Rainsticks & Ocean Drums: Bring the Sounds of Nature Into Your Space

There’s something naturally soothing about the sound of falling rain, gentle ocean waves and flowing water. These familiar sounds have long inspired musicians, meditation practitioners and sound healing enthusiasts to explore instruments that recreate the rhythms of nature.

Rainsticks, ocean drums and rain towers offer a beautiful way to bring these sounds into your home, meditation practice or sound healing sessions. From the gentle trickle of rainfall to the rolling sound of ocean waves, these instruments create immersive soundscapes with just a simple movement.

At Son of Drum, we offer a selection of rainsticks and ocean drums in Australia, suitable for musicians, sound practitioners, educators and anyone who enjoys the calming sounds of nature.

Why Use Rainsticks and Ocean Drums for Meditation and Sound Healing?

Nature-inspired instruments are widely used in relaxation practices because they create gentle, flowing sounds that are easy to incorporate into a peaceful environment.

Rainsticks and ocean drums can be particularly useful for:

• Meditation and mindfulness: Their flowing sounds provide a simple focal point for attention and breathing.
• Yoga and relaxation: Gentle rainfall or ocean effects can complement slower movements, restorative poses and quiet moments.
• Sound baths: Rainsticks and ocean drums add natural textures alongside singing bowls, gongs, chimes and other sound healing instruments.
• Music education: Their intuitive design makes them accessible for exploring rhythm, movement and sound.
• Creative performances: Musicians can use them to recreate natural environments and introduce atmospheric effects.

While these instruments are often described as sound healing tools, their benefits are best understood as supporting relaxation, mindfulness and personal enjoyment rather than providing medical treatment.

How to Choose the Right Rainstick or Ocean Drum

The best instrument depends on the sound you want to create and how you plan to use it.

If you're looking for a traditional rain sound, a Bamboo Rainstick is a great starting point.

For ocean-inspired sounds, the Remo Ocean Drum offers a versatile way to recreate gentle waves and more dramatic rolling effects.

If you prefer longer rainfall sounds, the LP Monsoon Rainstick is particularly suited to creating extended, atmospheric effects.

For something different, the Rain Tower 2.0 by Evolve Within is worth exploring as an alternative to traditional handheld rainsticks.

There is no single right choice. Each instrument brings its own sound, movement and character to your musical or mindfulness practice.

Discover Four Nature-Inspired Instruments at Son of Drum

1. Bamboo Rainstick – The Gentle Sound of Falling Rain

The Bamboo Rainstick is a beautiful introduction to nature-inspired percussion.

With its traditional bamboo construction, this instrument produces a soft, cascading sound as the contents travel through the tube. Simply turn it upside down or gently tilt it to create the relaxing sound of rainfall.

Its organic appearance and intuitive playing technique make it a lovely addition to meditation spaces, classrooms and percussion collections.

Perfect for: Beginners, meditation, gentle soundscapes and anyone looking for a traditional rainmaker instrument.

2. Remo Ocean Drum – Experience the Rhythm of the Waves

Imagine sitting by the ocean, listening to waves gently washing onto the shore. The Remo Ocean Drum brings that familiar sound into your hands.

Designed to recreate the movement of ocean waves, this percussion instrument uses small internal particles that roll across the drumhead as you tilt it.

Slow, controlled movements create gentle, flowing wave sounds, while faster movements can produce more energetic, crashing effects.

Ocean drums are particularly popular among sound healing practitioners, musicians and educators who want to incorporate natural sound effects into their sessions.

Perfect for: Sound baths, yoga, meditation, creative performances and ocean-inspired soundscapes.

3. LP Monsoon Rainstick – A Longer, More Immersive Rainfall

For those who enjoy the sound of steady rainfall, the LP Monsoon Rainstick offers a particularly immersive experience.

Designed to create a prolonged rain effect, this instrument can produce approximately 26 seconds of continuous rainfall when turned vertically, with even longer effects possible when angled.

Its extended sound makes it an excellent option for musicians, sound designers and practitioners who want to create atmospheric transitions without constantly repositioning the instrument.

Whether you're adding rainfall to a musical performance or creating a peaceful background for meditation, the LP Monsoon Rainstick offers an expressive way to explore the sound of rain.

Perfect for: Extended rainfall effects, sound healing sessions, theatrical soundscapes and ambient percussion.

 

4. Rain Tower 2.0 by Evolve Within – A Different Way to Experience Rain

The Rain Tower 2.0 by Evolve Within offers another way to explore the captivating sound of rainfall.

Unlike a traditional handheld rainstick, the rain tower format provides a distinctive approach to creating cascading rain-inspired sounds.

It makes an interesting addition to a collection of sound healing instruments, particularly for those who enjoy experimenting with different textures and atmospheric effects.

Whether used individually or alongside singing bowls, chimes and other percussion instruments, a rain tower can help create a layered, nature-inspired soundscape.

Perfect for: Sound exploration, meditation spaces, ambient soundscapes and sound healing practitioners.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Rainsticks and Ocean Drums

• What is a rainstick used for?

A rainstick is a percussion instrument used to recreate the sound of falling rain. It is commonly used in meditation, sound healing sessions, music education, performances and relaxation practices.

• What is the difference between a rainstick and an ocean drum?

A rainstick produces a cascading rainfall sound as particles move through a hollow tube. An ocean drum produces wave-like sounds as small particles roll across a drumhead. Both are easy to play but create different natural sound effects.

• Are rainsticks good for meditation?

Yes. Many people enjoy using rainsticks during meditation because their gentle, continuous sounds can provide a calming focal point. They are also popular in yoga sessions, mindfulness activities and sound baths.

• Do you need musical experience to play an ocean drum?

Not at all! Ocean drums are beginner-friendly instruments. Simply tilt, rotate or gently move the drum to create different wave-like sounds.

• Where can I buy rainsticks and ocean drums in Australia?

You can explore a selection of rainsticks, ocean drums and rain-inspired percussion instruments at Son of Drum, an independent music store based in Mullumbimby, near Byron Bay, NSW. Shop online or visit the store to discover a variety of musical and sound healing instruments.