Buy Frame Drums

Versatile instruments for relaxation, music and performance

As one of the oldest types of drum in the world, frame drums are highly versatile percussion instruments that offer a wide dynamic range, from soft to powerful. They can be played by hand or with mallets and are suitable for a wide range of applications – from relaxing yoga and meditation sessions to acoustic accompaniment in the studio and on stage, right through to workshops and music therapy.
At Sela Percussion, you’ll find the popular frame drum in various sizes and types. Whether it’s an Indian shaman drum with buffalo hide, a handmade frame drum with goatskin, or Ocean Drums with natural hide, whose sounds are reminiscent of ocean waves – join us on a journey into the world of frame drums and find the right hand drum for you, one that sounds meditative at times, rhythmically driving at others, and atmospheric at still others.

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The sound and playing technique of a frame drum

Despite their simple construction, frame drums offer an astonishing variety of sounds, with a warm, natural and highly dynamic tonal character. The sounds vary depending on where the drum is struck, ranging from calm, meditative patterns to complex rhythms. Striking the centre of the drum produces a deep bass sound, whilst brighter tones are produced at the rim, and light touches create subtle nuances and overtones.

Playing with the hand provides a very direct, intuitive feel whilst allowing for precise control over dynamics and expression. Strikes with the palm produce full, deep sounds, whilst finger strikes create precise, bright accents; rolls and trills with the fingers produce flowing rhythms. Alternatively, frame drums can also be played with a mallet, which produces soft and even tones that are less percussive but more sustained and calm. Playing with a mallet is ideal for meditation, sound work or sound healing.

The musical range, from very soft and subtle to powerful and assertive, is one of the frame drum’s greatest strengths. A frame drum responds sensitively to every movement of the hand and is suitable for both solo playing and accompaniment.

The Origins and History of Frame Drums

With a history stretching back thousands of years, frame drums are among the oldest types of drum in the world. Their origins date back to the early advanced civilisations – including Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Mediterranean region. Even back then, frame drums were used in ritual, spiritual and social contexts. They played a particularly important role in shamanic traditions, for example to accompany ceremonies, trance states or healing rituals.
Over time, frame drums have developed and spread independently across many cultures. This gave rise to variants such as the bodhran in Ireland, instruments such as the daf or bendir in the Middle East and North Africa, and the shaman’s drum in many indigenous cultures. Despite the wide variety of types, the construction of the frame drum is always the same: a simple frame stretched with natural hide, providing direct, primal access to the rhythm and soundscape of the drum.

Find the right frame drum for you from Sela

Shamanic Drums – earthy sounds for meditation and rituals

Sela’s Shamanic Drums, featuring a solid mango wood frame and a choice of goatskin or buffalo hide, are traditionally handcrafted in India. A frame drum of this type produces calm and steady sounds that are ideal for meditation, sound journeys and ritual practices. The earthy, understated sound with deep, warm fundamental tones is characteristic of this hand drum, which is usually played with a mallet and is available in sizes ranging from 14 to 22 inches.

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Frame Drums – versatile frame drums for music and sound work

The Frame Drums, available in five different sizes, impress with their tonal variety and subtle nuances, making them ideal for meditation and sound work as well as for live performances, studio recording and workshops. What makes this hand drum special is its innovative air pressure tuning system. It allows you to regulate the air pressure within the frame, thereby adjusting the pitch and resonance – entirely according to your individual tonal preferences. Each drum is handcrafted in Europe and comes with an air pump.

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Ocean Drums – flowing wave sounds and the gentle murmur of the sea

This unique hand drum, with a beechwood frame, is designed less for traditional rhythms and more for atmospheric, flowing soundscapes reminiscent of the murmur of the sea and the movement of waves. The small metal and plastic beads inside the drum create a natural, rustling sound as they move across the skin, similar to the soothing sound of the surf. Unlike traditional frame drums, they are played intuitively by rotating, tilting and gently moving the drum, but can also be played by hand.

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Buy frame drums from Sela Percussion – versatile and expressive

  • Wide tonal range – from deep bass to bright overtones
  • High-quality craftsmanship using natural materials
  • Intuitive to play – by hand or with a mallet
  • Innovative tuning systems (e.g. air pressure tuning) for customised sound adjustment
  • Versatile – from meditation and sound healing, through live performance, to workshops and music therapy
  • Ideal for combining with handpans, tongue drums, cajons and other percussion instruments
  • Suitable for beginners and advanced players alike

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Frequently asked questions

For meditation and yoga, a calm, deep-sounding hand drum that allows for a steady, flowing rhythm is particularly suitable. A shamanic drum is most commonly used for these purposes. It is designed to produce an earthy, warm fundamental tone and is usually played with a mallet. This creates soft, steady beats that are well suited to relaxation, breathing exercises and meditative states.
The skin has a decisive influence on the sound, response and feel of a frame drum. Different types of natural skin produce different tonal characteristics. Goatskin, for example, in a shaman’s drum, produces a warm, balanced sound with good responsiveness; buffalo skin produces a deeper, earthier tone; and sheepskin often sounds soft and round with gentle highs.
Yes, our Frame Drums range features an air pressure tuning system that allows you to adjust the pitch and resonance to suit your preferences. This enables you to tailor your instrument to your personal style and the specific application. Our Ocean Drums can also be customised: via a sealable opening in the frame, the quantity of beads can be varied, thereby altering the volume and responsiveness of the drum.