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In the beginning was the RAV Vast.
We began with an idea of making a tongue drum that would have a unique set of sound characteristics. We took the best of handpan crafting experience and developed the new patented technology of making the tongue drums. We created a tongue drum made of special steel with an incredible sound and ultra-long sustain that is still accessible to everyone and called it RAV Vast.
Starting from 2018, we also make RAV Pans – our own version of the world-known musical instrument – the handpan.
We have collected the most useful video-tips for taking care of your RAV Vast Drum. Join now to learn about exclusive offers. 28 December 2020. The Year 2020 at a glance. 24 December 2020. 2020 RAV Challenge. 9 December 2020. Yeshivat Torat Shraga is located on the beautiful campus of the Yeshiva University Gruss Kollel in Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem. Our facility includes a beautiful newly renovated air-conditioned Beit Midrash, classrooms, dormitory apartments, basketball court, weight room, student lounge, and computer room. RUS stands for 'RAV Universal Scale' which is very versatile: you can play in B minor, D major, F# minor and A major using different tongues as root notes.So.
Today we keep on working hard to provide a better sound and a greater variety of scales. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you’ll find what you’ve been searching for so long.
Drums
At RAV we create drums of two types: steel tongue drums called RAV Vast and handpans named RAV Pans.
In the Drum section of our Catalog you can find all our musical instruments and the available scales.
By tapping the drum’s card you’ll see all the technical parameters, including note layout, music culture, the mood the drum creates, the proficiency level this drum is the most suitable for. You can also find out the information about the instrument weight, size and shell thickness. Some RAV’s are made of 2 mm steel and some of 1.5 mm depending on the sound requirements. Each drum is provided with detailed description and the video presentation of the sound and the sample of melody that can be created with this particular scale. We also provide some recommendations on which scale to take depending on your aims (e.g. some scales work better for meditation and some for busking). You can also find the information about how the scale can be paired with other RAV drums and other instruments as well.
Do you want to know about the real customer experience? You can find the reviews with the people sharing their thoughts and impressions of each scale along with some personal stories. It will make the process of buying the drum online much easier.
If you’ve been looking online for an affordable handpan instrument for sale, you can choose one of our RAV Pans. Our handpans are made according to all the sound standards of this kind of drums.
Accessories
In the catalogue and you’ll be able to find the essentials including carry cases, mallets, and special accessories like the rope braid to customize your instrument.
The carry case is essential if you plan to take out your RAV drum often. Take it with you when chilling around with friends or take off the beaten track and enjoy playing alone in some hidden secret spot.
Carry case is an essential accessory for those who practice busking. It will keep your drum safe and will let you to move around easily while searching for your perfect place to catch the audience. Besides, you can use the case as a busking hat. If you plan to travel, take a look at our special hard case with an increased protection.
Mallets are another accessory that can be of interest for you. Playing with mallets is easy and let you create a more sonorous and louder sound. It’s a great tool, especially if you are a fan of glockenspiel and would like to involve the same technique. You can also try to play the RAV Vast with mallets in case you are a beginner and don’t feel confident yet with playing with your hands.
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A bit of backstory
In the early 2000s, I fell in love with the sound of the Hang, a unique tonal percussion created in Switzerland by PANArt. Over the years, this instrument has become ubiquitous. You would see it in the hands of world-famous percussionists as well as in those of (lucky) buskers. Not surprisingly, the Hang generated a huge number of imitations (and sample libraries – this one’s my favorite!) and wildly exceeded its makers’ expectations.
In 2013 PANArt announced the Hang would no longer be made. Long story short, the Hang was gone (you would only find it at crazy prices on eBay and similar websites).
In 2013 PANArt announced the Hang would no longer be made. Long story short, the Hang was gone (you would only find it at crazy prices on eBay and similar websites).
In the meantime, a number of artisans and makers kept honing their skills, creating new beautiful percussive instruments somehow inspired to the tonal qualities of the Hang (and yet different enough to stand on their own).
One of them is Andrey Remyannikov, the founder of RAV Lab, a Russian-based company. In the last few months, I had a chance of spending some time with one of their RAV Vast (or RAV Drum, same thing), and I was immediately hooked.
Computers and electronic instruments are great, but to me, there’s nothing more refreshing than interacting with an acoustic instrument to find inspiration. And the RAV Vast proved to be a great source…
Wait, What’s a RAV Drum?
A RAV Drum is essentially a steel tongue drum, with a large Ding at the top and 8 tongues around it. The RAV Drum is available in a number of scales – mine is a B Rus, if you’re wondering.
I received my Russian ‘flying saucer’ in the sturdiest packaging I’ve ever seen. These guys clearly know what they’re doing! Once I was able to crack that ‘shell’ open (I think it took me over 15 minutes!), I started getting familiar with the RAV Vast.
I’m not a trained percussionist, but with the help of some YouTube videos, it didn’t take me long to get the hang (ops!) of it – after a few hours, I was already getting some wonderful tones out of the instrument.
That doesn’t mean you’ll become the new Manu Delago overnight, but the design of the RAV Vast makes it relatively easy even for beginners to create lovely melodies and patterns.
How Does It Sound?
The RAV Drum – while not being technically a handpan – sounds gorgeous. Macbook doesn t recognize android phone. Warm, lush and soothing are the first words that come to mind. Words can’t do it justice though. Here’s a lovely recent tune from Daniele Rebaudo:
And here a masterful performance by Nadishana:
I can definitely see why these instruments are often used for meditation and music therapy. After a while, their sound ‘sucks you in’. In a way, it’s like what we often experience with a modular synth patch. The difference here is the ‘heightened’ physical interaction that makes your whole body ‘resonate with the instrument’.
Rav Vast Wikipedia Wiki
Also, these percussions are surprisingly versatile. Using different techniques with your hands (nails included!), it’s possible to get a rich palette of tones. This video is a good introduction:
I’m An Electronic Musician, Why Should I Get One?
You might wonder ‘I’m not a percussionist and I’m certainly not a busker. Why would I need something like this if I’m an electronic music producer?’. Well, first of all, because as said the RAV Vast has a unique, inspiring sound. Whether you’re a beatmaker, a sound designer, a producer, a quality sound source like this is always a good asset for your sonic portfolio.
Now, given you likely already have a DAW, some mics and sound processing tools, the next step is easy: integrate something like the RAV Drum into your tracks, sample it, mangle it, loop it – so many possibilities! Here’s a Four Tet track from his latest album, where guest artist Tom Baker’s handpan takes the spotlight. You’ll get the idea…
Where are docker images located. Price and Other Info
Let’s say you’re sold. You’ve decided to buy a Hang or something that resembles the sound of a handpan. I bet you would also like it to be affordable.
Well, I have some bad news and some good news for you. The bad news? Handpans and quality steel tongue drums don’t come cheap. Also, they are often hard to get. Some manufacturers have (very) long waiting lists.
Well, I have some bad news and some good news for you. The bad news? Handpans and quality steel tongue drums don’t come cheap. Also, they are often hard to get. Some manufacturers have (very) long waiting lists.
I don’t know about you but personally, I don’t have that kind of patience. When inspiration (or GAS) strikes, I appreciate those companies that are able to provide a reasonably fast and solid service.
This was the added value of my experience with RAV. Not only they have fantastic instruments with a great quality/price ratio, but they also have a responsive sales team and a relatively quick turnaround time.
This was the added value of my experience with RAV. Not only they have fantastic instruments with a great quality/price ratio, but they also have a responsive sales team and a relatively quick turnaround time.
So, here’s the good news. The RAV Drum (or RAV Vast) is available directly from the RAV website and various retailers worldwide. At the time of writing, on the RAV website prices start from €585 (up to €765 for the most recent E Low Pygmy) + custom fees.
FYI: until the 10th of June, if you order from their website you’ll also get a nice protective bag for free. Just mention the code ‘audionewsroom‘ while chatting with the team on the RAV website.
FYI: until the 10th of June, if you order from their website you’ll also get a nice protective bag for free. Just mention the code ‘audionewsroom‘ while chatting with the team on the RAV website.
If you have questions, check out their videos and their FAQs, you’ll find plenty of helpful information there.
Heads up: the thing is, if you get a RAV Drum, there’s a good chance you’ll soon want another one with a different scale. Again, it’s a bit like with modular synths. This is addictive stuff! Oh well, let’s see how long I can resist…
In the meantime, if you would like to know more about RAV and these unique, handcrafted instruments, check out the interview we did with the RAV team!
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