| The unique tone of the HAPI drum is created by a tuned vibrating tongue of steel. The concept is similar to a wooden tongue drum. When a tongue is quickly and lightly struck with the finger or mallet it vibrates creating sound waves. By changing the shape and length of the tongue optimal vibration and perfect tone is achieved. By arranging the notes in our unique way each note when struck excites surrounding notes that are musically compatible with it. This adds to the harmonic spectrum of the tone. Rather than just one tone we can now create a spectrum of supporting sound for each note. The tone is similar to singing bowls or musical bells which create multiple harmonic overtones. The body of the drum acts as a resonating chamber adding depth to the note. |
| A minimal amount of force creates a big sound on our drums. We also supply each drum with mallets designed to bring out the pure sound of each note. The arrangement of the notes make going up and down the scale very easy. Also one hand can reach two or three notes simultaneously for chord playing. With the isolating rubber feet located on the bottom of the drum you can set it on any surface to play. |
| We have created unique design parameters that make our HAPI the best possible steel tongue percussion drum. Our Patented (D620,041S) note layout adds harmonic tones to each note when played. This creates a more complex and musical tone to each note. By placing low notes next to the appropriate higher notes we achieve multiple harmonics. Their vibrations create desirable overtones which compliment the timbre of the tone. We use a compact drum body that easily fits in your lap. The head is 12 inches across allowing for easy reach to all of the notes. A true rectangular shape rather than the usual “tongue” shape of a note produces a clearer sound. By using an ideal height to width ratio for different notes we have been able to improve the amplitude of the note and create better balance. Tone accuracy is of the utmost importance. Each note is carefully hand tuned using a strobe tuner for complete control of the tuning process. Special treatments to our steel allow for note stability. This means each HAPI is a durable and reliable instrument. |
| The HAPI drum weighs 12 lbs. and the dimensions are 12" across by 8" high. Each Drum comes with a pair of mallets that are specifically handmade for our drum. It also includes a handbook that outlines playing techniques. The handbook has mallet and hand playing techniques, ideal chords, as well as practice exercises. |
| Hear the different scales of the HAPI Drum. |
