What is the diameter of the Sela Unity Tongue Drum?

This specific model features a 13-inch diameter, providing a large surface area for the 11-note layout.

What scale is the drum tuned to?

The drum is tuned to a natural C Major scale. This layout is designed to be intuitive, allowing players to create melodies without hitting discordant notes.

What is the significance of the 432 Hz tuning?

The 432 Hz tuning provides a softer, grounding tone compared to the standard 440 Hz concert pitch. It is specifically intended for mindful settings and meditation, though it will not align with standard 440 Hz instruments.

How many notes does the Sela Unity Tongue Drum have?

This instrument features an 11-note layout. This provides a wider melodic range than smaller tongue drums typically found in the Sela catalogue.

What materials are used in its construction?

The drum is built from durable steel. It also features a protective edge ring and rubber feet for added stability during play.

What accessories are included with the drum?

The package includes a pair of beech-handled mallets, a padded carrying bag for transport, and a decorative rope edge.

Is this drum suitable for children?

Yes, it is ideal for early music education. The intuitive C Major scale allows for creative play without the need for prior musical knowledge.

Can I play this drum with my hands?

While it includes beech-handled mallets for a clear tone, tongue drums can generally be played with hands for a softer, more muted sound.

What colour is this specific model?

This model features a dark green finish. It is also decorated with a rope edge for a personalised aesthetic.

Is the drum portable?

Yes, it comes with a padded carrying bag designed to protect the steel body and mallets during transit to music sessions.

Does the drum require tuning by the user?

No, the steel tongues are precision-cut and fixed to the C Major scale at 432 Hz. It arrives ready to play.

How does the Sela Unity 13" compare to the Sela Melody 5.5"?

The Unity 13" is significantly larger and offers more notes than the 5.5" Melody model. The Unity is also specifically tuned to 432 Hz for therapeutic use, whereas smaller models are often tuned to standard pitches.

Gear article

Sela Unity Tongue Drum 13" C Major Green

The Sela Unity Tongue Drum 13" C Major is a steel percussion instrument designed for meditation, sound therapy, and early music education. Featuring an 11-note layout tuned to 432 Hz, it provides a resonant, grounding tone suitable for intuitive play and mindful environments.

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Overview and Design

The Sela Unity Tongue Drum is a 13-inch percussion instrument constructed from durable steel. Finished in a distinct dark green colour, the drum features 11 precision-cut tongues that correspond to a natural C Major scale. Its physical design prioritises stability and protection, incorporating integrated rubber feet and a protective edge ring to prevent damage during use. Additionally, the drum includes a decorative rope edge, adding a personalised aesthetic to the instrument's profile.

Tuning and Sonic Character

Unlike standard contemporary instruments tuned to 440 Hz, this model is specifically tuned to 432 Hz. This frequency is often preferred in mindful settings for its perceived softer and more grounding character. The C Major scale layout is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that there are no 'wrong notes' during play. This encourages a flowing, melodic sound that is particularly effective for solo performances or sound therapy sessions, though the 432 Hz tuning means it will not be in pitch with standard 440 Hz orchestral or modern pop instruments.

Applications and Suitability

This tongue drum is highly suited for specific professional and educational contexts:

Meditation and Sound Therapy: The resonant, calm tones and 432 Hz tuning align with therapeutic goals.
Early Music Education: The intuitive layout allows children to explore melody without the barrier of complex music theory.
Solo Performance: Its self-contained scale makes it a complete melodic tool for individual creative play.

The inclusion of beech-handled mallets and a padded carrying bag ensures the instrument is portable and ready for immediate use in various music sessions.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Sela range, the 13" Unity model offers a larger diameter and more notes compared to smaller options like the Sela Melody Tongue Drum 5.5" C5. While it sits within a similar price bracket to entry-level snare drums—such as the Tama Starclassic Performer or the British Drum Co. Maverick—it serves a fundamentally different purpose, focusing on melodic resonance rather than rhythmic backbeats. Compared to general percussion like the Remo Lollipop Frame Drum, the Unity Tongue Drum offers specific harmonic structure and greater sustain.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of the Sela Unity Tongue Drum?: This specific model features a 13-inch diameter, providing a large surface area for the 11-note layout.
What scale is the drum tuned to?: The drum is tuned to a natural C Major scale. This layout is designed to be intuitive, allowing players to create melodies without hitting discordant notes.
What is the significance of the 432 Hz tuning?: The 432 Hz tuning provides a softer, grounding tone compared to the standard 440 Hz concert pitch. It is specifically intended for mindful settings and meditation, though it will not align with standard 440 Hz instruments.
How many notes does the Sela Unity Tongue Drum have?: This instrument features an 11-note layout. This provides a wider melodic range than smaller tongue drums typically found in the Sela catalogue.
What materials are used in its construction?: The drum is built from durable steel. It also features a protective edge ring and rubber feet for added stability during play.
What accessories are included with the drum?: The package includes a pair of beech-handled mallets, a padded carrying bag for transport, and a decorative rope edge.
Is this drum suitable for children?: Yes, it is ideal for early music education. The intuitive C Major scale allows for creative play without the need for prior musical knowledge.
Can I play this drum with my hands?: While it includes beech-handled mallets for a clear tone, tongue drums can generally be played with hands for a softer, more muted sound.
What colour is this specific model?: This model features a dark green finish. It is also decorated with a rope edge for a personalised aesthetic.
Is the drum portable?: Yes, it comes with a padded carrying bag designed to protect the steel body and mallets during transit to music sessions.
Does the drum require tuning by the user?: No, the steel tongues are precision-cut and fixed to the C Major scale at 432 Hz. It arrives ready to play.
How does the Sela Unity 13" compare to the Sela Melody 5.5"?: The Unity 13" is significantly larger and offers more notes than the 5.5" Melody model. The Unity is also specifically tuned to 432 Hz for therapeutic use, whereas smaller models are often tuned to standard pitches.