The RAV Drum company recently released 4 new scales in the key of B, plus we had our first ever B RUS in the shop. In this video we review these 5 RAV Drum models: B Major, B Minor Pentatonic, B Kurd (with double ding), B Integral and B RUS. All of these models (except for the B Major) are in minor keys, meaning they evoke a more mysterious, mystical mood, which we find great for meditative playing. The bright sound of the B Major creates a sunny joyful atmosphere.
*Purchase RAV Vast here: https://www.didgeproject.com/store
One thing to consider when buying a RAV Drum is, what are you going to use it for? If you are collaborating with other musicians, its good to know what keys they like to play in. If you are using this for meditation and more personally, you may want to go with a model that you sonically resonate with most. If you are using this to facilitate meditation or sound healing for others, you may want to choose a brighter sounding model that brings listeners into a place of peace. What is the vibe that you want to go for? At the end of the day you will be happy with whichever RAV Drum that you get.
*Private lessons with Jerry Walsh are available via skype anywhere in the world. Contact: jerry@didgeproject.com
RAV Drum models covered in this video:
B Major
B2 E3 F#3 G#3 A#3 B3 C#4 D#4 F#4
1 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 5
B Minor Pentatonic
B2 F#3 A3 B3 C#4 E4 F#4 A4 B4
1 5 b7 1 2 4 5 b7 1
B Kurd
B2 F#3 G3 A3 B3 C#3 D3 E3 F#3 A4
1 5 b6 b7 1 2 b3 4 5 b7
B Integral
B2 D3 F#3 G3 A3 B3 C#4 D4 F#4
1 b3 5 b6 b7 1 2 b3 5
B RUS
B2 D3 F#3 A3 C#4 D4 E4 F#4 A4
1 b3 5 b7 2 b3 4 5 b7
About RAV Drums:
RAV Drum (aka RAV Vast) is a relatively new instrument that fuses the concepts behind handpans (hang drums) and tongue drums (traditionally made of wood). Perfectly cut steel tongues vibrate harmoniously together to create an ethereal sound perfect for meditation, relaxation, and other mystical music experiences. RAV was invented in 2013, the same year PanArt stopped making the Hang. RAV is from Russia with cut keys as opposed to the hammer tuned Hang drum, which is not cut or welded in anyway. The RAV has a deep resonance and profound reverb effect where the sound lasts for a long time while the Hang drum sound goes for a much shorter duration. This allows for a lot more space between key strokes in the RAV because the sound carries so long without losing the rhythm, which can make for more experimental playing in some respects than the Hang or handpan. The fullness of the sound and the duration of each key stroke makes the instrument very meditative to play because it renders itself to slow playing but of course can also be played very quickly and rhythmically. The backside is not as accessible or resonant as a handpan but can still be played rhythmically. The price of a RAV is 1/3 the cost of a Hang and is also generally easier to play than the Hang for most people. It is also a much more durable and sturdy instrument. The handpan can be knocked out of tune with too hard of a hit and over time may need to get tuned up regardless while the Rav does not and is almost impossible to knock out of tune. The Rav also has harmonics beyond the fundamental key like the Hang/handpan and both are available through Didge Project for purchase at https://www.didgeproject.com/store.