Steel Tongue Drum - HOPWELL 12 Inches 13 Notes - Percussion Instruments - Hand Pan Drum with Music Book, Drum Mallets and Carry Bag, C Major Black

Lightening fast shipping. I ordered it yesterday, it was here this morning - and I live in a rural area!So kudos there!FIRST: I play many folk instruments, including the Hammered Dulcimer, so I am used to hitting things and also the eccentricities of folk instruments. Musical instruments are like people, each one is a little different, with their talents and weirdness. The Hopwell Tongue Drum is no exception. Just like MOST instruments.I got the 12-14 inch size and it came with it's own gig bag which I was not expecting.It also came with two sets of mallets, one that produces a better sound when using the higher note (small) tongues, and a little larger set that works best for the lower note (larger) tongues.I plan to practice playing the higher notes with the smaller mallet in my right hand and then play the lower notes (larger tongues) with my left hand. Or just use the smaller mallets for all. Apparently the larger mallets make it more difficult to produce a sweet tone on the small tongues, but ANYWAY...Over all I like the tone quality, although there is one tongue that tends to offer up a more "clunky" sound, but I think I just have to pay attention to what part of the tongue I'm striking. This seems t be particularly true for the higher notes (smaller tongues).As far as the instruction booklet, I didn't find much data on "striking techniques", but just like other folk instruments you kinda have to "cowboy" your way through it, and figure it out for yourself. You aren't going to get the equivalent of a flute lesson here.The beauty of "learning" to play the tongue drum is that it is very hard to hit a "wrong" note if you are just sitting in your garden, listening to the wind or rain and playing in contemplative mood. In my opinion this is what makes such an instrument perfect for beginners.If I had a criticism I would say that the textile band around the rim seems a little bit too loose and slides off more easily that I would like. Also, the little finger mallets that you can wear on your hand did not produce nice sounds. Perhaps that is ineptitude on my part, however they did produce nice tones on the small tongues but not on the large ones. Practice will answer this question in the long run, after all, I've only had this thing an hour. And I am already addicted to it!Other than that I am pleasantly surprised and deem the $69 well spent. I am glad I read the reviews and opted for the little bit larger size. I am taking mine camping this weekend on it's maiden voyage.

I didn't like the stick on numbers-Painted on would be nicer or the string cover it's irritating-The sound is nice. It takes some practice with the drum sticks to hit some notes correctly. The finger things do not work for me at all. Sounds a lot like nice wind chimes. I bought to to play arround with as a non musical person just enjoy the sound and stress relief. Tried some much more expensive ones and for me this is just fine.

Great sound effects for EDM and great to set the stage for spiritual practice. The sticks are cheap - but I'm a percussionist, so I need to just deal with it and use my other mallets. Two notes were a bit 'off' - either the way it was manufactured (quality control issue?) or shaken up through shipping - the tongues seemed a little bent. This produced a thud more than a chime on the two notes. Just be aware of that. Great for the price point though - overall pleased with purchase!

This drum has a wonderful sound and is so easy to play a soothing piece right away. Good quality and everything is included.

Beautiful sound!! Easy to use, comes with some songs a carry bag, mallets just a lovely addition to music in our house!!! I would buy this over and over, the kids love it!!! Priceless memories, so worth it!!! Easter gift for my 11&6 year old boys, they played and taught each other! Might buy another in the future so they can play in unison, won’t hesitate.

Wonderful drum. I gave it as a birthday gift to my friend who practices meditation. She was so happy, and her kids were even more excited! It plays beautiful notes, very well made. Easy to learn, comes with a notes book.Place this beautiful drum in a living room, and watch everyone play and meditate for hours!

Exactly as shown

The person I got it for loves it And said they always wanted one...and I didn't know it. , so that's always a plus