What notes are on this Meinl tongue drum?

The drum is pre-tuned to a G Minor scale featuring 8 notes. This ensures that every note played sounds harmonious with the others, making it impossible to play a 'wrong' note.

What size is the Meinl Small Steel Tongue Drum?

This specific model has a diameter of 7 inches, which is approximately 18 cm. It is designed to be compact enough for travel and for playing in a variety of settings.

What accessories are included with the purchase?

The instrument comes with a pair of soft rubber mallets and a padded bag. These accessories ensure you can play the drum immediately and transport it safely.

Who is this instrument best suited for?

It is ideal for music lovers, educators, and sound therapy practitioners. Because of its intuitive layout, it is suitable for players of any skill level, including beginners.

Can I tune this tongue drum to a different scale?

No, this drum features pre-tuned notes that are fixed at the factory. It is designed to remain in the G Minor scale permanently.

How does the sound differ from a snare drum?

Unlike a snare drum such as the Sonor AQ2, which produces a sharp, rhythmic crack, the tongue drum produces a melodic, ethereal, and sustaining tone. It is a melodic instrument rather than a purely rhythmic one.

Is the navy blue finish durable?

The navy blue coating is applied to the steel to provide both aesthetic appeal and a layer of protection. Users should store it in the provided padded bag to prevent scratches.

Can this be used for professional sound therapy?

Yes, its soothing and ethereal sound character makes it a popular tool for sound healing and meditation practices. The resonance is designed to be calming and non-intrusive.

Is this drum suitable for children?

Yes, its size and the fact that it is pre-tuned make it an excellent choice for children. It is much smaller and more melodic than a Gear4music Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit.

What material is the drum made from?

The drum is made of high-quality steel. This material allows for the long-lasting resonance and chime-like quality characteristic of tongue drums.

How do you play the Meinl Steel Tongue Drum?

It can be played using the included soft rubber mallets or by using your fingers. The mallets typically produce a clearer and louder tone, while fingers offer a softer attack.

How does this compare to the Sela Melody Tongue Drum?

The Meinl model is slightly larger at 7 inches compared to the 5.5 inch Sela Melody drum. The Meinl is tuned to G Minor, whereas the Sela version mentioned is tuned to C5.

Gear article

Meinl Small Steel Tongue Drum Navy Blue G Minor

The Meinl Small Steel Tongue Drum is a 7-inch idiophone featuring eight pre-tuned notes in a G Minor scale. Designed for accessibility and portability, it is frequently used by music educators, sound therapy practitioners, and hobbyists due to its harmonious and ethereal tonal character.

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Overview

The Meinl Small Steel Tongue Drum is a compact melodic percussion instrument constructed from steel. It features precision-cut tongues that correspond to specific notes within a G Minor scale. At 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter, the instrument is designed for portability, allowing users to transport it easily for performances, therapy sessions, or educational workshops. It is finished in a distinct Navy Blue coating.

Construction and Key Features

The instrument is built with a focus on durability and ease of use. Key features include:

Pre-Tuned Scale: The notes are fixed in G Minor, ensuring that any combination of strikes produces a harmonious sound.
Size: The 7-inch diameter makes it a 'travel-sized' instrument suitable for children and adults.
Included Accessories: Every drum comes with two soft rubber mallets and a padded storage bag to protect the finish and structural integrity during transit.
Material: Constructed from resonant steel, the drum is designed to sustain notes and provide a long decay.

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Sound Character and Application

The sound profile of the Meinl Small Steel Tongue Drum is described as ethereal and soothing. Because it is tuned to a specific scale, there are 'no wrong notes,' making it a popular choice for intuitive playing.

It is particularly effective in sound therapy environments where calming, resonant tones are required. Music educators also utilise the instrument for teaching rhythm and melody without the steep learning curve associated with chromatic instruments. Unlike larger snare drums like the British Drum Co. Maverick or DW Collectors Series, this tongue drum produces a melodic, non-percussive resonance.

Market Position and Comparison

Positioned at a price point of approximately GBP 47, the Meinl Small Steel Tongue Drum is an entry-level professional instrument. It competes with other small-format melodic percussion such as the Sela Melody Tongue Drum 5.5". While it lacks the volume and attack of traditional drums like the Tama Starclassic Performer or Natal Originals Walnut snare, it offers a specific melodic utility that traditional drum kits, such as the Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit by Gear4music, do not provide. It is a more specialized tool than a standard Remo 10 Lollipop Frame Drum, offering multiple distinct pitches rather than a single percussive tone.

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Frequently asked questions

What notes are on this Meinl tongue drum?: The drum is pre-tuned to a G Minor scale featuring 8 notes. This ensures that every note played sounds harmonious with the others, making it impossible to play a 'wrong' note.
What size is the Meinl Small Steel Tongue Drum?: This specific model has a diameter of 7 inches, which is approximately 18 cm. It is designed to be compact enough for travel and for playing in a variety of settings.
What accessories are included with the purchase?: The instrument comes with a pair of soft rubber mallets and a padded bag. These accessories ensure you can play the drum immediately and transport it safely.
Who is this instrument best suited for?: It is ideal for music lovers, educators, and sound therapy practitioners. Because of its intuitive layout, it is suitable for players of any skill level, including beginners.
Can I tune this tongue drum to a different scale?: No, this drum features pre-tuned notes that are fixed at the factory. It is designed to remain in the G Minor scale permanently.
How does the sound differ from a snare drum?: Unlike a snare drum such as the Sonor AQ2, which produces a sharp, rhythmic crack, the tongue drum produces a melodic, ethereal, and sustaining tone. It is a melodic instrument rather than a purely rhythmic one.
Is the navy blue finish durable?: The navy blue coating is applied to the steel to provide both aesthetic appeal and a layer of protection. Users should store it in the provided padded bag to prevent scratches.
Can this be used for professional sound therapy?: Yes, its soothing and ethereal sound character makes it a popular tool for sound healing and meditation practices. The resonance is designed to be calming and non-intrusive.
Is this drum suitable for children?: Yes, its size and the fact that it is pre-tuned make it an excellent choice for children. It is much smaller and more melodic than a Gear4music Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit.
What material is the drum made from?: The drum is made of high-quality steel. This material allows for the long-lasting resonance and chime-like quality characteristic of tongue drums.
How do you play the Meinl Steel Tongue Drum?: It can be played using the included soft rubber mallets or by using your fingers. The mallets typically produce a clearer and louder tone, while fingers offer a softer attack.
How does this compare to the Sela Melody Tongue Drum?: The Meinl model is slightly larger at 7 inches compared to the 5.5 inch Sela Melody drum. The Meinl is tuned to G Minor, whereas the Sela version mentioned is tuned to C5.