RAV Vast B Onoleo

The B Onoleo has a very special place in the RAV Vast sales catalog. What is that so specific in the B Onoleo scale? It has an exotic Arabian sound and will become a great challenge and a source for inspiration for experienced musicians.

The note progression of the B Onoleo differs a lot from western music culture.  Instead of just going up side by side, it has a literally alternating pattern to it. The tongues are tuned in 2nd, 3rd and 4th octave and the scale also has a few sharp notes(F#3-G3, D#4-E4, F#4-G4). That’s what makes it a challenging drum for beginners as you need to think ahead which note you are gonna tap next. The abundance of sharp notes makes it great for composing but not for meditation or yoga. According to the meditation music theory, the chakras have a strong correlation with the notes – but only the natural notes (A-B-C) and have a soothing effect unlike the sharp notes (A#, B#, C#).

The B Onoleo scale is close to the harmonic B Major scale. It’s an intermediate step between harmonic minor and diatonic major that partakes of both of these scales.

For whom this scale will work

This a great scale for the upper-intermediate and advanced players. It has a very specific voice, it’s challenging and will require some practicing. Playing the B Onoleo is like taming a falcon. It requires work and time and can seem to be a challenge at first, but the result is worth it when the prideful and irrepressible it becomes your best friend.  

A sophisticated musician will love getting some wonderful tones out of the instrument. It will work both for pan drum/tongue drum players, but also will work for those who have basic knowledge of music theory or just have some musical background (played the instruments other than the handpan before).

There is a good number of percussion techniques that you can learn while playing the B Onoleo. This scale can improve your improvising skills as well. It’s easy to improvise with a harmonious scale but it’s the next level when you have to deal with a good number of halftones.

The B Onoleo was born for solo playing. Its authentic voice should be in the center of attention. If you want to play in duet with another RAV drum, you can pair it with another B Onoleo and the B Kurd that also has some similar music vibes in it and is tuned in B.   

It’s preferable to play this scale with hands rather than mallets as you’ve got more control and can unleash all the potential of this scale.

Unlike many other RAV scales, the B Onoleo is not suitable for yoga or meditation. Its voice is too authentic and evocative. The melodies you get are captivating and will keep the listeners on their toes so keep it in mind if your aim is buying a meditative scale.