SWD Sound Watching Drum Tongue Drum 18" 9 Notes - E Ionian 3

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

The SWDrum (Sound Watching Drum) belongs to the family of tongue drums, also known as "hank drum" or "tank drum." Here, the positioning is clearly oriented towards artisan luthiery : each instrument is crafted near Naples and undergoes manual hammering and tuning work aimed at note-by-note accuracy and generous resonance. This approach emphasizes musicality, touch sensitivity, and tuning consistency rather than standardized production.

Who Is This Drum/Tongue Drum For?

This tongue drum is suitable for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced musicians seeking an intuitive melodic instrument. Thanks to its Ionian mode tuning, it is particularly well-suited for meditative atmospheres, relaxation music, sound baths, and music therapy applications. Percussionists will also appreciate its easy integration into acoustic contexts (world, ambient, cinematic) where note clarity and sound sustain are essential.

Features and Innovations

The SWDrum is made from a high-quality stainless steel sheet, then gradually formed and tuned to achieve maximum resonance and stable intonation. The tongues are laser-cut to ensure precise geometry, and each surface is hand-hammered : this artisanal work refines the response, balances the notes, and optimizes the playing feel. Ergonomically, the instrument can be played resting on the thighs or on a padded stand, and accepts both hand playing and the use of soft rubber mallets for a rounder sound and more consistent attack.

Sound

Stainless steel is appreciated on tongue drums for its projection and note sustain : it generally produces a clear sound, a distinct attack, and prolonged sustain, ideal for slow phrasing, pads, and repetitive patterns. The gradual forming and meticulous tuning aim for a rich resonance while maintaining good pitch definition, so each note remains musically usable even with soft playing.

Hand hammering adds a more organic signature: it can enrich the harmonic texture, smooth certain roughness, and contribute to a "breathing" sensation of the sound, particularly pleasant for relaxation. Played with hands, the SWDrum favors subtle and nuanced dynamics; with soft rubber mallets, the attack becomes easier to even out and the note can gain regularity, which is well suited for sound therapy practices and guided sessions.

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	E Ionian 3	Sound finishing	each surface hand-hammered
Number of notes	9	Playing modes	with hands or soft rubber mallets
Notes	E G A B C D E G A	Playing position	on thighs or on a padded stand
Notes (equivalents)	Mi Sol La Si Do Re Mi Sol La	Applications	relaxation music, music therapy
Manufacture	designed, hammered, and tuned by hand near Naples (Italy)	Height	18 cm
Artisan	Massimo Tirino	Weight	4.5 kg
Cutting	laser-cut tongues	Important	la garantie ne couvre pas le désaccordage de l'instrument