STEEL TONGUE DRUMS The Meinl Sonic Energy Octave Steel Tongue Drum is made of high quality stainless steel. It has a low note in the center plus eight more notes around it. These eight notes consist of two reeds each that allow the note to be played in two octaves. This creates a wonderful meditative sound similar to the tone of a handpan. At the bottom of the drum you will find the sound expansion hole, which can be closed with a silicone plug to make the sound even more compact. There are also three silicone feet on the bottom to prevent the drum from sliding. You can play the Octave Steel Tongue Drum with mallets or with your fingers. Simply place it on a flat surface or on your lap to start playing.