What is the difference between a RAV vast drum vs. handpan drum vs. steel tongue drum? If this question confuses you, our guide will get you covered!
#1. RAV Vast Drum vs. Handpan Drum vs. Steel Tongue Drum: Comparison Table
RAV vast, handpan, and steel tongue drums produce pleasant sounds, making them suitable for meditation and yoga.
However, you may detect differences once you closely listen to the sound.
This comparison chart will help picture how the drums are different from each other. Check it out right now!
| Criteria |
RAV Vast Drum |
Handpan Drum |
Steel Tongue Drum |
| Features |
|
|
|
| Designed for |
|
|
|
| Pros |
|
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
|
| Sound |
|
|
|
| Shape |
|
|
|
| Size |
|
|
|
| Design |
|
|
|
| Price |
|
|
|
#2. What Is The Difference Between RAV Vast Drum vs. Handpan Drum vs. Steel Tongue Drum?
We have split the three drums into different factors. Let’s check them one by one to determine the most suitable option.
Sound
There are several things to consider when examining the sound, such as:
- Overtones
Overtones are added tones created by the membrane that follows the core sound. Unbalanced overtones cause dissonance in the drum’s overall sound, whereas the balanced ones make the sound richer.
Ordinary steel drums have up to four overtones per tongue or membrane. On the other hand, RAV tongues may produce up to seven overtones.
If you use particular playing styles on the tongues, such as flageolets, you can also stimulate each of the overtones individually.
This feature gives the impression that the RAV is creating a wall of sound surrounding you, and you can’t find this effect in other steel drums.
On the other hand, the overtones produced by a handpan and steel tongue drum are equal.
Yet, the handpan is still a better choice because it has no unbalanced overtones.
- Sustain
Sustain refers to how long the drum sound can last before it goes silent. The longer the sustain, the better.
RAV drums are unique in that they have an extremely long sustain; no other drum can produce a sound as deep and immersive.
The second-longest sustain is the steel tongue drum, which may last from 6 to 12 seconds. And the shortest sustain goes for the handpan.
This video will show you how beautiful and rich the sound of a RAV vast drum is:
Shape
You can quickly distinguish a steel tongue drum from the other two drums. It has a sphere-like shape, while the RAV and handpan drum look like an ellipse.
Size
RAV and handpan drums have similar shapes and come in relatively equal sizes.
Their stands are also tall. On the contrary, the steel tongue drum is much smaller, shorter, and more lightweight.
Design
Notes and scales illustrate how wide the sound range each drum offers.
In this case, the handpan surpasses the other drums as the manufacturers allow them to handle up to 24 notes and unlimited scales.
Price
You will never see “handpan drum” and “cheap” in one sentence because these are experience items. They may cost $2,000 or more, depending on the brand.
The other two drums should be your consideration if you look for cost-effective options. Besides, since there are many steel tongue drums, you can choose the one that best fits your budget.
#3. RAV Vast Drum vs. Handpan Drum vs. Steel Tongue Drum: Which One Should You Go For?
So now you’ve known all the differences between the three drums.
What should you choose?
- For overstones and sustain: The RAV vast drum is the best choice in overtones and sustain time. Hence, it’s excellent at delivering deep sound and enhancing the vibrating effect.
- For scales and notes: The handpan offers the widest note and scale ranges, making it suitable for numerous genres.
- For multiple options: A steel tongue drum is available in various styles, designs, and prices. Feel free to opt for the best one among them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below here are common questions and answers related to the Rav Vast Drum Vs Handpan Drum Vs Steel Tongue Drum
1. What is the difference between a hang drum and a handpan?
There is no difference between the two drums. They are just different names referring to the same instrument that we commonly call “handpan.”
2. What is a RAV Vast drum?
The RAV vast drum is the instrument that combines the principles of tongue drums and handpans. The ethereal sound created by perfectly shaped steel tongues vibrating in sync. Such vibration is ideal for meditation, relaxation, and other mystical audio experiences.
3. What is a handpan drum/hang drum?
A handpan, or a hang drum, is a convex steel drum set to several notes and beaten with the hands. Each pan has been tuned to a specific scale, such as harmonic minor, natural minor, Hijaz, or Mixolydian.
4. What is a steel tongue drum?
A steel tongue drum, also known as a hank drum or a tank drum, features a round steel tongue drum made from a propane cylinder. Its sound comes from the slits at the steel case’s top.
