What is the difference between a handpan and a tongue drum

Welcome to my blog! Today, I’m going to be discussing the difference between a handpan and a tongue drum. Both of these instruments are percussion instruments, but they have some key differences. For one, a handpan is played with the hands, while a tongue drum is played with the sticks. Additionally, a handpan has a higher pitch than a tongue drum. Finally, a handpan is typically made of metal, while a tongue drum is usually made of wood. I hope you enjoy learning about these two unique instruments!

What is a handpan?

A handpan is a musical instrument in the percussion family. It consists of a circular, shallow shell with a diameter of about 60 cm (24 in) and a thickness of about 7 mm (0.28 in). The shell has eight or morenotes tuned in intervals. The instrument is played with the hands, either with or without gloves.

What is a tongue drum?

Tongue drums are musical instruments that consist of a small round drum with one or more tongues (vibrating membranes) stretched across the top. The drum is usually made of wood, metal, or plastic, and the tongues are made of a flexible material such as animal skin or synthetic fabric. The tongues are struck with the hands or with mallets to produce a range of sounds.

Tongue drums are often used in ensemble music, as they can produce a range of pitches and timbres. They can also be played solo or in pairs. Tongue drums originated in Africa and Asia, and they have been used in traditional and contemporary music around the world.

The difference between a handpan and a tongue drum

A handpan is a steel drum that is played with the hands, while a tongue drum is a drum that is played with the tongue. Both instruments are used for percussion, but there are some differences between them.

Handpans are typically made from two half-spheres of steel that are welded together. They have a series of notes etched into the surface, and the player uses their hands to strike these notes. Tongue drums, on the other hand, are usually made from a single piece of wood or metal. They have a series of indentations on the top surface, and the player produces sound by striking these indentations with their tongue.

In terms of sound, handpans tend to have a more mellow and ethereal tone, while tongue drums have a sharper and more percussive sound. Handpans are also usually larger than tongue drums, which makes them more difficult to transport. However, tongue drums can be played more quietly than handpans, making them ideal for indoor use.

How are handpans and tongue drums played?

There are several ways to play handpans and tongue drums. The most common way is with the hands, using a light touch to produce soft sounds. For a more percussive sound, you can strike the instrument with your fingertips or use mallets. You can also produce sounds by rubbing your hands along the surface of the instrument.

The history of handpans and tongue drums

Both handpans and tongue drums are percussion instruments that are played with the hands. They both have a round shape and usually have a central dome. The main difference between the two instruments is that handpans have a set of different size and tuned notes all around the circumference of the instrument, while tongue drums only have one or two notes.

Tongue drums were first created in Africa and Asia, and were typically made from hollowed out logs or tree trunks. Handpans were first created in Switzerland in the early 2000s and are typically made from sheet metal.

Both handpans and tongue drums are played by striking the surface with the hands, or by using mallets. The sound is produced by vibration of the metal or wood. Handpans usually have a more mellow sound, while tongue drums can have a sharper sound depending on their size and construction.

The benefits of playing a handpan or tongue drum

Handpans and tongue drums are both percussive instruments that are played by striking them with your hands. The main difference between the two is that a handpan has a convex (rounded) surface, while a tongue drum is concave (has a bowl-like shape). Both instruments are played in a similar manner, by striking the surface with your hands or using mallets.

Handpans and tongue drums offer many benefits, both musical and non-musical. They are relatively easy to learn how to play, and even people who have never played an instrument before can be making beautiful music within minutes. Both handpans and tongue drums are very portable, so they can be taken with you wherever you go. They also produce a very soothing sound that can be beneficial for relaxation or meditation.

The different types of handpans and tongue drums

There are many different types of handpans and tongue drums, each with their own distinct sound. Here is a quick guide to the different types:

Handpan:

A handpan is a round, steel drum which is played with the hands. The bottom half of the instrument is covered in notes, while the top half is left open. Handpans usually have 8 or 9 notes, which are played by striking the drum with the palms and fingers.

Tongue Drum:

A tongue drum is a percussion instrument which consists of a round, wooden body with a series of tunedMetal tongues or thin reeds attached to the top. The player strikes the tongues with their fingers or sticks to create a sound. Tongue drums usually have 11 or more notes, making them significantly larger than handpans.

Where to buy a handpan or tongue drum

There are a few key differences between handpans and tongue drums. First, handpans are typically larger, with a diameter of around 27 inches. Tongue drums are usually smaller, with a diameter of around 12 inches. Second, handpans have a concave bottom, while tongue drums have a flat bottom. This gives handpans a more mellow sound, while tongue drums have a sharper sound. Finally, handpans typically have 8 or 9 notes, while tongue drums usually have 5 or 6 notes.

How to care for a handpan or tongue drum

If you have a handpan or tongue drum, it’s important to take care of it so that you can enjoy playing it for many years to come. Here are a few tips on how to care for your instrument:

-Wipe down your handpan or tongue drum after each use with a soft, dry cloth.

– If your instrument is made of steel, you can also protect it from rust by rubbing a thin layer of oil into the surface.

– Avoid storing your handpan or tongue drum in direct sunlight or in a humid environment.

– If you’re not planning on playing your instrument for awhile, loosen the tension on the heads so that they don’t warp.

FAQs about handpans and tongue drums

Q: What is the difference between a handpan and a tongue drum?

A:Handpans are most often made of steel, with a convex playing surface that has indentations (notes) cut or hammered into it. Tongue drums, on the other hand, have a concave playing surface and are generally made of wood or plastic. The notes on a tongue drum are produced by striking the tongues ( thin strips of material) that protrude from the body of the instrument.

Q: What is the history of the handpan?

A: The first handpans were created in Switzerland in the early 2000s. The instrument quickly gained popularity and today there are dozens of makers creating handpans in countries all over the world.

Q: How do you play ahandpan?

A: Handpans are played with the hands, with each individual note being struck with either the palm or the fingers. The use of mallets or other implements is generally not recommended as this can damage the delicate surface of the instrument.