The Difference Between Handpan and Hang
Handpans and hangs are captivating musical instruments that produce enchanting sounds, but they are often confused due to their similar appearance and origins. Whether you’re new to these instruments or looking to deepen your understanding, this article explores the key differences and similarities between the handpan and the hang. you cann see some the best Iranian Handpan on panoora shop.
What is a Handpan?
A handpan is a steel percussion instrument shaped like a flying saucer. It is played by gently striking its surface with hands or fingers, producing melodic, resonant tones. Handpans were inspired by the hang but have evolved to become a widely popular instrument globally.
What is a Hang?
The hang (pronounced “hung”) is the predecessor to the handpan, invented in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt in Switzerland. The hang was the first instrument of its kind, offering a unique combination of steel drum acoustics and meditative qualities. It was produced in limited quantities and is no longer in production.
Key Differences Between Handpan and Hang
difference Origins and Makers
Hang: Invented by PANArt in Switzerland; first introduced in 2000. Limited production makes it a collector’s item.
Handpan: Emerged as a derivative of the hang in the early 2000s. Today, numerous makers worldwide produce handpans.if you want to Buy professional Handpan you can find this on panoora
difference Design and Materials
Hang: Made using nitrided steel like the best beginners handpan with a distinctive dome-like design. Its tuning and crafting process are highly meticulous.
Handpan: While inspired by the hang, handpans come in a variety of shapes and materials, offering more diversity in sound and construction.
difference Sound Characteristics
Hang: Produces a warm, harmonic resonance with deep overtones. It is known for its iconic “halo” sound.
Handpan: Offers a broader range of tones and scales. Its sound can vary depending on the maker and tuning style.
difference Availability
Hang: Rare and no longer in production. Finding a hang usually requires purchasing from collectors.
Handpan: Widely available, with many options to choose from at different price points and quality levels.
difference Price
Hang: Extremely expensive due to its rarity. Prices can range from $5,000 to over $10,000.
Handpan: More affordable, with prices typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.
Playing Experience
Playing a Handpan
Handpans are intuitive and easy to learn, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike. The player strikes the surface gently with hands or fingers to create melodic rhythms. The instrument is versatile, suiting various music styles from meditative to experimental.
Handpan or Hangdrum Playing ?
Playing the hang requires precision and a delicate touch. It has fewer scales and variations than handpans, but its sound is iconic and deeply resonant. Due to its rarity, playing a hang is considered a unique experience.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Handpans have gained immense popularity globally, appearing in street performances, yoga sessions, and even professional recordings. In contrast, the hang holds a legendary status in the music world due to its exclusivity and historical significance.
Choose Handpan Or Hangdrum
When to Choose a Handpan
If you’re looking for an accessible instrument with diverse options.
If you want to explore various scales and sounds.
If budget and availability are important considerations.
When to Choose a Hang
If you’re a collector or professional musician seeking a rare and iconic instrument.
If you value exclusivity and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
While handpans and hangs share similarities, their differences make each unique. The hang remains a rare and cherished instrument, while the handpan offers accessibility and versatility for musicians of all levels. Whether you’re drawn to the legendary status of the hang or the evolving innovation of the handpan, both instruments promise a magical musical journey.
The Similarities Between Handpan and Hangdrum
The world of percussion instruments is vast and diverse, offering a variety of sounds and playing styles. Among the most captivating instruments in recent years are the handpan and the hangdrum. Though these two instruments may appear similar at first glance, they have distinct histories, sounds, and construction techniques. However, despite these differences, there are several key similarities that link them together.
1. Origins and Development
Both the handpan and the hangdrum share a similar origin story. The hangdrum, which was created in Switzerland in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt, was the precursor to the handpan. The handpan was inspired by the design and structure of the hangdrum, but it is produced by different manufacturers and has evolved in terms of materials and construction methods.
2. Construction and Design
The design of both instruments is quite similar, characterized by a large, concave steel shell with multiple tone fields or “notes” that produce different pitches when struck. Both instruments have a circular shape and are played with the hands or fingers, allowing for a more intimate and expressive performance. The steel used in both the hangdrum and handpan is carefully tuned to create harmonic overtones and a resonant sound that distinguishes these instruments from other percussion instruments.
Despite their shared design elements, there are slight differences in how the instruments are built. The hangdrum features a more “U” shaped steel shell, while the handpan typically has a deeper, more pronounced dome shape. These subtle differences affect the acoustics and the playing experience of each instrument, but the visual and functional similarities are immediately noticeable.
3. Playing Technique
Both instruments are played in a similar manner, requiring the performer to use their hands and fingers to strike the tone fields. The sound is produced by tapping, drumming, or striking specific points on the instrument’s surface. This hand-based playing technique is one of the most defining features of both the handpan and the hangdrum, as it provides a more tactile and dynamic experience compared to traditional percussion instruments. ( Buy 17 notes handpan )
The technique of playing both instruments involves tapping with varying pressure and speed, allowing the musician to create a wide range of tones, from soft and melodic to more percussive and rhythmic. Both instruments also have a unique ability to produce resonating overtones, giving them a rich, multi-layered sound that has made them popular among musicians and listeners alike.
4. Sound and Tone
Perhaps one of the most notable similarities between the handpan and the hangdrum is their sound. Both instruments are known for their ethereal, melodic, and soothing tones. The sound produced by both instruments has been described as a combination of steel drum and tabla, with a warm and harmonic resonance that is captivating to the listener.
The handpan and hangdrum are capable of producing a wide variety of sounds, from deep, resonant bass notes to higher-pitched, shimmering tones. This versatility allows musicians to explore a range of musical genres and create unique compositions. The tone of both instruments is influenced by the number of notes or tone fields, their placement, and the overall tuning of the instrument.
5. Popularity and Appeal
The handpan and hangdrum have gained a significant following in recent years, thanks to their captivating sound and the growing interest in unique, world music instruments. Both instruments are often used in solo performances, as well as in group settings with other musicians. Their distinctive sound has also made them popular in meditation and relaxation music, where their soothing tones provide a calming atmosphere.
Their popularity has only grown with the advent of online platforms such as YouTube, where musicians and enthusiasts can share their performances and connect with others. This has led to a growing community of handpan and hangdrum players, each contributing to the ongoing evolution of these instruments.
Conclusion
While the handpan and hangdrum may differ in certain aspects of their construction and design, they share many similarities that make them both unique and captivating instruments. From their shared origins to their playing techniques, sound, and appeal, these two instruments have become integral to the world of modern percussion. Whether you’re a musician looking to explore new sounds or a listener captivated by the resonant tones of these instruments, both the handpan and hangdrum offer a truly enchanting musical experience.