SWD Sound Watching Drum Tongue Drum 18" 9 Notes - E Ionian 2

Historical context and positioning in the range

The SWD (Sound Watching Drum) belongs to the large family of melodic percussion instruments of the tongue drum type (also called hank drum or tank drum ). Here, the approach is clearly that of a boutique instrument: instead of standardized production, each SWDrum is crafted and tuned with attention to resonance, tuning stability, and balance between notes. The positioning is therefore that of an expressive instrument, designed for musical practice as well as sound accompaniment (relaxation, wellness sessions, bodywork).

Who is this drum/tongue drum for?

This tongue drum suits beginners, intermediate, and advanced musicians alike. Beginners will appreciate its intuitive handling (finger playing, simple patterns, dynamic exploration), while more advanced players will exploit the nuance, tuning consistency, and rich sustain for ostinatos, rhythmic layering, or more orchestral playing.

It is particularly comfortable in ambient, relaxation, meditative music, world, and cinematic aesthetics. Widely used in music therapy, it quickly creates an enveloping sound atmosphere conducive to listening and breathing, while remaining a true melodic percussion instrument.

Features and innovations

The SWDrum is made from a high-quality stainless steel sheet, then progressively shaped and tuned. This shaping and tuning method aims for a clear goal: achieving maximum resonance while maintaining reliable tuning on each note. The tongues are laser-cut for precise geometry, then the instrument undergoes hand hammering on each surface, a decisive step for response, projection, and sonic character.

Regarding playability, the instrument is designed to be placed on the thighs (a very natural position) or on a padded stand to allow the body to vibrate freely. It can be played with hands for an organic touch, or with soft rubber mallets for a rounder attack and more consistent volume, depending on the context (solo, accompaniment, group session).

Sound

Stainless steel provides a sound signature that is both clear and enveloping: a defined attack, a sensation of well-defined notes, and especially a generous sustain that allows harmonics to settle. This material favors stable projection and controlled brightness, ideal for airy textures, soft drones, and repetitive patterns that need to "float" in space.

Thanks to the tuning work and manual hammering, the SWD seeks a balance between resonance and tuning accuracy : notes remain musical even when played softly and maintain coherence when chaining patterns. When played by hand, it offers very expressive dynamics (from whisper to more present sound). With soft mallets, the instrument gains homogeneity and roundness, particularly appreciated for relaxation, music therapy, and accompaniment.

Technical specifications

Number of blades	9	Depth	18 "
Instrument size	Large	Frequencies	440 Hz
Category	handheld	Color	Brown
Type	tongue drums	Finishing	Aged
Material	steel	Diameter	47 cm

Model	Sound Watching Drum (SWD) / SWDrum	Finish	each surface hand-hammered
Family	tongue drum (hank drum, tank drum)	Tuning	progressively shaped and tuned to maximize resonance and tuning accuracy
Scale	E Ionian 2	Playing modes	with hands or soft rubber mallets
Number of notes	9	Position	on the thighs or on a padded stand
Notes	E A B C D E G A B	Uses	relaxation, meditative music, music therapy
Place of manufacture	near Naples (Italy)	Height	18 cm
Artisan	Massimo Tirino	Weight	4.5 kg
Cutting	tongues laser-cut	Important	la garantie ne couvre pas le désaccordage de l'instrument