Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. A well-tuned steel tongue drum allows you to explore rhythms and melodies without knowing music theory or reading sheet music. The notes within each scale are selected to work together, making it easier to create musical patterns intuitively.

At Burning27, we focus on intuitive note layouts, accurate tuning and instruments that feel approachable from the first session, yet offer plenty of room to grow as your playing develops.

For example, the Spark V2 is especially well-suited for beginners, as it features a full 9+1 note layout in a compact body.

Read our complete beginner's guide

It depends on the sound you enjoy and where you plan to play. For most first-time players, a compact or medium-sized tongue drum is usually the easiest place to start.

Compact drums are easier to carry, store and play comfortably on your lap. Larger instruments can be valuable when their extra space is used for lower notes or more complex resonance. But a larger size does not automatically mean deeper or better sound.

Our compact model Spark V2 (12-inch / 30 cm) is a good example of how a smaller instrument can still produce a rich, full sound.

Start by listening rather than searching for the technically "best" scale. Each tuning has its own musical character.

Major scales often feel bright and uplifting, Celtic and Kurd tunings tend to sound calm and flowing, while Pygmy scales can feel more atmospheric and rhythmic. These descriptions are subjective and your personal response matters most.

We provide real sound recordings for each tuning so you can compare them and choose the sound that naturally draws you in.

Explore Spark tunings

These frequencies refer to the pitch reference used when tuning an instrument. They affect the overall pitch, while the musical scale determines the relationship between its notes.

Our standard tuning uses A4 = 440 Hz, making it the most practical choice for playing alongside other commonly tuned instruments.

We also offer A4 = 432 Hz instruments, available made to order. This reference produces a slightly lower overall pitch compared to 440 Hz.

We've also created custom instruments using A4 = 528 Hz, which produces a considerably higher pitch. Since the term "528 Hz tuning" can refer to different tuning approaches, we always clarify the exact reference before making a custom instrument.

None of these pitches is inherently better. Crucially, no single frequency will improve the drum's sound on its own.

The right choice depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your instrument.

Explore our full 440 vs 432 Hz Article

Our finishes let you choose the visual character of your instrument independently of its musical tuning, from expressive artistic patterns and vibrant colors to clean, understated designs.

• Art Finishes -- Golden Amber, Ocean Steel, Rainbow Glow, and Silver Flame feature the natural colors of heat-treated steel. Each surface is individually finished, creating unique patterns and subtle variations in shades.
• Studio Finish -- Stardust Black features a smooth powder-coated surface with a clean, minimalist appearance.

The finish is primarily an aesthetic choice. We recommend choosing the sound that speaks to you first, then selecting the finish that best reflects your personal style.

Spark and Ember represent two different size classes of Burning27 steel tongue drums.

Spark V2 is our compact 12-inch (30 cm) instrument, featuring a complete 9+1 note layout with a central bass note. It's designed to balance expressive sound with everyday portability.

Ember is our larger 16-inch (40 cm) series. An updated version is currently in development, with its final note layout and other specifications still being refined.

We'll share more details on the website as soon as the new Ember is ready to introduce.

Both are great ways to play and neither is more "authentic" than the other.

Mallets produce a clear, consistent attack and make it easier to bring out each note, especially when you're starting. Playing with your hands offers a more direct, tactile connection to the instrument, but developing a clean and controlled strike takes some practice.

Many players enjoy switching between the two depending on the melody and mood. We include a pair of mallets with our instruments, so you can explore both techniques from day one.

The Ding is a central bass note that provides a deeper tonal foundation for the instrument.

On our Spark V2, it's individually tuned and surrounded by nine melodic notes, creating a complete 9+1 layout.

Unlike the surrounding melodic notes, the Ding gives you a low, resonant tone to return to. You can use it to establish a rhythm, separate musical phrases or add contrast and depth to your melodies.

It's one of the features that makes the playing experience more expressive, even on a compact instrument.

For Burning27 drums of the same model and tuning, the different finishes are primarily visual choices, not separate sound versions.

The instrument's construction and tuning are far more important to its musical character than its color. The same tuning maintains its intended musical character across different finishes.

Choose the scale for the sound you love and the finish for the look that feels right to you.

Both are melodic steel percussion instruments, each with its own sound, but they differ in construction, durability, playing experience and price.

A steel tongue drum produces sound through precisely cut and tuned metal tongues, while a handpan uses shaped tone fields in a resonant thin steel shell, creating rich overtones.

Handpans require more careful handling because their tuning can be sensitive to strong impacts, excessive playing force and extreme temperature exposure. In some cases, restoring the original tuning requires a skilled specialist.

Steel tongue drums generally have more durable shells. They're more forgiving in everyday use, easier to travel with and considerably more affordable. They can also be played with both hands and mallets.

At Burning27, we focus on steel tongue drums for a reason. We believe a musical instrument should combine beautiful, expressive sound with durability and everyday practicality -- something you can take with you, play freely and enjoy for years without constantly worrying about damaging it.

For us, a well-crafted steel tongue drum offers exactly that balance.

Yes! Every Burning27 steel tongue drum is handcrafted in our workshop in Ukraine.

We've been developing and refining our instruments since 2016, combining traditional metalworking with an individual approach to sound. Each drum goes through shaping, finishing, tuning and careful inspection before leaving our workshop.

For us, handmade isn't simply about appearance. It's about having the time and freedom to work with every instrument individually, paying attention to details that mass production often overlooks.

Get to know our workshop

Every tongue is individually tuned to its intended musical note, but getting the pitch right is only part of the process.

We tune and recheck the notes through multiple stages, using both precise measuring tools and our ears. We listen for clarity, balanced resonance and how naturally the notes blend together across the entire scale.

We believe accurate tuning is what truly gives an instrument its voice. A beautiful finish may catch your eye, but it's the sound that makes you want to keep playing.

Discover why tuning quality matters

A steel tongue drum's price reflects much more than its size or number of notes.

Materials, construction, finishing techniques and especially the time and skill invested in tuning can make a significant difference. Two instruments may look almost identical but offer very different sound quality and playing experiences.

At Burning27, we believe that precise tuning and balanced resonance deserve more attention than impressive specifications or decorative details alone.

When comparing instruments, listen to real sound recordings and look beyond the appearance and price tag.

Every Burning27 steel tongue drum comes with a pair of soft-tipped mallets, a carrying bag and an instrument passport containing details about your instrument and its scale.

We include everything you need to start playing and enjoying your instrument right away.

Additional accessories may vary depending on the selected options. You can always find the exact package contents on each product page.

Yes! We offer free worldwide shipping to supported destinations.

Every instrument is carefully packaged for international transport and all shipments include tracking so you can follow your order along the way.

If you're unsure whether we can deliver to your country or region, feel free to contact us before placing your order.

Read our Shipping Policy

Delivery time depends on whether your instrument is ready to ship or needs to be made.

• In-stock instruments usually ship within 1-2 business days.
• For made-to-order instruments production time is up to 2 weeks.

Once shipped, delivery typically takes another 5-10 business days, depending on your destination and the carrier.

You can always check the current availability and processing time on each product page.

For orders delivered to the United States, we use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping. Applicable import duties and import taxes are handled by us, so you won't have to pay additional import-related charges upon delivery.

Orders shipped to the European Union are currently sent without DDP. Depending on the destination and applicable regulations, import VAT, customs duties or carrier clearance fees may be charged separately. However, we partner with top carriers to ensure a fast, simple and hassle-free shipping experience.

For other countries -- customs duties or additional import charges may apply according to local customs regulations.

If you're unsure about the conditions for your destination, contact us before ordering. We'll gladly help clarify the available shipping arrangements.

Absolutely. Every Burning27 shipment includes tracking.

Once your instrument is dispatched, we'll provide a tracking number and a link where you can follow your parcel's journey.

Depending on the carrier, you may also see an estimated delivery date. Please keep in mind that delivery estimates can change during international transit.

You can also check your shipment through our Track Your Order page.

We offer 30-day returns and exchanges for eligible orders.

If you need to return an instrument, please contact us first so we can review your request and provide the appropriate instructions.

Return eligibility and conditions may depend on the order, particularly for custom-made or personalized instruments. Your applicable consumer rights remain protected.

Read our full Return Policy

Steel tongue drums are remarkably durable and require very little maintenance, but a few simple habits will help keep your instrument in excellent condition for years.

Keep it dry, avoid extreme temperatures and prolonged moisture and protect it from drops or strong impacts. Use your hands or suitable mallets rather than hard or metal sticks and gently clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth.

When not in use, store your instrument in a clean, dry place, preferably in its carrying bag.

Yes. Every new Burning27 steel tongue drum comes with our 3-Year Limited Craftsmanship Warranty, covering verified defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

This includes manufacturing defects that affect the instrument's structure, finish or tuning stability. Accidental damage, improper handling and normal wear are not covered.

If you ever experience a problem, simply contact us with your order details and we'll help assess the situation and find an appropriate solution.

Read our full Warranty Policy