Like many other bloggers, I’m incurably self-obsessed, so I inevitably spend a large amount of time looking at my blog stats in WordPress. Recently, I noticed that a lot of people come to this blog to read my Hang Drum post. In fact, it’s one of the most popular posts on this blog.
Thanks to the magic of WordPress stats, I also noticed that these people have often found this blog by searching for “buy a hang drum”, “hang drum dealers” or similar. I expect that they’ll be disappointed with that post which is, essentially, a mild expression of interest in a unique and quirky instrument, rather than a How To guide.
Of course, I hate to disappoint, so over the past few days I’ve been trying to answer the question: how do you buy a hang drum? Unfortunately it looks like the short answer is: you can’t.
Here’s why: It turns out that a couple of guys in Switzerland — Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer — design and produce the hang themselves. Judging by what I’ve read on several other blogs and forums, these guys are only willing to make a “handful” of these instruments every year to order through their company, Panart. See this Metafilter post (and comments) for more details:
If you can make the trip over to Switzerland — and assuming they’re still making them — you can expect to pay upwards of US$500 for one. If not, forget it. Apparently, they set up a distribution network as well as a website (www.hang.ch – don’t bother going there; it’ll either give you a 404 or a filler search page) in the early days, but this was quickly overwhelmed by high demand. You may be able to find one or two on E-bay, but you should expect to pay a premium for them, as I indicated in my original post.
It’s actually incredibly difficult to find up-to-date information on the current situation, but it appears that they’ve either stopped producing the instrument, or are still making it in very limited quantities. Judging by the level of demand online, it’s highly unlikely that anyone outside a select few will be able to get their hands on one in time for Christmas 2007.
UPDATE: 26/08/2007: You’ll see that Michael from das hangblog has dropped by the comments section to helpfully give an updated picture of the hang-buying situation. Bottom line: you may be in with a chance of buying one next year — but you’ve still got to travel to Switzerland.
UPDATE: 24/04/2009: A hang drum fan called Tim has helpfully left a comment on the other hang drum post with some up-to-date information.
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97 responses so far ↓
I Want One - A Hang Drum « Burned At Both Ends // August 15, 2007 at 5:35 pm |
[...] post which is, essentially, a mild expression of interest in a truly unique instrument. Try reading my latest post for more information on why it’s so damn difficult to get hold of a hang [...]
Kampanart Buahombura // August 19, 2007 at 3:26 am |
Hello, I need to buy Hang drum. Is it possible to buy one.
Respected you,
Nart.
lostmoya // August 20, 2007 at 7:23 pm |
Sorry – I’m afraid I really don’t know any more than I wrote in the post above…
Michael // August 25, 2007 at 10:36 pm |
The hangmakers don’t build only “a handfull” of hanghang as you wrote. They build 400 to 500 hanghang in a year. This years’s production is already be spoken for, but there are good chances to purchase one next year, if you are able to travel to Bern. “How to buy a Hang” I explained in an article in my hangblog: http://www.hangblog.org/2006/11/27/how-to-buy-a-hang/
lostmoya // August 26, 2007 at 11:18 am |
Great! Thanks for the information, Michael, although the “handful” was a quote from the Metafilter comments, rather than my own words. In any case, it’s good to hear that those interested could be in with a good chance, if they’re prepared to travel to Switzerland.
christina // September 9, 2007 at 12:29 am |
you know what i’d really like to know? how come these Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer guys sell their idea to some big musical instrument company? i could understand if they didn’t want to, but if they did, they’d probably end up with a lot more cash if they were mass produced. not to mention, if they were mass produced, they’d probably be a bit cheaper since they wouldn’t be as hard to get a hold of, and people would actually be able to buy them without getting a passport, plane tickets to Switzerland and back, and $500. if i was them, i would have done that a year ago. whatever, their choice.
I shouldn't say.... // September 10, 2007 at 10:18 pm |
I can understand wanting to protect your unique idea; however, I feel that by not providing the drums to a larger number of people they are acting like elitist snobs.
This is sad… But amusing.
I really want a drum, and it will be even sweeter when I get one, due to its rarity and value.
It is too bad that everyone cannot have a hang drum. This is the makers choice, and they will ultimately be held accountable. If they keep making the drum more unique rare and valueable, it may be cheaper to just mount a small army of renegade Hessians and assaut their compound stealing the blueprints, the drums, and the drummakers.
having a damn drum is like finding a rare artifact what is the world coming too.
It may be worth the effort to begin experimenting with creation of these drums.
Better than international swiss prison.
I may just attempt to produce my own copy of the drum, and if I do, you can bet your ass I will be mass producing them. Then i will tell those elitist ass clowns they can shove it, while i make millions of their drums in a third world nation (mexico)
lostmoya // September 11, 2007 at 8:33 am |
Heh – I know what you mean. It does seem rather ridiculous that they don’t do mail order or something; it’s almost as if, by forcing buyers to go to their factory, they want to “show you” how precious these instruments are. In that light, it *is* a bit snobbish, and perhaps a little patronising.
On the flipside though, it’s sort of romantic and idealistic, and there’s precious little of that in the world these days…
Xstar // September 20, 2007 at 2:38 am |
Why can’t you just make one; after all isn’t that what they did?
gabriel // September 29, 2007 at 1:20 am |
How i can craft one?
adrian // October 6, 2007 at 3:30 am |
both sides of a 55 gallon drum welded together after tuning an inverted pan drum key it does not matter what tuning you use. Hey why not ???
loot // October 16, 2007 at 3:29 am |
2 peices of 1/8 inch steel/aluminium rolled out and welded cut hole hammer notes take a week even if u have to go to local body shop and get them to make basic shape. i think 55 gallon drum would be to thick and you wouldnt get a very good resonance from it
loot // October 16, 2007 at 3:31 am |
or even 1/16 inch would get a lot more sound and tone out of it
Christos // October 21, 2007 at 5:16 pm |
Hello everybody,
as soon as i realise that it’s so dificult to buy a hang
, i say LETS MAKE OUR OWN HANGS
I have alread start to make plans of the shape. What you need is 2 steel disks and then you start to bend.
It is difficult but not IMPOSSIBLE, as it is to buy one.
If anybody is interested to discuss the details of construction, email me please. I know i cannot do it by myself.
Christos // October 21, 2007 at 5:19 pm |
my email:
fastardo@gmail.com
lostmoya // October 21, 2007 at 5:26 pm |
Very generous of you, Christos. If you do end up making one, I’d be interested to read about it. Why not set up a website about it?
Yesi // October 21, 2007 at 10:02 pm |
Well, if you count that they make 500 per year for the price of 1200 euros, and I’d say that the materials cannot be more than 200 euros so they make 500 000 euros per year. That ain’t so bad for two people, if you invest the money it doesn’t take that many years to live with. Not everyone wants to be a millionaire.
christos // November 9, 2007 at 11:55 am |
it’s true yesi. those people are making lots of cash and i am sure the hung is based on a traditional drum shape and they evolute it. Does anyone knows somebody who has a hang and he/she is willing to post some detailed photos of the instrument? Also if anybody knows from which instrument does the hang emerged please post it.
David // November 18, 2007 at 1:20 pm |
Like many of you I’m frustrated by the difficulty in purchasing a Hanghang.
I first heard them about 6 months ago on the South Bank …first two were heard in an interesting ensemble playing Jazz inspired music then about an hour later a soloist on a bridge.
At the age of 60 I could still be moved by this ethereal sound… amazing reallyas I’m fed up with the way Steel Pans (from Trinidad) are presented as the only style of traditional Caribbean music.
At first I thought that the musician himself had taken a couple woks and welded them together and then tuned them!!!!!!!
I surmise that any attempt to truly reproduce the unique tones of these instruments will be (all but) impossible…..thus their rarity value will increase. I love the idea of the taking out of time to develop the idea. I wish our politicians could do like wise….. oops where did that spring from?
I am a lover of the Jaws Harp and understand there is a maker in Norway who only makes his wonderful instruments during the winter….order early is the advice.
Good news…… there is a steel pan maker who is looking into the making of (what I would call) copies.
Sam // April 24, 2009 at 2:16 pm |
There are many origins and styles of jaws harp. Bamboo ones from Phillippines, tiny but powerful metal ones from Indonesia where they have whole “orchestras”, and the larger more traditional metal ones from Europe made in different sizes (and keys) which travelled with them to North America and remained as still remains a part of traditional folk music I think all possible to get hold of. Ps I love hang drum too when I saw it a couple of years ago.
Robert // November 20, 2007 at 11:44 pm |
If it were as simple as hammering out some metal, I’d have done it already. There is a complex set of processes that they’ve developed to get that ‘warm’ sound of the Hang as opposed to the ‘bright’ sound of a steel drum.
Along with those processes are the experienced hands that are able to tune the Hang in such a way to produce the rich overtones.
But if you want a quick and cheap way to get something ‘Hang-like’ cut up an unfilled propane tank and make yourself a ‘Hank’ / Tambiro like Dennis Havlena has:
http://www.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/for-webpage-lp-hang.htm
Jesse // November 21, 2007 at 4:52 am |
I have heard some whispers of a major steel drum manufacturer looking into the hang and researching on its production. IF they decide to take it on then the hang might make a little hop toward semi-practical availability. I’ve lost the name of the steel drum company, but if you figure it out….let them know if you’re interested. They’re feeling out the market.
Crickett // November 24, 2007 at 4:37 am |
Check out Pantheonsteel.com, premier steel drum producers. They are taking email on people’s interest in hang drums. Something is in the works.
andy // November 30, 2007 at 5:47 pm |
hi dave
i too am a hang fan!!! I saw a guy playing one in barcelona last summer and have been trying to get hold of one every since.
and unfortunately I came to the same conclusion, not so hot. These guys are annoying non-commercially minded. But I will not give up the hunt, have already looked at a weekender to switzerland to grab one but tis a bit pricey!!! I still believe they’d be worth it, they sound amazing and look serious fun to play.
good luck to all potential hang drummers out there!!!
lostmoya // December 3, 2007 at 1:07 pm |
Good luck on your trip to switzerland, mate!
robert // December 11, 2007 at 8:33 am |
i accidentally found a website on the hang and saw a clip of someone playing one. i fell in love with it its amazing. i must own one. but i’ve asked around i even have family freind’s in switzerland and nothing. i saw one on ebay for 3600 us retarded amount of money. i am very heart broken since i am a 20 year old male that makes less then 20 000 a year and im a passionate drummer and i cant afford one . this suxs so im putting out a cry for a donation hang . lol.i know thats crazy but maybe crazy enough to work.
anish // December 17, 2007 at 9:21 pm |
i only wish to humbly and earnestly beg to the makers of the hang drum to make them available to all that crave for them, the world could do with peace wibes. it would be a better purpose surved to the invention of this ingenius instrument, to give people a reason to resonate in peace and live a life echoing the harmony of love. shanti
rob // January 8, 2008 at 5:51 am |
so reading all thes i am confused and also turned off by the anger and negative feelings towards the whole hang process and their makers…..i wrote them last august had an appointment by october and found felix and sabine to be most gracious interesting and the whole day there was like magic…..you cant just make these after seeing sabine and the process she goes through with each drum……its amazing and henceforth the magical sound……..they are really good people who are creating works of art and deserve our respect
lostmoya // January 8, 2008 at 9:32 am |
Thanks for the alternative view, rob. I think a lot of people are just frustrated that such a great instrument isn’t more readily available. However, it’s good to know that – if you are prepared to make the investment – you get an amazing experience as well as the hang itself.
Randy // January 9, 2008 at 10:06 pm |
Hi All!
I’m in the process of having a web site built to sell hang drums. The site should be finished in about a month or so,(early February).
My first offering will be plans on how to build a tube type hang drum. This unit has professionally designed and built, and is tuned to perfection. Each drum has its own minature drum head which creates incredible sound.
Second, there will be an optional bass unit that you can add on if you chose.
Next, I’m just starting work on building a “real” hang drum. Yes, the metal type.
Briefly, a metal hang drum is a self contained sound resonance bell or chamber. You can achieve different tones or sounds by heat shrinking select zones on the preformed drum shell. To make a pleasing tone without the metal ring, you need to add a beaded lip. This carries the sound around the drum and causes the whole metal shell to “resonate”. The metal ring is cancelled out due to the shape and sound cancelling effects of the drum skin, or surface.
My soon to be web site name will be http://www.myhangdrums.com
My contact will be info@myhangdrums.com
My current hotmail address is samariums@hotmail.com
Thank you all, Randy
Paul Mays // February 1, 2008 at 1:12 am |
Hello.. was looking around and found this version made by Tribal Thunder. It is a bit more stylized but the sound is nice. Still runs in the 600 buck range but they say they are ready to ship and even have em up on Ebay..
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZrandi25
Tribal Thunder Site
http://www.tribalthunder.com/
Paul Mays
Robert Jacobson // February 3, 2008 at 2:49 pm |
I’m wondering what the difference between a Pan drum and a Hang drum are??
RPJ
The WiZ // February 6, 2008 at 4:54 am |
The Tribal Thunder “Oscar” is actually much nicer sounding than the Hang…more melodic, much more portable and nicer to look at
Tribal Thunder are professional musicians and craftsmen – the “Oscar” is finely tuned and more akin to playing music on Tibetan bowls…this is actually a steel tongue drum and is easily playable by anyone with hands, fingers or mallets (included). You can also play full chords on this drum! Check out the sound samples on the website!
The drums are on at a promotional rate for $400 (CAD) at the website and handmade carry bags are available for $40
rockshiner // February 8, 2008 at 5:55 pm |
I actually have one of these elitist drums and i can assure you all of its wonder. Shame the cat knocked an ornament off the mantel that added an extra dent! I call it character and no interference with the resonance. My advice is…. if you get one, lose the ornaments or disappear the cat
Michael // February 10, 2008 at 12:50 pm |
Listening to the sound examples of the “Oscar” from Tribal Thunder and comparing it with the PANArt Hang videos you can find on You Tube you will find that saying “The Tribal Thunder ‘Oscar’ is actually much nicer sounding than the Hang” is a bold statement. I think everybody is able to form an own opinion.
Ko! // February 18, 2008 at 1:29 am |
I am in love with the hang drum also… i don’t have the $ to go get one, i wish they would be available for shipment.
the “oscar” doesn’t even come close.
-it sounds like someone banging on a propane tank.
chris // March 3, 2008 at 11:29 pm |
many people who can’t afford a real hang drum are checking out http://www.tribalthunder.com
They have a steel tongue drum that is amazing. Only 400.00 plus shipping and handling. They are selling like crazy.
Loren // March 13, 2008 at 3:20 pm |
there are instructions on how to make one – by the makers – here:
http://www.hangblog.org/panart/Paper-Hang-2007.pdf
Don’t know if this helps anyone, but thought I’d put it out there. It doesn’t look all that intuitive to me… but it could explain the steelpan makers’ initiative.
lostmoya // March 14, 2008 at 10:12 am |
That’s really useful. Thanks, Loren.
MelbaToast // March 25, 2008 at 6:35 am |
The Tribal Thunder Oscar is nothing more than a glorified “Hank Drum” (propane tank turned into a tongue drum). Check out hank drums on youtube and you’ll get the picture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP6YyP6Rs9g
They look exactly the same except the fancy purple paint job. Claiming that it sounds better than a hang is the most absurd claim a musician can make, so obviously you are listening to a capitalist. It is a SALES pitch to take advantage of those with hang fever.
Send out a letter to Felix and Sabina, and they will get back to you. You will have to wait a little, but you will be surprised at how fast you will get a hang. The quality is worth the patience and price. Stay away from the leeches, unless you like to lose blood. I hope I saved some of you from getting sucked in.
barry mason // April 24, 2008 at 10:00 am |
I have had my hang for just over 6 months now.
I only had to wait around 3 months from the date that I wrote a letter to Felix and Sabina to being invited over to the Hanghaus. I think I was lucky here as I know others who are currently waiting for longer!
The price of the hang includes the excellent case and backpack, as well as a couple of nights accommodation, food and drink. I think that this is a real bargain, considering the quality of the instrument. If you factor in the cost of a return air flight from just about anywhere in the world, it is still relatively cheap , in comparison with any quality instrument- check out the price of a good Spanish guitar, cello or saxophone….I’ve spent more on a couple of hand made cymbals!
But what makes the wait worthwhile is the chance to meet the makers, as well as other hang players; and to see the skill required to make one. The reason that they aren’t being “knocked off” in china or elsewhere is that they require many hours of highly skilled work to tune… I video’d Felix tuning one note, and this took the best part of an hour. I have also played the Tribal Thunder “hang” – it isn’t bad in its own right as a tongue drum , but has none of the magic or sublety of the real thing.
So , my advice is to get out your pen and paper and be patient. Having the HANG has opened many doors for me and making that journey was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
I’d be glad to communicate with any potential Hang players, if I can be of any help.
Barry
100th Post! (With Bonus Stats) « Burned At Both Ends // April 28, 2008 at 9:27 am |
[...] How (Not) To Buy A Hang Drum has been far and away my most read post, with a staggering (for me anyway) 5,919 hits. Not [...]
Broccoli // April 29, 2008 at 11:19 pm |
I don’t know if any of you remember the steel drums that were popular in the sixties, but, you can buy those, I’d bet. Even better, steel drums started out, originally, as 55 gallon containers, or drums! They’re usually played with soft rubber mallets and produce damn near the same tonal sound, although louder. I think you could play them with you hands ad fingers.
London Hang Drum Action « Burned At Both Ends // May 7, 2008 at 9:58 pm |
[...] If you’re one of the many people who come to this blog because you’re a fan of the hang drum, why not take a look at this short video I took on Saturday of a hang drum artiste in action [...]
RJakob // May 8, 2008 at 3:52 pm |
Peeps upset that these things aren’t mass produced have to get the Chinese knock off model of doing business out of their system. This isn’t two guys sitting in a cave making these things out of cookie sheets. They are expertly crafted, hand-made instruments with a lot of science involved to make them. Real musicians appreciate the care that goes into these. People who just want to impress their friends with something new want them cheap and accessible. This is why I suppose, it takes a letter and personal invitation to get one. It’s not just an instrument – It’s a piece of art.
Mushkalji // May 11, 2008 at 1:36 am |
I can’t believe all this griping over a hand built, unique musical instrument. The amount – when you contrast it with other instruments – is actually very reasonable. (Tried buying a decent Gibson Les Paul lately?)
These guys are artists who obviously CARE about their creation. The fact that they have asked purchasers to agree to a first right of return at the purchase price so they can stop ebay idiots and others shooting up the price is an indication that it’s NOT ABOUT THE MONEY.
Instead of bitching and moaning – and efforts to RIP THEM OFF by making hack versions for sale on the web – people should practice the art of PATIENCE and show some RESPECT to the creators of this instrument.
I think it’s an incredible instrument, at a reasonable price and worth the wait. …Unless you’re some Y-Gen “I want it now for free!” cry baby.
Okay, enough ranting. My regards and apologies to the GOOD people out there.
Mushkalji
Seekwhensir // May 23, 2008 at 4:35 am |
Nice, build it yourself is what I say. Originality.
tatalato // June 4, 2008 at 10:38 pm |
Thanks for the blog entry, it was quite helpful in confirming some confusing information on how to obtain a Hang Drum. I respect the creators as artists, but I definitely understand the frustration that many like myself, feel in the difficulty of buying this instrument. I’ve heard the hang drum being played on youtube by some lucky few. I personally would rather have the original than a copycat version of the drum. However I don’t think the creators will mass produce the instrument anytime soon if not at all. Therefore I am sad to say, I will probably never get one as I am not rich enough to travel to Switzerland. The cost of a plane ticket, plus the cost of the drum itself, plus the fact that you might not even get one cause there are only a limited amount sold….let it sink in, the word NEVER is strong. It breaks a musician’s heart. Maybe one day when I’m successful I will get a hang drum as a wedding gift to my husband…who is a passionate percussionist, just so I can listen to him play it from the comfort of my home.
TamarGirl // June 19, 2008 at 11:51 am |
I’ve just heard a home made Hang-style drum. Made from 2 woks joined together, not just the thin kind you find, but a thicker metal. The makers are still working out the tuning of it, though. But it can be done!
meysam // June 22, 2008 at 10:31 pm |
hi
i wanna make HUNG DRUM by myself
any body can gide me please?:D
Emy // June 26, 2008 at 3:58 pm |
I have an idea: if i construct my own hang drum with a wok? The base + the cap. One hole on the base and then tunning the cap making the domes with a rubber hammer. To tune it testing the size of the domes with an electronic tunner (used for tunnig the guitars). How do u thing? It will be possible?
Nelson // July 2, 2008 at 3:16 pm |
If these swisss guys don’t patent and sell their idea fast to an instrument maker, you can bet that in a year we’ll be seeing the Chang Drum coming out from Hong Kong to a music store near you, and for $200.
Mick // July 3, 2008 at 2:20 am |
I am the proud owner of an Oscar – just purchased it a week ago. The Oscar is made by Tribal Thunder who has been mentioned in this blog both positively and negatively. I agree that everyone has their preference, mine is positive.
I have been playing percussion/drums for 20+ years and I am very impressed with the Oscar. I have viewed a few videos on line of people playing it and the quality of the recordings are poor – you need to here one live to appreciate the sound. Oscars literally sing in many beautiful tones. Get a few in the room together and you will get lost in the music – very soothing.
I had the opportunity to go to the shop where they are built by hand, great care and patience is put in to these by real musicians. I think it is awesome to see such a wonderful instrument being made here in Canada; we really need to stop buying so much foreign product before we are all out of work!
kaspa // July 11, 2008 at 10:04 pm |
ive written them 2 lettes and they replyed to the 1st one saying they arnt making them at the mo
but they might in 2009
and ill have to go to switserland, fuck it i aint got the money but ill get a loan once i have it its done
eh, you lot hsould stop being so lazy and snail mail them if you want something bad enough you can get it by putting in the effort.
64
chrissa // August 4, 2008 at 11:19 am |
where can i go and finally find them!
i really want to find a hang drum
please if anyone can give infirmation send a message.
thank you
chrissa // August 4, 2008 at 11:21 am |
can somebody give directions for buying hang drum? telefon number adress of them?
lostmoya // August 13, 2008 at 8:51 pm |
Here’s another, much more informative post about hanghang (includes contact details):
http://rexton.wordpress.com/2007/03/24/hanghang-plural-of-hang-drums/
Hackzeus // August 29, 2008 at 3:47 pm |
Hang makers are ELITIST… they sold 4.300 units at the end of 2005, just take your calculator and think about this… 4.300 hangs x 900 euros = 3.870.000 euros!!!!
So they are not elitist? Why they don’t teach how to make hangs to other persons? … easy answer >>> MONEY!!
The hang is beautiful and incredible instrument, but the creators are now RICH and also elitist.
By the way don’t buy hangs on ebay (about 3.000 $) minimum, some bids are fake, or extremely abusive prices.
Good luck trying to get a hang and making rich Feliz and Sabina.
Bye
Hackzeus
anne // August 31, 2008 at 10:24 pm |
right well im off to switzerland and will return with a hang!
at some point
Hackzeus // September 2, 2008 at 9:58 pm |
Check this hang on ebay… GOOD LUCK!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&item=320294071518
Hackzeus
ollie // September 15, 2008 at 5:05 am |
Damn….a want it one…but from the blogger info it hard to get it..how possible i can get it…plz help!
ollie // September 15, 2008 at 5:07 am |
wow! it so expensive…sob..sob..
Morph // September 18, 2008 at 11:02 pm |
I hate to sound like a philistine but this is all bullshit!
How can you justify deliberately limiting the availabilty of a musical instrument. I’m sure making these drums is a craft but it isn’t art and it ain’t rocket science.
These swiss guys need to start expanding production and stop cock-teasing! Sorry if i sound crude and bitter but i want one and i resent having to wait and jump through hoops to get one. When I bought my stratocaster did Fender make me write a begging letter, wait a year and then travel to the USA to pick it up from the factory in person?
These guys have created something wonderful and i can understand them feeling a bit possesive of their baby but it’s time to stop being so precious and share this magical instrument with the world (or at least me).
If anyone has a Hang , knows where I can get one, knows anyone producing copies or is just willing to let me play with their’s for half an hour, please get in contact. I really want to play!!!
Mr-Yellow // October 2, 2008 at 12:18 pm |
I don’t get it…..
They make pan steel drums on small poor islands outta 44gal drums, why is this any different or harder?
Randall // October 23, 2008 at 4:34 am |
(sigh) Thanks Loren, for your link.
Yes, it is hard to make one, really not impossible,
but on that pdf we get both sides of the same coin everyone speaks about here: It is not intuitive IF you don’t know the terms thrown around, and which are valid science of acoustics, metallurgy, and and chemistry/metal working.
The other side is “mojo factor” terms which
are based in marketing, even though they may be totally believed by those who use them.
This is an area which depicts pretty much
the WHOLE market place of musical instruments, primarily vintage gear,
from the cellular changes in cellulose in a genuine strad, from the stock floating around in the Danube , to a ‘59 Les Paul, or a Hang.
And the Mojo can be both true, and opinion
at the same time.
From the PDF Loren provided, I’m sure I could produce one because as a musician and one whose made jewelry, I understand the terms used.
Check out mokume gane jewelry, which draws
on a lot of metallurgy, then uses Basic Creativity
to make Art.
Mokume gane is Visual, Hang is Aural.
Nice thing to read.
James // October 28, 2008 at 12:44 pm |
I saw a guys hang drum in Paris and it had Yamaha engraved into the side!
J
David // November 9, 2008 at 8:54 pm |
I’d like to buy 2 of these Hang Drums, but ONLY direct from the source of the original makers.
If anyone can direct me how to contact the original makers, please let me know.
Message me at walkingmiracleman at gmail dot com
I have no problems flying to the site where it is made. Thank you!
dallen // November 17, 2008 at 2:48 am |
i have bene trying to make a hang drum out of two woks and it seams to be working as long as i put as much time and pricision into it as possible. although it has been hard to find measurments for the entire thing i have managed most of it other than the complicated tuning. i have looked up how to make a semi wanna be hang called a hank or an oscar drum out of a propain tank, and i have thought if i made the simple “hank” drum out of the thinner metal that woks are made out of if it would have a more intense or definate sound to it. i am going to do some experimenting and in the mean time if anyone has any input it would be helpful. HeckYes3@hotmail.com
rachael // November 24, 2008 at 4:09 pm |
Hi all… I have been waiting patiently, too, and understand the frustration. I am so obsessed I almost wish I had never had the pleasure of knowing such a beautiful instrument existed, and likewise knowing that its purchase is difficult. I wish there was a website that could show 3-imaging of the drum making process ( for the true hang, not the propane). In my mind, it seems like it is simple, but I have watched enough video footage of people who have made steel drums ( which by construction is probably easier), and the tuning process for any of these kinds of drums is exceptionally difficult, even for the people who know what they are doing. In a way, I do understand the Swiss craftsman’s desire to not want to mass produce. If I had made something that unique and beautiful, I would want to personally meet the people I was selling to. Its almost like an adoption or something… knowing that the drum WILL be loved, played correctly, and fully appreciated by the purchaser. They apparently don’t wish to cheapen their craft by allowing mass production. Cheapen meaning, taking away the beauty of the craft, which I am certain is a deep pleasure for them. Every drum made is personalized and unique, made just for the person purchasing. Being that I do a lot of arts and crafts as well, I also like to know who it is going to, to meet them, so I can see how much they appreciate my work. Perhaps what we as long awaiting hang owners should do is send a letter or two to the hang makers requesting hangs made for purposes greater than our own interest. Ask them if they wouldn’t mind making a hang for the purpose of being used in some kind of charity. If they were associated with a charity, perhaps people would be able to make donations for hang purchase. Playing music in hospitals for sick or elderly, or raising money for diseases that we fight every day. It is a concept that is not unreachable, and could be started by anyone. Just an idea.
rachael // November 24, 2008 at 4:13 pm |
By the way, if anyone is interested in starting such a charity ( I think it could work), let me know. My email is shalom@c-tzar.com
Carlos // December 17, 2008 at 7:53 pm |
I am a clear believer in the manifestation of my intentions. I want a Hang Drum and I will have one soon. No, I am not a millionare. I understand the way these people work and others do and will too. The sound is incredibly rare and beautiful. Gets in your soul not only in your ears.
And no, it is not a Fender product or a chinese scam. Have the spirit to work and wait for it.
I do not think they will go for the charity either.
That is not their purpose.
If a Hang is to get into your experince, it will.
Failtelorn // December 25, 2008 at 1:08 pm |
LostMoya, I just want to say thank you for opening up this discussion. On some level, I kinda of want to apologize for the folks that aren’t even bothering to read any of the comments before posting theirs “how do I buy one” or the comments about the artists being elitists. I know it’s not my fault people aren’t paying the least bit of attention to what’s being written, but the feeling is still there.
I appreciate the fact that you’ve opened the door for the few informed individuals to share their knowledge of the very beautiful instrument the artists are making.
Best wishes and the Light of Love to you in the coming year…
lostmoya // December 26, 2008 at 11:12 am |
Failtelorn, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you’ve found this post and the surrounding discussion helpful. All the best for you in the new year.
Sunryze // December 26, 2008 at 7:44 pm |
ahhh such a sound……thank you for this website such a wonderful place to read.. when these creations become ready i do believe a beautiful sound will be heard world round.
untl then i listen with awe.
And Wait………..
Virginia Jackson // January 4, 2009 at 1:15 am |
There’s a hang drum for sale on ebay right now if anyone is interested. Check it out at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160307986340
Matt Reed // January 14, 2009 at 1:47 am |
Hey guys, there is another hang drum on e-bay…
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160309886821&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:AU:1123
unquietvisions // February 8, 2009 at 5:22 am |
I just stumbled across a hang being played on youtube while looking for something else.
To say I am enchanted by the sound of these things is an understatement. I literally sat here with my jaw on the desktop listening to some audio clips of a hang being played. Goosebumps covered both arms for a half hour.
There is certainly something magical with the sound these make, it’s such a sweet, mellow sound.. they’re just amazing. I would love to sit on a mountaintop and serenade Mother Nature, I’m sure she’s be grinning as much as I am listening to these being played.
I have never been so enchanted by a musical instrument before, I am lusting for a hang drum. Lusting.
I will never be able to own such an amazing instrument, but I do hope to run into someone playing one somewhere before I die, so I can hear the sound in person. It’s got to be amazing..
j // February 25, 2009 at 2:46 am |
How marvelously wonderiffic that these fellows have inspired such passion with some hammered steel! Most of us (it sounds like) have only seen/heard them on crappy-quality YouTube videos and all of us seem enamored!
I look forward to dedicating myself and my work to achieving my goal of traveling to Berne/Switzerland with thousands of dollars to purchase my first Hang Drum!
May it be used for the benefit of all beings everywhere!
InJoy!
Love!
j
nate // March 1, 2009 at 4:51 am |
i am thinking about taking two steel woks and welding them together but i dont know hwo they get the sound by hitting the little buttons i know u can kind of get a similar sound out of tongue drums but idk how to do the buttons
ricardo malman // March 7, 2009 at 6:21 pm |
i still have one hang drum for sale…..
please contact me at;
ricardomalman@yahoo.com
thanks
Anysia Wurst // March 8, 2009 at 1:08 am |
My teacher for steel drum class has made his own version of a hang drum. It is called the Halo. It is tuned in an akebono scale. It took him and his partner over a year to make it. He is selling them for $1,500. If you are interested in this than contact me at anysia_wurst_23@hotmail.com
Veruca Salt // March 11, 2009 at 3:30 am |
these hang drum makers are fuckers. damn it! I feel like Veruca Salt from willy wonka and the chocolate factory…. and I am screaming at the top of my lungs for a golden egg!!!! GIVE IT TO !!!! NOWWWWWWWW!!!!!
Kasia // March 31, 2009 at 12:01 am |
hello from Poland,
YES, I want to buy a hang drum too.
But, when I was looking for it, I foun few similar products. All of this drums sounds great but not the same.
I think about buying one from this www:
http://www.1tone.co.il/
What do you think, is it good sound?
About “real” hung drum, I am disappointed of form of selling this instruments. With all respect for framers, but why we (musician) have to send letters, requests etc. to qualify to buy one? I know it’s piece of art for them, but for musician it’s instrument. For musicians INSTRUMENT is really important (most important), because they can make their art – MUSIC for people.
In spite of all, I am going to write a letter to them. I know, I’ll take my hang in months, but… at least my trip to Swetzerland will not be so expensive. I live in Europe and I can go there by my car. But this is not good way for most musicians who wants to play on hang.
Now I’ll try to satisfy myself by buying a hang from 1Tone.co.il.
hamid // March 31, 2009 at 4:19 pm |
im living in belaruss how i can bay hang?
.hamidadashi@yahoo.com
plz help me
Kasia // April 2, 2009 at 9:46 am |
Hamid you should go to Switzerland
ricardo malman // April 2, 2009 at 6:39 pm |
Hamidadashi, i still have two hang drums and will sell one.Write me back at ricardomalman@yahoo.com
jcin88 // April 12, 2009 at 10:09 pm |
Hey guys! Has anyone checked this http://www.1tone.co.il/ site out? just looking for an opinion on how the Eclipse compares to the Hang Drum, I understand the Hang Drum quite unmatched considering each is custom made, but I’m thinking this site may be a worthy alternative to traveling all the way to Switzerland. The site itself is quite mesmerizing, so I have some confidence in the eclipse already, but I like to do lots of extensive research before online purchases.
Anyone have any opinions of this site? even if you’re only viewing it for the first time, please email me at jcinquemani@southern.edu. Thanks!
zellessortief // April 13, 2009 at 10:54 pm |
Does anyone knows what should we expect in 2010? they promise more problems on wall stree? I are heading toward dipression?
Kasia // April 14, 2009 at 6:59 am |
jcin88 I’ve already wrote about http://www.itone.co.il and I’am going to buy their drum. I will wait for it, but only few weeks and without trip
.
.
You know what… It’s really sad that we can’t get hang drum. There is a lot of musicians in Poland who wants to play on hang and they can’t. It’s for chosens and not necessary for musicians
alves peterssen ricardo // April 14, 2009 at 9:44 am |
HI ANYONE…MY MEDITATION GROUP HAS 3 HANG DRUM FROM THE YEAR 2007, WE ARE SEELING TO ACQUIRE A NEW ONE IN BY THE END OF THIS YEAR .WE SELL THOSE FOR THE SAME PRICE WE DID BUY.1200EUROS.
CONTACT ME AT
ALVESRICARDO4448@YAHOO.COM
M Ulissi // April 22, 2009 at 5:44 am |
I’m responding to year, or 2 year old posts in this.
I want a hang drum myself, but I fully understand why they have not sold their design to a bigger company. A cheaper hang drum, would be just that. Cheaper. In case that went over your head, the quality would be what you pay for.
They keep it personal and to a set amount so that a) they can be sure the instrument is being created correctly, b) their customers get a peice of art as well as an instrument and c) that they have some amount of free time, which isn’t too much to ask I don’t think.
From everything I’ve read about this instrument, it’s creators care about it’s quality greatly, and want it to retain it’s character, and once again, I can’t blame them.
People have made imitation models, and posted pictures/tutorials. I don’t know if they’re still around, but I distinctly recall one being made of a used propane tank.
I can only hope to own one of these some day, and I’m willing to go to Switzerland for it. It’d make my appreciation of the instrument that much greater to have to go to those lengths to acquire it.
martin // April 30, 2009 at 2:19 pm |
hiya! i saw a hang for sale at knock on wood music store in leeds, must have been 6 years ago. 3 hunred and odd quid..should of got it shouldnt i? would have been a pro by now. Gutted.
bob // May 13, 2009 at 9:17 am |
there s something I dont understand…
why would the manufacturer not care at all about market demand? if you develop a successful product, you just want to meet the demand , make more money and become well-known. or what??
Soffia // May 15, 2009 at 6:24 pm |
Hi I’m an owner of a 1tone steel tongue drum, and it’s a good musical instrument… It must be re tuned by using a little magnets because it’not perfecly tuned…but the sound is great… ‘ got also a Milltone drum and it’s a wonderful instrument… with a very interesting tuning.
Now I’m waitin’ for a Halo (and at the moment is the best alternative of the Hang) If you want you can write to the pantheon steel and make a down payment of 250 dollars (the final pirce in 1500 USD including shipment) and then wait…. There’s another belldrum makers and it’s instrument is beautifull…try to go on http://www.bellart.es there are some videos…
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!
John // May 20, 2009 at 3:45 am |
I didn’t read all of the comments, so I don’t know if anyone else posted this, but i’d recommend the Halo. I’m in line to get one right now, and i’d say it’s as good as the hang
I’m on the waiting list right now for one, getting mine in september. I’d really recommend checking out the site
http://halo.pantheonsteel.com/
davdo // May 23, 2009 at 9:25 am |
hello there. well, i wrote a letter 1 mounth ago and i do not have problem waiting for hang, i just wondering that is it for sure that i will get one of those someday? thanks and sorry because my bad english. greets from croatia.
alejandro // June 5, 2009 at 2:12 am |
good…