our Tankdrum was born through understanding the acoustics of our medium and deciding which frequency arrangements compliment its base resonance best, our goal being to maximize the constructive interference of the notes to increase volume, sustain, and clarity... each notes individual placement on the tank, and the placement of the notes that surround it are critical to the sounds that come from our Tankdrums… the things we may do differently are, 1. give our tanks an intense heat treatment which tempers the steel allowing rich overtones and harmonious atmosphere- this also helps hold the tuning longer, and allows for a higher tuning... 2. We do not paint the tongues (although we paint the waist of the tank for protection)... 3. we being our scales with an isolated (middle) root note which gives a nice ambient bass and serves as a passive resonator, helping project the sound of the other notes...
How do you play a Tankdrum?
a Tankdrum can be played with hands or soft mallets...i prefer hands because i have more tone control holding the tank and i can dampen (soften or silence) the pads i am not striking, this is key for me to achieve the cleanest tones....i use the inside of my thumbs or the tips of 3-4 fingers to strike the bass pads and i use the tips of my fingers for all the other pads... i can get different tones by touching the tank in different places with one hand, as i strike a pad with the other,which dampens the other notes to various degrees... chords can be played by striking more than one pad at a time... i think a Tankdrum sounds best sitting in a lap, this again adds tone control, it also allows the player to feel the vibes more which usually enhances playing ...when i play my Tankdrum in a loud drum circle i slap it full force with my whole hand just as i would any other hand drum...
When i order a drum how long should i expect to wait?
at this time, you can expect to wait 3-4 weeks for us to complete your Tankdrum order... this changes often due to the amount of orders, and our schedule... our drums are all made as they are ordered and are tested by tankdrummers for quality assurance... some do not resonate as we plan and have to be reworked into a different key, which means if you ordered a D7 and i could not dial it into the correct tuning, or the correct tuning has dead spots, then i may need to start from scratch on a new tank which could prolong the process, but know i will send your Tankdrum ASAP... and if at any point in the process you feel you have been waiting too long you can request a refund and one will be given immediately...
Can you tune my Tankdrum to A=432hz?
yes i can set my tuners to A=432, A=444, or the standard A=440 (or any other custom request).... however i do tune a touch sharp for various good reasons concerning the nature of the idiophone, and the fact that 7-22 notes are all vibrating on one body together competing for sound space, being a touch sharp allows for a little friction... and the tongues are not accurate down to a specific frequency with every strike, it can vary a small degree depending on the velocity and where you strike the tongue...
Do you sell bags or carrying cases for the Tanks?
we no longer have the connection for the carrying bags, sorry...
How do i maintain and preserve my Tankdrum?
i would recommend wiping the drum with a soft rag and a light dab of coconut oil... i keep a rag with some coconut oil already on it in my drum bag and i wipe them off 1-2 times per month... coconut oil will help protect your Tankdrum from harmful oxidization and allow it to age and change color at a pace that does not effect the sound of the drum... we used to paint them to prevent rust and realized that layers of paint changed the pitch over time when exposed to heat so we no longer do this… we also prefer the tone of the raw metal...
Is a Tankdrum and a Handpan, or a Hang, the same thing? no they are two different instruments who are both in the idiophone class of instruments...
Can my Tankdrum ever go out of tune?
yes any steel drum, steel tongue drum, or hand pan can go out of tune... it can happen from extended use or from extreme heat exposure (left in a hot car), or a combination of the two... we have made many Tankdrums and have had a few reports of tongues going out of tune and have also witnessed it on a personal drum... if your Tankdrum ever were to go out of tune, which it could, and you do not want to tune it yourself, then contact me, send it in, and i will tune it for no cost if you will pay all shipping fees...
Can i paint my Tankdrum?
yes you can paint your Tankdrum... we do paint the waist (not the playing surface) as an added protection measure against the elements and oxidization over time, but the only reason i paint an entire Tankdrum is for tone... sometimes i will paint an 11 note drum to tame the tone, because when many notes are close together, as with the 11 note, it can be beneficial to add some layers of paint to dampen the space between notes, giving them each more clarity....if you do decide to paint your drum it is crucial that you tape off the pads completely so that no paint gets on them, this will affect the tone and pitch of the tongue.... paint should not even get on the edge of a tongue....and know that the more paint you add, the more it deadens the reverb-ish high pitched overtones of the raw steel that characterize the way our drums sound... with this all said, we will paint an entire drum around the tongues, most any color, if you request, and we charge 100$..
Can you make a drum with all 12 notes on it?
i do not put all 12 standard western notes together on one drum because it muddies the resonance ... even when separated into different scales onto the top and bottom of the tank... due to the nature of the instrument (all the tongues are connected) when one tongue is vibrating they all vibrate together a small degree, especially those closest to the tongue being played on...this why pentatonic scales and the layout of the drum is crucial for constructive resonance...
What if i get my Tankdrum and do not like it, can i return it?
if you are unhappy with your drum please return it within 3-4 weeks of receiving it and i will refund you for the cost of the drum, not for shipping...please look carefully at the drums on this site, also watch and listen to the videos demonstrating your drum of choice carefully so that you will know what you are getting when you buy it...when watching us remember we have been playing on Tankdrums for years, it takes most people significant practice to develop the touch needed to bring a Tankdrum to life and enjoy the potential ...
Do you offer discounts for multiple purchases?
yes, if you buy more than one drum you get a 10% discount ...
Do you make custom Tankdrums?
for a custom Tankdrum please fill out our custom Tankdrum form or email me with your ideas and i will contact you shortly after and tell you what i can do for you...custom orders may take a little longer to complete and may cost a little more, but not always...
How much do you charge for shipping?
to keep shipping and handling simple i charge a flat rate of 35$ inside the U.S. (AK, HI) ...
most anywhere else in the world it is a flat rate of 85$....
Why is it on you refer to it as a tank drum and a Tankdrum?
we named our version of this new 'steel tongue drum made from propane tanks' a Tankdrum, so when i am referring to our instrument specifically i say Tankdrum, as a name, and in general you can refer to the instrument as a tank drum, but they are more commonly known as a hank drum or a steel tongue drum...
RECENT TESTIMONIALS...
Hey, I received my Tankdrum yesterday, Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome instrument. Your YouTube videos do not do it justice, I was amazed at how crisp and clean it sounded and it definitely exceeded my expectations. I will definitely be ordering another drum in the future. Thanks once again
-Thomas
Hi Chase, I got my drum and really like it! It is easier to play than a pan drum, being a little smaller and the areas that resonate are a little larger. I like the tone quality both with hands and my timpani sticks. The tone quality is accurate, and six of the eight notes on my hang are complementary with this drum.
-Musical Lynda
IT CAME! i was going to email you sooner, but i've been so busy with playing it and going to school. chase, this thing is a beauty, its incredible. The thing is overwhelming, i've fallen in love with it and it was well worth the wait. GOOD JOB. There is no doubt in my mind you're the best at what you do.
-anonymous Tankdrummer
Hey man, My name is Nate, I just got your A 7 tank drum in the mail and this thing is amazing. I am a drummer, I mostly just play set but I have dabbled in other percussion like bells and marimbas, but I was never very good. This new instrument really opens some doors and the portability of it is also extremely accommodating. I will probably be ordering another one very soon!
-Nate.
i want to tell you again how amazing this thing is and how much joy it has brought me. it's by far my favorite instrument. i have a connection with it more than anything else that i play. it was definitely meant to be that i would go to the G funk talent show and hear that thing being played on the way back by some kids that were watching your campsite. I can't thank you enough.
-Jake Hopes
today I've got my Tank Drum! Thank you o much, it's amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's realy change the space outside and inside mood! Just I've started to play in my hostel and people started to come like Drum is a magnet.
-shakti spring
Our two DMC drums arrived on Wednesday and Thursday, and we could not be happier. The high pitched and lower pitched combination in E is a great combination. The harmonics are good on both drums and the tones are awesome. There are so many playing surfaces on one drum... not just on the tongues, but you can play all around them with good results. The precision tuning means that you can play any combination and it sounds perfect. These are excellent instruments.
-Anne Muse, Manchester, England
Hello! This is the letter of gratitude!)
Around 1,5 years have passed since I have my Tankdrum and since that time so many good and positive emotions have passed through this instrument, so many people felt happiness playing or listening to it, so I would like to say great THANK YOU ! =) Hope everything goes good and your instruments keep pleasing people!
I usually don't do videos, but recently I have made one, so I decided to write you a letter of gratitude and to apply a short video I wanted to share..=)
Best wishes! Thanks for what you are doing!
-LeCheR
The drum arrived today. My son's words: "Thank you for handcrafting the drum and making it look so beautiful. I could stare at it for hours. Thank you for making the drum sound so good and beautiful, I love it." And thank you for being so nice to us." The sound is everything we expected and then some. He is already creating beautiful music that fills our home with joy. Thank you so much, from my family.
-Christopher
hey chase, i wanted to let you know that the C#22 got here just fine. i saw that you got a rune on the center petal of the back side after all. all the runes look great, you did a super job. thanks for getting all the runes on the drum. it really looks wonderful. the sound is very different from that of the D#7, but i'm learning how to make the C# sing too. oh yea, dig this, it arrived at 11:11 this morning, talk about synchronicity. there must really be something going on with your drums. i am very happy with my Tankdrums. thank you again chase.
-Lowell
Well worth the wait. The video does not do it any justice. It has such a warm tone. Thank you so much.
-Randy Bernhardt
Just wanted to say my two tanks has arrived safely. They find their way into my hands all the time and call upon fingers with wanderlust to make play of what music now can be. All hail to your magic craftsmanship and truly evocative inventions in sound - This is indeed the instrument that would turn my daydreams into soundtracks. Salutations from the happy tank topper.
-Theo
Got the drum today and haven't been able to keep my hands of it since! It gives me a smile every time i strike a note, knowing it spent it's previous life as a propane gas tank and is now a beautiful instrument. Thanks again Chase for all your support in getting the drum over to me, you clearly care about your customers so you can expect to hear from me again in the future!
-Phil
i just wanted to say i just received my drum today and it is amazing!!!! thank you so much! i could play it all day i don't even want to put it down to go to work.
-Paul Worman
I just purchased an A7 tankdrum from you, many thanks. I already have a C7 (bought last year) and have been keen to get an A7 for some time now as I love the one I have. This morning I came across your video of the A7 and C7 played together and this convinced me I had to get one. In my work as a musician and early years artist I often use the Tankdrum in music sessions with young children and find it is a very popular instrument, both for the mellow soothing tones it produces and its look and feel. I am very much looking forward to receiving my new drum, and looking forward to playing the two drums together.
-Nik
How can I thank you for such a beautiful instrument? As soon as I saw the box (much earlier than I had expected, Thank you,) I felt my heart jump with a joy, I used to feel as a child on a Christmas morning. As soon as I took it out of the box, we began to make friends. I found the Tankdrum very organic to play. It is like a well made wind chime; there is no wrong way to play it as long as spirit is guiding the music. Its sound is perfectly angelic & meditative. I am so happy with its resonant rich tones, its otherworldly beauty and simplicity.
Thank you so much for this beautiful gift that you & your family share with the world; to make an instrument that is so unique, well crafted & made with visible reverence for its appearance & its music. I am sure that my Tankdrum & I will have a long & happy life together, making music that soothes the souls of all who hear it & feel its vibration. At some point, I will want a Tankdrum with more notes. I look forward to making that transaction within this year. Again, Thank you.
-Luz
The drum is an absolute blast, I bought it for a gift for my father and law and almost didn't give it up haha the sound is perfect and soothing both my little girls loved the serenity that your drums create!! Thanks again and I will be ordering from you again.
-James
My husband cannot put his new tankdrum down and we dont' mind one bit ! We are all thinkin this thing must have come from outer space ! WOW what a magical sound, thank you for sharing with us ! many blessings,
-Naomi
Conrad loves his Tankdrum, the sound is beautiful and he plays it all the time. Much easier on my ears than his traditional drum set sound.
Beautiful craftsmanship, we will recommend you to our friends. Thank you!
-Dorothy Barone
I have been turning people on to the tank drum and its unique sound and power to calm and stabilize any situation. I love my drum, and it has been traveling with me all over the southwest and the islands. The sound of the drum never fails to draw people to it. I love telling people about the drums and the tank drum site, and this cool guy in Colorado who makes them. I hope sales are going well for you because these drums have unique personalities, souls that other drums of this type seem to lack. I want to let you know just how special your work is, and how it is transforming my world for the better. Your drums are a powerful force for peace on the planet. Thats a cool idea using the coconut oil, i've been doing something similar with my drums. I feel privileged to own one of only four drums of my kind. Are you still making them? if so I would be interested in ordering another 11:11 drum from you. I love mine and playing it puts me in a meditative space, however my nephew also has grown to love my drum and longs to play with me. I want to get him one of his own. I am moving to Hawaii on the big island of hawaii. We are starting a sacred space for people to commune with the native plants of the islands in many different ways. I dream of hearing our drums in the forest as we work to restore it. Please let me know about the possibility of acquiring another 11:11 such as price and manufacturing time. Thanks for making this particular dream at least possible.
-Kelly
Just wanted to send a quick message to say thank you for the speedy shipment and amazing quality and craftmanship! I was surprised to get it so soon, and spent all weekend playing it til my hands are sore :) Ill definitely be in touch soon enough to get another maybe some complimentary tones. Unbelievable sounds come from this thing! I love the sound :)
- brainphreak
A wickedly cool tool for beats, and it looks like an alien artifact. Awesome.
-irsudog
First off, thank you for making such a wonderful tankdrum. This instrument is the greatest thing that has happened to music in a loooong time, I feel lucky to have obtained one. I have been waiting for this inspiration and it has finally arrived. I will send you some music when I learn the instrument. Gratitude,
-Zian
It has finally arrived. The customs hold it back for 5!!! days. Thank you very much for this beautiful instrument! It is even better than expected. Also the alchemical symbols are exactly what i wanted. Keep up the excellent work!!! You guys definitely know how to craft a tankdrum! Kind regards to all of you !!!
-David
Thank you so much for this wonderful drum!! It came on the Solstice (on schedule). I was happily surprised at how easy it is to play...I played it to the setting sun here on the west coast. I’m sure the sun and the bay and the creation around was happy to hear such lovely sounds. It truly is soothing. It’s my new meditation. It pleases my soul. Thanks.
-Susanna
Hi. I just wanted to let you know that it is the single most beautiful instrument I have ever played. I have a couple of friends that are saving up to get one. I took it on a plane and was asked to play it and they where memorized. I am planning on buying more latter on. Thanks a million.
-Nick
Hi, I just received my Tankdrum. I love it!! Thank you so much. It sounds so Beautiful! And it weighs less than I thought it would. I am listening to your cd right now. It is so calming, I just can’t tell you how happy I am. Thank you so much.
-Shirley
I just got my Tankdrum. I instantly became in love with it when I opened the box. Thank you so much. Ive been playing it for hours.its the coolest instrument I've ever played.
-kyle
I got my Tankdrum you have made for me... I'm the happiest women all around Switzerland!!! I really love it! My 4 little children love it to... they want me to play it before they go to bed.... Thank you very much for your work and help and trust! And finally I had contact to Shana... (thanks for helping). She's making me a bag and I'm gonna get it soon... Thank you!
-Chantal from Switzerland
Well, I've got it. It is just perfect. Amazing sound, I love the symbols.
I would like to thank you and everyone who worked on it. You did an awesome job. Definitely will be buying the A#10 high in January. Do you already have a price for it?
-David Smit
Everyone has been mesmerized with this instrument so far its really wild. I had no idea what i was in for. Nice job, I want another soon.
-Serg
Dude...for real? This drum rules! I'm thinking one just isn't enough and it just got here an hour ago. Far far out man. Thanks again,
-Kilian
It's great. My son is very pleased and can't stop playing. Thanks very much. We'll recommend you to others........
-Doug Berry
I GOT IT! Beautifully crafted,great sound & tone! It's exotic, & hypnotic & well worth the wait. Thanks man! I'll be back.
-Raymond King
Just to let you know that my Tank Drum arrived today safely. I am amazed and I cannot stop playing it! It has such an original and mysterious sound and I can't wait to incorporate it into my music. Thank you so much for making such a wonderful instrument. All the best,
-Greig
I got my drum yesterday and am super pleased with my purchase. Sounds great! My wife even did pretty well on the first time out! Thanks for creating my leisure activity.
-Rick
Received the tank. I'm really impressed by the sound of it. It is so clear and resonant, almost bell like. Thanks again for choosing/making one for me.
-keith Allen
thank you very much! The tank drum arrived safely on Monday at our house. Perfect, as I gave it as a birthday present to my wife yesterday. And yes, it really sounds like the A7 tank drum we had seen in your websites video. As novice tank drummers my wife - and sometimes she lets me play it too ;) – have big fun exploring its sound and learning to play it. Thank you again, you have done a great job.
-Martin
Just a quick email to let you know that Drum arrived safe and sound!! My brother absolutely loves it!!! Never having played one before he has picked it up instantly!! (smart @ss) Thanks very much.
-SAM
Tankdrum has arrived Germany. We are very enthusiastic, this is bulls eye and we cannot stop praising the artist.
- Hans-Georg und Inge Blank
I am in love with this drum. I love the journeys I can enjoy with this magical tool. Sacred sounds...
-Rainbow Sister
I finally got my new Tankdrum... IT IS AMAZING!!! even better than I hoped. it sound great. Good job, thank you,
-Ronen
MUCH better than a tank drum I'd purchased elsewhere - double sided is a huge + too
-Jaesa Bol
Chase, I received your tankdrum. It is a wonderful instrument which I can play infinitely. The sound is really beautiful, thank you for making such a brilliant tank drum. All the best,
-Egor
Sorry this email is a little late, I just want to thank you for the tank drum. My son loves it, we couldn't be more pleased!! I love listening to it! Thanks for sending it on the time schedule you said we really appreciate it!!
-Julie
The drum is more than I expected, I like it better than any other I've heard online, it was well worth the wait. Your team did a fantastic job. We will be ordering a second drum very soon. Thank you for the great service.
-Kelly
Thank you so much for this beautiful drum!! I can't stop playing it! The sound is gorgeous! I am in love with it! Thanks again!
-Linds
I received my Tankdrum today, and it is everything I hoped it would be: a beautiful work of art and a fine musical instrument with a lovely haunting tone. Magical indeed. Thank You!
-Paula Morgan
Hello, My name is Gard Maråk and is 12 years old and lives in Norway. Last year I bought the tank drum D7, and are very happy with it. I've played a
few concerts, and on the street and has received good response. Many people wonder what I play, and I explained as best I can.
-Gard Maråk :)
Chase, that tank drum is lush! I am a very pleased customer!!!!!! sounds fantastic! Keep up the good work!
-Ralph
hi!! Thank you soo much for my beautiful tankdrum!! the sound is amazing,you have done really well with the symbols..pleasure doing business with you..
-Steve
Amazing Instrument! My advice: stop thinking about getting one and just get one!
-Brent
Fantastic Drum - Well worth the wait! Sounds Magic - Loving the vibe of this!
-Waymona
Tankdrums are whats UP. WORD. Tanks for making mine so DOPE.
-Louii
By FAR the best steel tongue drum on the internet! great work!
-J. Kelly
I finally recieved my tank drum yesterday after customs delayed it by ten days. Well worth the wait. Excellent drum. Happily getting sore fingers and thumbs playing it now. Brilliant.
-Simon
Hello Chase, i just recieve my tankdrum today in switzerland, nice work, i love the touch feeling when i play and the sound is amazing, i take the drum this week end on the mountain to play with this incredible instrument ! i am very happy, all the best for you and your familly
-Alexander
Good afternoon, I have just received the instrument and want to congratulate him for tankdrum. The sound of it is wonderful and I am very pleased with the acquisition. I plan to purchase more of this instrument at another appropriate time.
-Leandro Sbeguen
Hi Chase, Got the drum today, it is BEAUTIFUL, sound is spectacular. Thank you thank you thank you.
-Diana
It got here yesterday and I love it! It sounds great! Thanks for your talents building these magical drums!
-Lori Salisbury
Hey Chase, the Tankdrum arrived some time ago and I forgot to tell you. it´s awesome, the sound is beatifull and also the instrument! Thanks alot mate ^^ Hugs,
-Egon