What you will find
Discover articles about playing techniques, inspiring artists, events, and Hangdrum craftsmanship.
Playing techniques
Tips and tutorials to improve your Hangdrum playing.
Featured artists
Profiles of artists and their inspiring Hangdrum creations.
Events and festivals
Coverage of musical events that spotlight the Hangdrum.
Hangdrum news
The latest news and developments in the world of the Hangdrum.
Beginner resources
Advice and resources for new Hangdrum enthusiasts.
Handcrafted making
Guides to handcrafted making and Hangdrum care.
About us
Who are we?
We are a passionate team of musicians, makers, and Hangdrum enthusiasts dedicated to sharing knowledge, inspiration, and creativity.
Our passion for the Hangdrum
Our passion lies in sonic exploration, harmonious creation, and sharing emotion through the universal language of music.
Our mission
Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect the global Hangdrum community through authentic, engaging content.
Our vision
We aspire to see the Hangdrum recognized as a universally appreciated instrument and integrated into global musical culture.
What are the origins and history of the Hangdrum?
The Hangdrum, often simply called the “Hang,” is a relatively modern percussion instrument that has captured the attention of musicians and listeners around the world since its introduction in the 2000s. Its history is fairly recent, but fascinating, shaped by innovation, inspiration, and passion.
The origins of the Hangdrum date back to 2000, when Swiss makers Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, founders of the company PANArt, created this unique instrument. Inspired by traditional percussion instruments such as the Caribbean steel drum and the Asian gong, Rohner and Schärer set out to design an instrument that combined soothing, meditative tones with intuitive playability.
The Hang drum is made from two high-quality steel hemispheres, usually tuned to a pentatonic or diatonic scale. Each hemisphere is hammered to create specific notes, with a central opening, called the “gu,” that acts as a vibrating membrane and produces a distinctive sound when struck. The note layout is carefully designed to allow smooth, expressive musical exploration.
As soon as it appeared, the Hangdrum generated strong interest among musicians worldwide. Its enchanting sound, reminiscent of an exotic traditional instrument, drew artists from many backgrounds, from world music and electronic music to jazz and contemporary music.
Over the years, the Hangdrum has become a symbol of peace, spirituality, and connection with oneself and others. Many musicians have used the Hangdrum in therapeutic, meditative, and wellness settings, seeing it as a powerful tool for relaxation and healing.
Despite its growing popularity, Hangdrum production has remained limited because of the intensive handcrafting process required to make it. This has helped create an aura of mystery and exclusivity around the instrument, strengthening its appeal for music enthusiasts around the world.
In this way, the origins and history of the Hangdrum tell a story of creativity, ingenuity, and musical discovery, offering a bridge between ancestral traditions and contemporary musical expression.
How is a Hangdrum made, and what are its characteristics?
Making a Hangdrum is a complex artisanal process that requires both technical expertise and artistic sensitivity. Traditionally made by the Swiss company PANArt, each Hangdrum is the result of meticulous, passionate work.
The manufacturing process begins with the selection of high-quality steel sheets, usually made from a special alloy to ensure optimal resonance and good durability. These sheets are cut into two identical hemispheres, which form the upper and lower parts of the Hangdrum.
Each hemisphere is then meticulously hammered by hand to create concentric depressions, forming the instrument’s different notes. Craftspeople use special techniques to adjust the thickness of the steel and the depth of the depressions in order to obtain the desired tones.
At the center of each hemisphere is an opening, known as the “gu,” which is hammered to create a vibrating membrane. This membrane is essential for producing the Hangdrum’s distinctive sound when it is struck.
Once the depressions and openings have been formed, the two hemispheres are carefully assembled and welded together to form a single shell. Final adjustments are made to ensure that each note resonates in a balanced and harmonious way.
The characteristics of a Hangdrum vary depending on several factors, including its tuning, size, and design. Hangdrums can be tuned to different musical scales, such as pentatonic, diatonic, or natural scales, offering a wide range of sounds and musical possibilities.
In terms of size, Hangdrums can vary slightly in diameter and depth, which can influence their tone and touch response. Some Hangdrums also include special features such as harmonic notes, additional depressions, or artistic decorations.
In short, making a Hangdrum is a meticulous process that combines traditional craftsmanship, technical expertise, and artistic sensitivity to create a unique and captivating instrument, valued by musicians worldwide for its enchanting sound and ease of playing.
What are the different playing styles and techniques used with the Hangdrum?
The Hangdrum offers fascinating musical versatility, allowing a range of playing styles and techniques that captivate both novice and experienced musicians. Here is an overview of the main playing styles and techniques used with the Hangdrum:
- Bare-hand playing: The most common way to play the Hangdrum is to use bare hands to strike the notes. This approach allows great expressiveness and a direct connection with the instrument, while giving the player control over the dynamics and timbre of the sounds produced.
- Using sticks or mallets: Some musicians prefer to use sticks or mallets to play the Hangdrum, which can produce different tones and add a unique texture to performances. Rubber, felt, or wooden mallets are commonly used to obtain a variety of tonal nuances.
- Glissando and vibrato techniques: Experienced players often explore glissando and vibrato techniques to add expressive effects to their playing. These techniques involve gently sliding the fingers over the notes or applying variable pressure to modulate the sound and create interesting melodic effects.
- Using body percussion: Some musicians incorporate elements of body percussion into their Hangdrum playing, rhythmically tapping on their bodies while playing the instrument. This creates an immersive rhythmic effect and adds an extra dimension to the performance.
- Duo or group playing: The Hangdrum is also very well suited to duo or group playing, where several musicians can collaborate to create rich harmonies and complex rhythmic patterns. This approach encourages improvisation and collective musical exploration.
- Using extended techniques: Some musicians explore extended techniques such as tapping the notes, playing percussively inside the instrument, or using breathing techniques to produce harmonic and atmospheric sounds.
In short, the different playing styles and techniques used with the Hangdrum offer a diverse palette of musical expression, ranging from gentle meditation to captivating rhythmic energy. Musicians are encouraged to experiment and explore the endless possibilities offered by this captivating instrument.