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What Are “Booty Taps”? - HandPan Terminology

December 23, 2014, 2:19 am
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A recent addition (at time of posting) to the world of HandPan are “Booty Taps”, a phrase believed to have been coined by, ‘Kari Foulke’ (wife of well known HandPan musician, ‘Colin Foulke’), and to have spread forth from the house of Aciel.  Arguably better (but less pleasingly) described as “bottom notes”, or “bottom tones”, booty taps are additional notes that are hammered into the bottom shell of the HandPan. 
The average HandPan (if there is such a thing) of traditional structure usually features around eight to ten tone-fields (notes) on the upper shell.  And while makers have found interesting ways ways to cram on more notes than is standard (such as the “grace notes” used by Pantheon Steel, or the non-standard architecture as used on the 13-note chromatic Spacedrum), the space available on the top shell is always going to prove limiting -. hence the invention of booty taps, which opens-up the unused space found on the bottom shell for the inclusion of additional notes.

At this point in time we’ve personally yet to try playing a HandPan with booty taps, and with only YouTube performances to go by, they look to be a little awkward, but presumably, with practise, you soon get used to them(?).  And with more and more makers now offering them as an option when building your HandPan, it looks like booty taps are here to stay.

Here's a video of Sylvain Paslier playing a Saraz-made Handpan featuring 8 notes on the top, and an additional 3 notes on the bottom shell....


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Inpex, Apex, and Ding - HandPan Terminology

December 27, 2014, 7:06 am
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While “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” might have proven to be one of the greatest mental conundrums of all time - the question of which came first, the “Apex or the Inpex” is a much simpler riddle to solve - with the answer being the “Apex” (or the “Ding”, if using PANArt terminology).

The ‘Ding’ refers to the central domed note found on all PANArt Hang - and is the lowest note on the instrument - it is played by either striking the protruding dome directly, or by striking the area surrounding it.  Another name for this structure as used in a more general way is ‘Apex’ (meaning ‘the tip’, or ‘highest point’), and is a label believed to have been coined by Pantheon Steel (possibly to avoid legal problems with PANArt) in the creation of their own instruments.  

An alternative structure of this central note can be found in the form of the ‘Inpex’ (a word that appears to have no definition prior to being used in HandPan terminology - and is also believed to have been coined by Pantheon Steel), and is essentially the exact opposite of the Apex, being instead of a protrusion, a depression into the surface of the steel.

The following two videos of a pair of Saraz HandPan tuned to the same scale, with one featuring an Apex, and the other an Inpex, demonstrate the difference perfectly, between the two approaches...

APEX



INPEX

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HandPan in the Sky - Lenticular Clouds

December 29, 2014, 10:45 am
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More of a general interest offering, inspired by the amazing photograph to your left (found via Climatologia Geográfica) than anything particularly HandPan related - but as far as we're concerned, a giant HandPan shaped cloud floating in the sky, is certainly deserving of a short post here.

This gigantic HandPan in the sky is a particularly stunning example of a 'Lenticular Cloud' (or 'altocumulus lenticularis' to use their scientific name), stationary cloud structures that form in the troposphere.

The Technical Stuff (from Wikipedia): As air flows along the surface of the Earth, it encounters obstructions. These are man-made objects, such as buildings and bridges, and natural features, like hills, valleys, and mountains. All of them disrupt the flow of air into eddies. The strength of the eddies depends on the size of the object and the speed of the wind. It results in turbulence classified as ‘mechanical’ because it is formed through the “mechanical disruption of the ambient wind flow. Where stable moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. If the temperature at the crest of the wave drops to the dew point, moisture in the air may condense to form lenticular clouds. As the moist air moves back down into the trough of the wave, the cloud may evaporate back into vapor. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can form near the crest of each successive wave, creating a formation known as a "wave cloud." The wave systems cause large vertical air movement, enough that water vapor may condense to produce precipitation. The clouds have been mistaken for UFOs (or "visual cover" for UFOs), particularly the round "flying saucer"-type, because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth saucer-like shape; also, because lenticular clouds generally do not form over low-lying or flat terrain, many people have never seen one and are not aware clouds with that shape can exist. Bright colors (called irisation) are sometimes seen along the edge of lenticular clouds. These clouds have also been known to form in cases where a mountain does not exist, but rather as the result of shear winds created by a front.

While few (if any) of the other lenticular cloud photographs out there on the net are as perfectly HandPan-shaped as the one featured above, there are others that are (almost) as equally stunning.  Watch the video below to see more...



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Visiting the Hanghaus(s) using Google Earth

January 7, 2015, 8:35 am
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With the Hanghaus - or Hanghaus(s) - being where it all began for those of us in love with the sounds of the Hang, and HandPan, and having not been fortunate enough to this date to visit this singing-steel Mecca in person - we decided to take a virtual tour of these “hallowed grounds” using the power of Google Earth.

And it did not take long to find it...



This small wooden building between the trees, and by the side of a river, is the birth-place of the Hang.  And while PANArt have since moved to larger premises, this, even now, is where we still picture Felix and Sabina hammering away.  

However, times change, and as mentioned above, PANArt have since relocated to larger premises...



Which, while not as quaint, and picturesque looking as the original Hanghaus, is actually only a very short trek down the street, on the other side of the road from the original wooden Hanghaus.  

* As a point of note, we're not 100% sure as to exactly when PANArt moved into the newer larger premises, but, we do know that it must have been at some point towards the end of the building of first generation Hang, as the address for PANArt found on the stickers placed inside early Hanghang changes towards the end of the first generations.  For example, the address inside Hang number 2845 is for the original Hanghaus, while the address found inside Hang number 3955, is for the newer premises.

Want to take the virtual tour yourself?  Simply load up Google Earth, and then tap in the following two addresses:

* Original Hanghaus: Engehalden Street 134, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
* PANArt's newer premises: Engehalden Street 131, 3012 Bern, Switzerland

And go exploring.


*In case anybody is wondering, "Hangruhe" as seen on the sign at the end of the above video, refers to when the Hang Makers set aside the winter season each year as a quiet regenerative time when they can research and develop their instruments. 

(!) PANArt are known to not be appreciative of those who turn up in person, without having first been invited.

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Are Stradivarius Style Investment Funds for PANArt Hang the Future?

January 7, 2015, 6:04 pm
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While buying HandPan, and specifically, PANArt Hang, as an investment, is generally frowned upon within the HandPan community, at time of posting, this hasn’t stopped the price of the most sought after of these instruments from continuing to sky-rocket.  A relatively recent invention, with the first Hang being offered for sale to the public in 2001, Hang that originally sold for as low as $300 directly from PANArt just a few short years ago, now frequently sell for prices between $8000-$12000+ at auction .  With two second generation Hang being snatched up on eBay for well in excess of ten thousand dollars earlier this year; in a matter of hours (the first sold at its buy-it-now price in under an hour) - with first generation Hang sales being not far behind (approximately 800 second generation Hang were produced by PANArt, while first generation Hang are believed to number around 4300 - making second generation Hanghang that bit rarer).

Difficulties around obtaining a Hang directly from the makers, primarily due to supply-and-demand, and the handmade nature of the instruments that allowed for only limited production, drove prices high within the ‘used’ market, almost as soon as the world began to discover their existence (primarily through the viral sharing of YouTube videos, and the like).  And prices have continued to rise ever since.

And with PANArt having announced back in late 2013 that they would no longer be making ANY more Hang, it seems possible that there could be another at least partial explanation, for the ever increasing prices of original PANArt-made Hang - In addition to the ever growing number of musicians seeking to obtain one.

A Sound Investment

In recent years, investment funds, and private investors, have increasingly become interested in ‘top-tier’ musical instruments, as a way of sidestepping issues associated with the volatile equities market, and other investment options, such as the often high maintenance costs associated with real-estate.  With particular interest being shown to rare violins, such as those produced by Stradivarius, and Guarneri del Gesu.  With increasing interest also being shown in sought-after vintage guitars, and other rare instruments of provenance.  

Rare Stradivarius violins have sold with price tags as high as 45 million dollars (and rising), and the most sought-after vintage guitars frequently sell with price tags well into the hundreds of thousands.  For investors, the predicted return on investment sits at around 10% annually on high-end musical instruments.  A percentage that if anything, considering the rocketing increase in prices commanded year-after-year, within the open market, for Hang, since their birth thus far - actually seems to be kind of on the low side.  

And with Hang being not just rare, handmade, and highly sought-after, but also the very first, of a brand new instrument type, they appear to carry all of the marks of prestige, that could attract investors in rare musical instruments to seek them out.

Leading violin dealer David Brewer hazards a guess that half of the world’s 600 or so remaining Stradivarius are sitting in high-security vaults, which, might seem like a tragic fate; if this were to also prove to be the ultimate resting ground of most of PANArt's Hanghang.  But, as somebody who has personally now been in the company of a good handful of Hang that have been badly taken care of by their owners, beaten half to death, or left to rust away, I would guesstimate that a fair number of Hang have already been lost to the world, in the short amount of time that has passed since their relatively recent invention - and as such, I can personally see a certain appeal to the idea of preserving in as pristine condition as possible, at least some, of what will soon become the historical relics of this fast-developing art-form, by whatever means necessary.  Especially, considering that there are now a growing number of more-than-capable makers able to produce quality instruments for the musicians and performers, and knowing that the Stradivarius (etc.) owned by these investment groups, are often lent out for special concerts and performances, to those who have proven themselves gifted and respectful enough to wield them. But maybe that's just me.

Will Hang prices continue to rise? Will the bubble burst? As always, only time will tell...

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Algambra - HandPan-Tinged World Music from Moscow

January 9, 2015, 8:16 am
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One album that we’ve been enjoying a lot recently here at HandPans Magazine, after stumbling across some epic performances by them over at YouTube a few weeks back,  is the self-titled album by the outfit named, ‘Algambra’.

A Russian world music band led by HandPan man 'Yuri Rubin', that mixes the sounds of HandPan, with the likes of the metallophone, cello, electric guitar, and Celtic harp (to name a few), Algambra draw their influences from the different ethnic influences of middle-eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean music, through  to modern fusion and minimalism.

Algambra (by Algambra) has a super-chilled vibe to it, with tracks like ‘Night Sky’, that carries you away to some exotic destination, and doesn’t just invite you to relax, but insists upon it.  And the cello-laden ‘New Year Lullaby in Space’, that is not just fitting for the time of year as we post this, but its plodding melody perfectly captures that flavour situated directly between melancholic, and uplifting, that we’ve grown to love in good HandPan music.

Another reason we’ve got a lot of love for this self-titled album, is that the dominant voice, HandPan-wise, sounds to be the Caisa HandPan, an instrument that doesn’t get a whole lot of love within the HandPan community, but, as this album shows, in the right hands, is just as capable of producing magic, as any of its brethren.  Though there’s also some Victor Levinson SPB on here too.  And judging by their recent video for the track ‘Walking Across the Desert’ (embedded - but not featured on this particular album), it appears as if they’ve added a Pantheon Steel Halo to their arsenal as well, with good results.

And with this album available to listen to for free, with the option to purchase from as little as $3 over at BandCamp (at time of posting), in our book, you can’t really go wrong.  

Decide for yourself, below...

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Alien Drum by 8Dio - Virtual ‘Hang Drum’ Instrument

July 21, 2013, 1:01 pm
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If you’re into producing electronic music, Hang/HandPan, cool-looking Alien stuff, or preferably all three, you’ll most likely find ‘Alien Drum’, by 8Dio, of interest.  8Dio is the company founded by Academy Award winning, ‘Troels Folmann and Tawnia Knox’, and 8Dio’s range of high quality ‘virtual instruments’, have been featured within such Hollywood Blockbusters as: Avatar, Transformers 3, and the Dark Knight Trilogy, in addition to the music of: Massive Attack, Daftpunk, and Britney Spears.

Alien Drum, or rather Alien Drum mark 2 (‘The New Alien Drum’ - as featured in the embedded video), is a virtual ‘Hang Drum’ instrument, featuring the sounds of the PANArt Hang. Offering up a ton of samples across multiple playing techniques (palm, slap, hand brushing, etc.), all recorded at an average of 15 velocity layers, with 10 round robin repetitions per layer/note. Throw in a multitude of effects, and patches, all controlled via a pretty funky looking Alien themed user-interface, and what we have is a pretty effective (and certainly cost effective) mechanism for adding the heavenly sounds of the Hang to your compositions, without having to fork out an arm and a leg for a genuine PANArt Hang.

For more information, watch the embedded video, and/or head over to the 8Dio website HERE to make purchase.

*The Virtual Hang / Hang samples being offered for free (at time of writing) by 'Dark Arps', found HERE, may also prove of interest.

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Ballistol - For HandPan Rust Prevention

January 23, 2015, 5:13 pm
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While FrogLube has arguably become the HandPan communities rust-prevention treatment of choice, here at HandPans Magazine, we’re users.  In the only independent test of corrosion inhibiting products conducted to date (at time of posting) upon fragments of HandPan shell - both FrogLube, and Ballistol, ranked among the most effective.  

And being Europe-based, and with Ballistol being produced in Germany, we’ve found Ballistol to be a much easier product to source locally (there are now some European HandPan makers, etc., selling FrogLube as an accessory, but even so, considering that the two products were found to perform pretty much on a par, we’ve found that we’ve been able to source Ballistol at much more competitive prices - though of course, should you be located in the States (where FrogLube is produced), or somewhere where FrogLube is easier to acquire than Ballistol, no doubt you’ll find the reverse to be true.

What is Ballistol?

Advertised as being an Eco-friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, cleaner, lubricant, and preservative; with 1001 uses.  Ballistol (meaning ‘Ballistic Oil’), was originally developed at the request of Germany’s army, prior to World War I, for protecting its firearms, and, like many of the most effective products currently being used to protect HandPan from the elements, remains popular with gun-users around the world.  

And within Germany, Ballistol is used almost religiously, where many folk believe it to have magical-like properties, where in addition to being used to protect metal, wood, leather, rubber, and synthetic materials, Ballistol is used for a multitude of unexpected purposes, even being used to treat wounds.

Ballistol Wipes

If, like us, you’re big fans of convenience, we can strongly recommend . With each individual pre-treated sachet-encased cloth being the perfect amount for giving a single HandPan a good covering.  And being perfectly-sized for stashing a few away inside your HandPan bag/case - for on your travels.

Additionally, while best used as a rust-prevention treatment, Ballistol should also easily remove any light surface rust, that may have already formed.

Frequency of Use

While how often you’ll need to treat your HandPan with Ballistol (or any other corrosion prevention treatment) is going to depend on what sort of conditions your HandPan is exposed to, we’ve found that a good wipe-down with Ballistol once every couple of months, is more than adequate, to keep our own instruments in tip-top condition.
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Which PANArt Hang Were Sold Under Contract?

January 26, 2015, 12:22 pm
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You may (or may not) be aware that some PANArt Hang were sold under contract by PANArt to those who purchased them directly from the makers.  From time-to-time you’ll see this mentioned within the details of eBay listings, and the like, “No Contract”, or see potential buyers enquiring as to whether a particular Hang being offered for sale is under contract.  So, we’ll explore the issue of PANArt Hang contracts a little further here.

The Contract itself requested that PANArt be offered pre-emptive rights to purchase back the Hang from the buyer, should they be looking to part with it, and/or that the resale price of the Hang, within the open market (should PANArt not wish to purchase it back), should be for no more, than the original acquisition price.

This agreement was created in attempt to combat the rocketing prices for second-hand Hang, sold on sites like eBay, etc.  where Hang were (and continue to be) sold for many times their original purchase price.  And came into place in 2008 with the distribution of the Integral Hang.  

First generation Hang are the most numerous (with roughly 4300 produced) and these were sold without and kind of stipulations, or strings attached, so we can say that most Hang were not sold by PANArt under contract.  However, it is known that some owners of earlier generation Hang who returned their instruments to PANArt for retuning, and other maintenance work, at a later date, were also required to sign-up to this contract, before the work was carried out.  But in general, only Hang made after 2008, from the Integral Hang onwards, were sold with contracts attached to them.

As a point of note, it has been speculated that the contract itself, is more of a “Gentleman’s Agreement” and would hold very little weight in a court of law.  Yet, while it exists, arguably only, as a pinky-swear, between owner, and maker - It is much rarer to see PANArt's more recent creations being offered for sale through the usual channels, than earlier models not sold under contract - thus far.
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Gu to Bed - At this HandPan-Shaped Treehouse Hotel

January 31, 2015, 5:14 am
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The perfect get-away for the HandPan musician in need of quiet retreat, this giant Handpan-shaped hotel room can be found deep within the thick woods of the Swedish village of Harrads.  And while the village itself may only be called home by six hundred or so inhabitants, people are increasingly coming from far-and-wide, to visit the ‘Treehotel’ that can be found there -  home to this gigantic metallic Handpan, nestling among the trees.

Designed by by some of Scandinavia’s leading architects such as Martin Videgård and Bolle Tham as well asMårten & Gustav Cyrén, the hotel promises to reconnect its guests with nature.  And in addition to the Handpan-like UFO treehouse, there is also the ‘Mirror Cube’ treehouse, a mirror-enveloped cube-shaped treehouse, high among the trees, that seeks to blend in completely with its environment, and a huge bird’s nest themed treehouse, that from the outside at least, is pretty much what it says on the tin - while inside, things, are a little more luxurious.

At nearly $500+ a night this isn’t the cheapest lodgings that you’re likely to find, but, it is certainly unique.  And for us, taking a trip to see the locally-visible Northern Lights, would be the cherry on the top of a stay here - if, a Handpan-shaped treehouse with stairs leading straight up through the GU, were in need of such things, as cherries.  

Visit the Treehouse Hotel's website for more info: HERE

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The 'Ohm' HandPan - A HandPan / Steel Tongue Drum Hybrid

February 17, 2015, 3:23 pm
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Introduced to the world on the 23rd of January, 2015, at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show, held in Anaheim, CA, comes the ‘Ohm’ HandPan, the result of a collaboration between Dave’s Island Instrument's, and Hapi (arguably the world’s most recognisable name in commercially available steel tongue drums).  

Not content with bringing the world the first Electric HandPan (to our knowledge), DII (and Hapi) have now unleashed this ‘patent pending’ HandPan / Steel Tongue Drum hybrid instrument - an instrument that features both the tone fields as per a standard HandPan, but additionally, features a complimentary, and sympathetic, circle of tuned tongues.

Enthusiasm for this hybrid over at Facebook has been considerable, and while at time of posting, we only have the one video to go on, it does sound very sweet indeed. With 15 notes in total, the tuned-tongues combine a ghostlike resonance with the Ohm's bold sounding tone-fields - offering up something both familiar, yet very new.

"...this hybrid will change the world of handpans as we know it!" states one fan of the Ohm over at the DII Facebook page.  And while that may, or may not, prove to be true.  We'd certainly like to get our hands on one for a test-drive...

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Cas Cas - The Shaker / Percussion Instrument Used by Daniel Waples

February 18, 2015, 8:37 am
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A favourite of Hang/HandPan musician, ‘Daniel Waples’, ‘Cas Cas’ are percussive / shaker instruments native to African countries, that are traditionally constructed from the gourds of the West African Swawa tree, filled with tiny pebbles, or beans, connected by small rope.

Also sometimes known as: ‘Aslatua’, or ‘Kashaka’ (among other names), Cas Cas can be played in many ways, but generally they are played by holding one gourd in the palm while simultaneously shaking and swinging the second gourd, using the hand and arm movement combined with gravity and speed to create rhythms.  And with a little practise, can be used to add some pretty effective one-man accompaniment to the sounds of the HandPan.

Cas Cas create both shaking sounds, and percussive clicks, and in addition to being a percussive instrument in their own right, Cas Cas are also useful as a skill-development tool: that can help improve dexterity, ambidexterity, brain hemispheric synchronization, and develop the ability to multi-task. It can also build muscle mass and improve flexibility in the hands, arms, shoulders and chest. And they are also used by some as a meditative tool, used to induce a trance state, promote relaxation, and lower stress levels.

As noted above, Daniel Waples has been responsible for introducing the Cas Cas to many within the HandPan world, and he can often be seen playing them in his videos with one hand, while continuing to play the Hang / HandPan with the other.  As can be seen in the video below…

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From HAPI Drum to HAPI HandPan

March 1, 2015, 1:16 pm
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HAPI were among the first commercially available steel tongue drum to hit the market, back in 2008, following the invention of the Hang-inspired ‘Hank drum’, by Dennis Havlena.  And HAPI have since gone on to become arguably the most recognisable name in steel tongue drum, the world over.  And in recent months we’ve seen something new leaking out from the HAPI workshops - HAPI-made HandPan.

Aided by a sharing of knowledge with Dave Beery, of Dave’s Island Instruments (a collaboration that can also be seen in the recently unveiled ‘Ohm HandPan / Steel Tongue Drum hybrid instrument’), HAPI HandPan are being made by, ‘Grahm Doe’, one half of the husband and wife team behind HAPI. 

Grahm describes the process of learning to build and tune HandPan as being “one of the hardest things in my life I have learned to do” - reflecting sentiments that we’ve heard expressed by almost every self-taught HandPan maker we know of to date.  And with early results showing great promise, and with such an accomplished mentor as Dave Beery on-hand to offer guidance, we’re sure to hear increasingly good sounds coming from the HAPI camp, with each new pan offered for sale.

Visit the HAPI website for more information: HERE

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What Are "Top Shelf" HandPan - HandPan Terminology

March 11, 2015, 10:30 am
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You may have heard of the term "Top Shelf" HandPan (sometimes also referred to as "Top Tier") - it is a phrase used often in such places as the Swap and Sale group found over at Facebook, by those looking to swap pans with those of a similar quality.  But what does it mean?

The Top Shelf is primarily a construct of the HandPan.org forum, and consists of a group of instruments that have been deemed by that community to be of the highest quality.  And at time of posting, the Top Shelf consists of the work of: PANArt, Pantheon Steel, BEllArt, Victor Levinson, Echo Sound Sculpture, and the recently added CFoulke HandPans.

Interestingly, one of the Handpan.org moderators recently gave some insight into what makes for an instrument being classed as being Top Shelf by the forum.  Suggesting that significantly increased interest, or ‘groundswell’ in a particular make of pan is a strong factor. As are the opinions and feedback of "top players" and makers, who may have gotten their hands on them, combined with a certain consensus from the hands-on-play of attendees at HandPan gatherings and festivals.  Among other factors. With new additions to the Top Shelf being added as appropriate.

As a point of note, the Top Shelf system of classification, particularly now that its use often extends outside of the Handpan.org forum itself, has been accused of being biased by some.  And deserving, or not, it is true that some long-serving members, or "friends of the forum" have quickly found "houses" there, while those who have been publicly vocal in their condemnation of the system (and/or of the forum itself), such as Panormus, are notable by their absence.  And Tzevaot, another make of HandPan that has often found itself at odds with the forums members, have themselves (at time of posting at least) become a banned topic of discussion.

Biased, or not though - there is no denying that the instruments that currently make up the Top Shelf, are each of exceptional quality.  And while the Top Shelf system of ranking is not one that we technically observe here at HPM, if you’re new to the world of HandPan, and are looking to take a listen to the sort of singing steel that gets the hardcore fanatics drooling, few wish-lists are likely formed that do not contain at least one, of these widely-respected offerings.
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The Much-Maligned Caisa (and Other HandPan)

March 17, 2015, 1:27 pm
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In recent times, there has been a huge amount of negativity sweeping through the world of HandPan.  We see some, happy to openly call out instruments such as the Bali Steel Pan, as sounding like: ‘out of tune trash can lids’, while others instead, use their Bali’s, to produce beautiful music.  Some, brazenly describe HandPan like the Innersound, as being ‘Junk’.  While others instead, choose to show off exactly what these instruments are capable of, under gifted hands.

And so it is that in this post, I decided to revisit the earlier days of HandPan, and a time when the first HandPan, following the invention of the Hang, were beginning to appear.  A time that looking back now, could be categorised as a time of open untainted minds, and hearts, in comparison, to the prevailing moods of the current climate.

One of the first HandPan to hit the market, following in the wake of the Hang, was the Caisa.  An instrument that these days receives very little love, within the HandPan community.  However, one of my personal favourite HandPan reviews, ever put together, is the following Caisa review, by HandPan ambassador, turned maker of very sweet sounding pans of his own, Colin Foulke.  And it goes a little something like this:

‘I am fortunate enough to have been loaned a Caisa by one of our lovely Forum members! I have been playing it for a couple days now and felt that I would give it a little review. Before I do though I would like to state that I think the Caisa is a GREAT instrument. It has many of the great handpan characteristics and is a joy to play. --- Overall, the Caisa is a great instrument and its great to play. It no doubt has the ability to move people and really captivate an audience. Although it will never be a Hang, it absolutely stands on its own two feet as a fantastic instrument and as a proud member of the Handpan family.’

You can read the full review:HERE.

To which we can add the words of Eric Muller (who I believe is currently working at Aura HandPan):

‘So yesterday i got out of school early because i had my senior prom. i called my brother to meet me to get a bite to eat he was a bit late so i waited in the restaurant. when he arrived he had this massive box in his hands........ from germany...... with my name on it. Finally my caisa has arrived and it sounds beautiful. It is in the Cosma tuning and the videos on youtube are no where near how amazing it is.’

You can read the full review:HERE

And then, as noted above, we have the Bali Steel Pan.  An instrument that contrary to current prevailing opinions, was described in earlier days in the following manner, by none other than Lino (maker of LinoTune, the HandPan tuning software used today by most of the big makers)...

‘The Bali's sound had a fair amount of steelpan in the lower notes, but (to my ear) not unpleasantly so - it's earthy, like a refreshing visit from a country cousin after you've hung out with city slickers for too long…’

Reference:HERE

Who would also go on to state that:

‘The Balis have improved a lot over the past year, so you should ignore older youtube videos when forming an opinion of them.’

Reference:HERE

While Richard Saggio, another well known member of the HandPan community, stated the following back in 2012:

‘The current Bali is a charming, worthy handpan, well worth looking into. I played a late model Gong Diao & Shang Diao yesterday & it was joyful ‘

Reference:HERE

I can't help but wonder, if I were to ask each of these people today, their opinions on these instruments, if they would answer in the same manner as they did back then. And I suspect that they would not. So what's changed? The instrument? The player? Or something else?

To my mind, it appears to be the latter. A hive-mind regurgitation of group opinions that often seem to trickle down from the few. In place of the honest thoughts and explorations of the individual. Would Colin Foulke, for example, have gone on to create such beautiful sounding HandPan as he currently does, if he had been deprived of the opportunity to spend some time getting to know that Caisa, having paid too much heed to the opinions of others?

There ARE pitfalls to be avoided when looking to buy a HandPan, and dangers to be side-stepped.  There are scammers, and profiteers, as there are in any other marketplace.  And there are also those who would like you to consider them as being best positioned to advise you, who may in fact, not offer you the best of advice (and that goes double, for any advice that you might find me dishing out ;) ).  Do, strap on your big-boy pants, and do, do your research.  Listen to advice, and take it into consideration, where-ever you can find it.  But above all else, trust your own ears (and do not listen too closely, to those who would have you believe, that what your own ears are telling you, is wrong).   

And in the words of the awesomely talented Kabeção, - 'Just Play With What You Got!'...

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A Rainbow of First Generation PANArt Hang Bags

March 28, 2015, 9:35 am
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If the carrying bags / cases that came with first generation PANArt Hang are not already artefacts of interest, no doubt one day, they will be.  Made from a coarse material, with only a small amount of padding on the Ding side, these bags, were not the sturdiest bags ever made.  And knowing that there are already a lot of first-gen owners out there who do not have these original bags (with many dieing from general wear-and-tear), if anything, these carrying cases are now even rarer, than the Hang they were designed to transport.

Complete with two carrying handles, a shoulder strap, and emblazoned with an embroidered PANArt logo patch, arguably, the most interesting thing about these bags, is the almost excessive (but kind of awesome) array of colours in which they were made available.  

First generation PANArt Hang carry bags were available in the following colours:

  • Green
  • Brown
  • Black
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Gray
  • Yellow

And you can check out some pictures of them in their different shades below...















* I have not been able to find a picture of a green bag at time of posting.  I will add one when / if I can find one.
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HandPan Accompaniment: Spotlight on the Singing Saw

April 25, 2015, 2:40 pm
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Following on from our post on Cas Cas (the percussive instrument favored by Daniel Waples), we continue with what may become a series turning the spotlight on to some of our favourite HandPan accompaniments, with this post on the “Singing Saw”.  And if any instrument, is as equally deserving, in our opinion, of wearing the “Singing Steel” label.  It has to be the Singing Saw.  In fact, the Singing Saw, is also credited, along with such instruments as the Ghatam, and Gamelan, as instruments that were researched by PANArt - leading to the development of the Hang.

Introduced to us by the legendary Dante Bucci, one of the original pioneers of the Hang / HandPan music scene, the Singing Saw, is a beautiful sounding instrument (in our opinion at least), of the idiophone class. More specifically defined as a “Friction Idiophone” - a group of instruments that produce sound by being rubbed either against each other or by means of a non-sounding object (usually a violin bow, in the case of the Singing Saw). Instruments of this type are not very common, possibly the best known examples are the Singing Saw (also known as a “Musical Saw”), and the Nail Violin.




Ethereal, and somewhat melancholic, perhaps strangely, the sound of the Singing Saw often reminds us of “La vie en rose” - by Edith Piaf - but perhaps that’s just us.  And while saws produced specifically for musicians are offered for sale, many musical sawists often simply use standard wood cutting saws, to produce their music. And Dante, was a master of blending these two exquisite singing steel instruments perfectly.  

So that while Dante Bucci, may have tragically passed away mid-2014 - he left behind him a legacy of awesomeness, that will, no doubt, continue to move both HandPan, and Musical Saw performers, to experiment, and push boundaries, for as long as the internet remains...



Other renowned performers on the musical saw include:

Natalia Paruz (AKA: “The Saw Lady”)...


And, Charles Hindmarsh (AKA: "The Yorkshire Musical Saw Player")...



(!) Want to have a try yourself?  Musical saws can be purchased over at Amazon: HERE

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Minecraft Meets the HandPan - Aria Math, by C418

April 26, 2015, 8:25 am
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While the majority of us most likely discovered the sounds of HandPan through a YouTube video shared online, or perhaps through live performance, people continue to discover the sounds of UFO-shaped singing steel, in all manner of places.  

Even if you're not much of a gamer, you've probably heard of Minecraft, and know somebody who does, or has, played it.  Lego-esque, with some survival-strategy, and more, thrown in, Minecraft, is, inarguably, one of this generations stand-out video-game success stories - selling 54 Million copies, to date, and counting.  And Minecraft is becoming increasingly responsible, for introducing the sounds of HandPan, to a whole new audience...
 


‘Heard this while playing Minecraft. I've never bought a song based on a video game before, but this one is such a masterpiece I had to pick it up!’, said one fan of the track titled, “Aria Math”, a prominent song featured within the Minecraft soundtrack, that features the sound of HandPan (sampled most likely - but hey!).  And with hundreds of others claiming Aria Math as their favourite Minecraft track, over at YouTube, you know that the Pan is a large part of what is making this a stand-out tune for many of these listeners, when many comment on the songs ability to evoke feelings of “sadness”, yet also “joy” simultaneously - a notable quality of the HandPan’s sound.

Produced by the German musician known as, “C418”, Aria Math features on the soundtrack, “Minecraft - Volume Beta”.  Which is the second Minecraft soundtrack produced by C418 (the first being Volume Alpha). All-in-all, Volume Beta features 30 tracks, and is 141 minutes in length.  And should you be looking to grab yourself a copy for your MP3 player of choice, to bring the sounds of Minecraft with you into the “real world”, you can find it available for sale over at Amazon: HERE

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The Coming of the Oval - "The First Digital HandPan"

July 21, 2015, 7:08 am
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While the Oval is not the first attempt at creating an electronic version of the HandPan that we’ve come across (see Sonic Fingers, from 2011, for example).  The Oval appears to have a level of momentum, support, exposure, expertise, and demand for the product, that earlier attempts failed to reach.  And with long-time Hang man, Ravid Goldschmidt, throwing his weight in with the project, and with early demo videos showing promise, the Oval is something, that everybody within the world of HandPan, is currently keeping one eye on.

Presented for funding to the public over at the Kickstarter platform, as being:

‘...an electronic musical instrument that connects to an App for smartphone or tablet and it can also be used as a controller connected to a computer. Inspired by the HandPans family of acoustic instruments, the Oval provides total freedom to create sounds and it’s a tool geared towards music learning and performing. It allows you to both change and create sounds and it is also a tool for sharing your compositions with an on-line community of users.’

The Oval funding campaign reached its initial target within just two days, and went on to reach a level of investment of over 300% of its initial goal - with 680 backers pledging a total of €348,018 between them, to fund the project.  With each person pre-purchasing an Oval, paying at least €349.  

Promotion of the Oval as being the “first digital Handpan”, has caused some controversy within HandPan circles.  With debate ensuing as to whether the Oval should in fact be considered to be a “digital HandPan”, or merely a HandPan-shaped MIDI controller.

The sound of an acoustic Hang envelopes the player in a sonic-sound-bath.  It whispers, and growls, sings sweetly, clinks, thuds, blares, and even screams in pain (if played too heavily), depending upon how it is touched. And it is these nuances, that we imagine, will be hard to replicate fully, in digital form.   The steel of a well-made HandPan responds to the hand in a very organic way - that electronic sensors, may, or may not, be able to reproduce...

The appeal of a device like the Oval, over an acoustic HandPan, however, lies primarily in its versatility, the ability to play any HandPan scale on the one instrument, or utilise any sampled instrument for that matter - using the HandPan’s intuitive note layout.  This combined with the ability to easily record, and amplify, the Oval (potentially) addresses most of an acoustic HandPan’s main weaknesses.
 

The first Oval to reach their backers are estimated for delivery in March, 2016.  So if you’ve stumbled across this post after that date, go check out YouTube and hopefully you’ll find some user-generated demonstrations, or go find some forum chatter.  If however, as with ourselves (at time of posting), that date has yet to pass - you’ll have to make do with checking in on the Oval Facebook page from time-to-time (or even better - subscribing to it), to catch up with the latest.

Already played an Oval, and want to let us know your thoughts? Join the forum: HERE.
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The Daniel Waples Signature Series of HandPan - from TerraTonz

July 29, 2015, 12:56 pm
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*Daniel Waples perfoming on the original "Waples scale" PANArt Hang.
While Daniel Waples has in the past aligned himself briefly with several other makers of hand- played steel instruments - from Babel Drums, to OrbiPan.  It is with U.S. HandPan-makers, TerraTonz, that Daniel Waples appears to have found himself most at home.  With photos and videos appearing frequently of Daniel visiting the TerraTonz workshop - even wielding a hammer himself, from time-to-time.

When we interviewed Daniel Waples a few years back, he had approximately 30,000 Facebook followers, while at time of posting, he is closing in on 120,000 - making him Facebook’s most followed solo HandPan performer (with the HandPan-playing duo, Hang Massive, just ahead overall, at 142,000).  And Daniel Waple’s YouTube, and live performances, continue to introduce many, to the sounds of UFO-shaped singing-steel.

And the query, “What scale Hang drum does Daniel Waples play?” remains a question asked of search engines, that frequently sends visitors to this website.

The Daniel Waples Signature Series - from TerraTonz

The Daniel Waples signature series of HandPan from TerraTonz, are offered in two sound-models, The “Waples 8”, and the “Waples 9”.  While we couldn’t find it stated anywhere clearly on the internet at time of writing, we’re assuming that the Waples 8 model is of the following scale: (D) A C D E F G A Bb.  Which is the scale of the second-generation PANArt Hang (no. 472), that Daniel Waples was most famous for playing in his early years (that is now sometimes referred to as the “Waples scale”) - a Hang that Daniel offered up as a prize to one of his fans in 2013. 

Another reason for assuming the former, is that the Waples 9 model from TerraTonz, features the following notes: (D) A C D E F G A Bb D.  Which is obviously the same, but with an additional D.

Check out the videos below to hear what they sound like...





For more information on the Daniel Waples signature series of HandPan from TerraTonz, you can visit their website HERE.  Or connect with TerraTonz, or Daniel Waples, at Facebook.
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