We introduced the HAPI Drum as a NAMM Gem find earlier this year. The folks at HapiTones have added a new model, the HAPI Slim. As demonstrated below by John Pascuzzi (aka the World’s most mellow drummer), the HAPI Slim is shorter than previous models, while maintaining the same surface area for playing.
The smaller size not only makes it easier to carry, but it allows for new, higher-pitched scales that play together nicely with the larger models. Most Slims are tuned to pentatonic scales, so there are no wrong notes, and they can be played by almost anyone. Starting at $345, these are the most affordable HAPI Drums yet, and a relative bargain compared to most of the competition.
The first batch sold out, but new orders should be shipping soon. Check the Hapi Drum Store for current lead times.
John Pascuzzi (aka the World’s most mellow drummer) let us know about the new Hapi UFO (Unique Frcequency Orb) drums.
While the orignal Hapi has 8 notes from a single pentatonic (5-note) scale, the UFO has 11 notes and allows you to play nine pentatonic scales and one hexatonic (six-note) scale: A integral. The pentatonic scales on the UFO are: C Major, D Minor, D Pygmy, E Minor, F Major, G Major, A Minor, A Akebono, and A Pygmy.
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Although the latest batch is sold out, there will be more available in late April / early May. And unlike the iPad, you can get in line for the UFO from the comfort of your own home. Just head over to hapitones.com to queue up. While you wait, here’s some ensemble music with John on the hang and hapi drum, and Patrick Hadley on the Array Mbira.–
Since our HAPI drums post remains one of the most popular articles on MMT, we decided to search for similar instruments, and quickly found a high-end relative and DIY cousin. At the high end is the HALO from Pantheon Steel.
HALO
New HALOs will be availalble this spring, and there is a waiting list, but you don’t have to go to Switzerland to pick one up. The last batch sold for $1,500 USD each, and that includes free shipping. Speaking of the hang, it’s pretty clear that it was the inspiration for the HALO. From the Pantheon Steel site:
It was inspired by myriad contemporary instruments, notably the steel pans of Trinidad which were Pantheon’s first business, and by a famous evolutionary and revolutionary sound sculpture invented in Switzerland. (While we would prefer to express our gratitude and debt to its creators, they have requested we not mention them or their creation by name, and we defer to that request.)
HANK Drum
If the HALO is out of your price range, how does $27 sound? Well, it sounds like this:
Also inspired by the hang, the hank is made from a propane tank (hang + tank = hank). Designed by Dennis Halvena, instructions for building your own hank drum (and dozens of other handcrafted instruments) are freely available on his amazing site.
Bonus: Zen Tambour
Just as the hang inspired the hank, the hank inspired the Zen Tambour. If cutting up propane tanks is just not your thing, then check out the “Playable Art” created by Spike Finch.
These beauties sell for a relatively reasonable $375 to $425, plus shipping. So let’s review:
Sound: ****
Sight: ***
Price: $1,500 to $10,000, or so expensive that this seller suggests buying one as part of a timeshare. Seriously.
Availability: Described as “virtually unobtainable“, may require a trip to Switzerland.
HALO – Editor’s Choice (high-end)
Sound: ****
Sight: ****
Price: $1,500 or more.
Availability: Waiting list. Price includes shipping, so no plane tickets required.
HANK
Sound: **1/2
Sight: **
Price: $27 plus time and talent
Availability: Get to work!
HAPI
Sound: ***
Sight: ***
Price: $375 to $675
Availability: Good, current wait is listed as around 2 weeks.
Zen Tambour – Editor’s Choice (budget-conscious)
Sound: ***
Sight: ****
Price: $375 to $425
Availability: Site lists current backlog as about 3 weeks.
Since the HAPI drum is the only one I’ve actually held and played, these ratings are based largely on what I have seen and heard on their respective sites. To my ears, the Hang and HALO have a nice, ethereal timbre, while the others sound more percussive and metallic. Taking all factors into consideration, I favor the Zen Tambour for the budget conscious, and HALO for the high-end. Your tastes may vary. Let’s close this out with the beast that started it all…
Some of the best stuff was tucked against the back walls or in the basement of the 2010 NAMM show.
HAPI Drums lined up at the 2010 NAMM show.
HAPI drums are tuned, steel tongue hand drums that are easy to learn and fun to play. Inspired by the hang drum, they are a lot less expensive, and you don’t need to buy a ticket to Sweden to get your hands on one. They make the perfect gift for your favorite sister, brother, or significant other. Check it out below, then head over to hapitones.com to play a virtual HAPI drum and find the one that’s right for you. Peace.
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