In this demonstration of the RAV Vast B Celtic Minor Double Ding, AJ Block demonstrates the different chords you can play and
What does “double ding” mean? Double ding means there are two low notes, and this is one of the only handpans we have seen where the lowest note is not the center ding, but is in fact the larger tongue tuned to A. The two high notes (as shown in the cover photo) are not the ding notes at all, they are simply a way for the RAV makers to add in an extra note.
*Purchase RAV Vast B Celtic Minor Double Ding (the instrument used in this video) here: https://www.didgeproject.com/rav
The RAV Vast B Celtic Minor Double Ding scale:
(B2), (A2), F#3, A3, B3, C#4, D4, E4, F#4, A4
Scale tones: (1), (b7), 5, b7, 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b7
Here is the list of some chords you can play on the RAV Vast B Celtic Minor Double Ding:
B Minor (B, D, F#)
A Major (A, C#, E)
D Major (D, F#, A)
F# Minor (F#, A, C#)
E5 (E, B, no 3rd)
C# Minor (C#, E, no 5th)
*Private RAV Drum lessons with Didge Project are available via skype anywhere in the world. Contact: aj@didgeproject.com
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/rav.
