A dense, lively pattern covers this 13 cm steel tongue drum. Red, blue, yellow and pink circles, tiny flowers and tendrils sit on a dark background, the circles drawn in the manner of mandalas. The tongues are cut into the metal and each one has its own note. It weighs about 0.67 kg and was made in India.
Bright circles on a dark ground
Look closely and there is always more: circles within circles, dots and rays. The dark background makes the colours look brighter than they would on a pale drum. For someone who loves cheerful, colourful things, this is the pattern to pick as a present.
If you have never played an instrument
Start with a single tongue. Strike its end briefly and listen to how long it rings. Then try the one next to it, then the two in turn. Within a few minutes you will find which notes sound good one after another.
With your fingers, the cleanest note comes from a quick flick of the fingertip, as if you were touching a hot plate. A rubber-tipped mallet gives a stronger sound. Strike near the tip of a tongue for a clear note; near its base the sound is duller.
Cleaning and storage
A soft, dry cloth is all the painted surface needs. Don't hit it with anything hard or metal, as the paint could chip. Keep it dry, because steel can rust in damp conditions.
Roughly the size of a saucer, it fits on a small table or in a child's room, and it is light enough to slip into a larger bag for a weekend away.