnets, allowing you to experiment with various scales and musical genres. This function is particularly intriguing to musicians who enjoy experimenting with their sound.

Suitable for All Ages and Levels of Musical Skill

Due to their ease of use and low cost, tongue drums are accessible to a wide spectrum of performers, from children to adults, beginners to expert musicians.

No Prior Musical Knowledge Required to Play

The simple design of tongue drums enables anyone to begin playing music without prior expertise or experience. This makes them a fantastic alternative for individuals who want to try music for the first time.

Read: The World of Tongue Drums: A Guide by Sound Artist

Advantages and Disadvantages of Handpans

Advantages:

• Larger Tone Fields: Handpans' larger tone fields make them easier to strike precisely, resulting in a more flexible and fluid playing experience.
• Fuller Sound Volume: Handpans provide a rich, full sound that can fill an entire room, making them ideal for live performances and recordings.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Handpans are usually more expensive due to the complex manufacturing process and high-quality materials required.
• Temperature Sensitivity: They are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which might compromise tuning and necessitate careful handling.
• Maintenance Needs: Regular retuning is required to maintain the quality and precision of the sound, which may be an issue for some players.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tongue Drums

Advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Tongue drums are typically less expensive, making them more accessible to a larger audience.
• Durability: These instruments are strong and resistant to temperature changes, making them suited for various applications, including outdoor use.
• Maintenance: They require less care than handpans, as there is no need for frequent tuning.

Disadvantages:

• Quieter Volume: Tongue drums make a softer sound, which may be less impactful in bigger situations without amplification.
• Smaller Playing Surface: Because the playing field is smaller, beginners may struggle with more precise hits.

Comparison: Steel Tongue Drum, Hang Drum, Handpan

Price Differences Among the Three Instruments

Steel tongue drums are generally the cheapest. Depending on the manufacturer, hang drums are often priced similarly to handpans. Meanwhile, handpans are usually the most expensive due to their complicated manufacturing.

Customization Options and Wait Times for Handpans

Handpans have few personalization choices and can have considerable wait times due to strong demand and the artisanal manner of production.

Distinctive Musical Capabilities of Each Instrument

Each instrument has unique musical possibilities; handpans are great for percussive and lyrical playing, hang drums for resonant, ethereal sounds, and tongue drums for rhythmic, melodic patterns.

Importance of Manufacturer’s Credibility for Quality Assurance

The quality and sound of these instruments strongly depend on the manufacturer's knowledge and credibility, so it is critical to buy from reliable sources.

Traditional Limitation to a Single Scale vs. Innovation with Multi-scale Tongue Drums

Traditional handpans and hang drums are limited to a single scale, however, modern tongue drums frequently provide multi-scale options via changeable notes.

Durability Issues with Handpans and Hangs Versus the Sturdiness of Tongue Drums 

While handpans and hang drums are fragile and prone to tuning troubles, tongue drums are usually more robust and require less maintenance.

Read: Differences Between Hang Drum and Handpan Explained

Conclusion

Both the handpan and tongue drum have distinct features that appeal to various musical preferences and needs. The handpan is great for people who like deep, resonant tones and percussive performance, while the tongue drum offers adaptability, affordability, and melodic concentration. 

Understanding the differences between these instruments can assist players in selecting the one that best suits their musical style and aspirations. If feasible, try out both instruments to determine which best fits your musical goals and style.

Are you ready to elevate your musical journey to the next level? 

Sound Artist provides soul music live tuition and sells a variety of handpans and hand drums both online and in person. Whether you are a novice trying to learn or an experienced musician looking to improve your skills, Sound Artist offers personalized tuition suited to your specific needs. 

Based on Long Island, they serve consumers locally and globally via internet channels, ensuring you have access to high-quality instruments and expert advice no matter where you are. 

Book a demo with us today to begin your musical journey with handpans and hand drums.