Introduction to Hang Drums
Do you find yourself entranced by the hypnotic tones of the hang drum? This innovative percussion instrument is a constantly increasing international favourite, and it's not surprising. The beautiful resonating deep notes of tuning can send you to a peaceful place within your heart. Is one of these premium handpans what your collection is missing?
What is a Hang Drum?
A hang drum or handpan is one of the attractive percussion instruments developed in Switzerland. The hang drum is a UFO shaped metal instrument comprised of two half-shells with well-defined central note field created on one side and 7 to 9 tone fields around the circumference. Melodic sounds coming out from these note fields makes a profound impact in listeners soul when played with the hand.
History of Hang Drums
The hang drum was developed in the early 2000s by Swiss musicians and instrument-makers Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. Originally the "Hang" (pronounced hung), which means hand in Swiss German, soon became known for its distinct sound and looks. Over the years, since it originally appeared on the scene, there have been numerous manufacturers and artisans who created their spin-offs of the hang drum each with its flavor and tonal qualities.
Why You Should Own Hang Drum? Benefits of Playing Handpan
There are many more benefits of investing in a hang drum than just its use as an instrument. Some reasons to consider an instrument this captivating are;
Healing Properties: The calming vibes of the hang drum contribute to relaxation, stress reduction and improved health in general. The soothing vibrations of selenite also create a calm state that is conducive for meditation, another reason why they are great aids in mindfulness practices.
Instrument: The hang drum is a creative way to express yourself as an aspiring musician or seasoned pro. With its intuitive layout, you can get out your musical talents and burst into singing exercises without any experience in getting the job done-making it less demanding to wind up with a tune that sounds smooth.
It creates a unique sound : The one distinctive thing about hang drum is that it sounds different from other percussion instruments. With its ethereal sound hovered allows it to induce wide range of emotion & convert best with very different kinds music style in (Ambient, World Music)
The appeal to own a hang drum is irrepressible but there are few things that you should consider before Buying:
They are expensive to create and, in turn, the price for one is relatively high compared with other musical instruments. They do have cheaper alternatives like handpan drums or tongue drums that can still provide the playing experience.
Steep Learning Curve: While the hang drum is designed for absolute beginners, it can also be hard to master and you would need to practice a long way. Practice, practice and keep practicing Be ready to spend time to master your skills.
Hang drums are often bulky and heavy, making transportation and storage a challenge. SpaceAlthough not a primary concern, considering the size and weight of an omnichord can be beneficial.
Different Types of Hang Drums
With the huge popularity of hang drums, lots of manufacturers and artisan have given their own personal interpretation to this special instrument. Some of the more popular types you will come across include:
Handpan Drums: Created by a variety of manufacturers, these are essentially hang drums that each offer unique note layouts and material types for tonal variations.
Tongue Drums: Otherwise known as slit drums or tank drum, these are a single-field note of instruments where "tongues" or slits create different sounds when hit.
Halo Drums: These drums are round in shape and have halo like note fields arranged around making them sound a mixed bag of notes together.
Spacedrum: has a particular design, looking very much like an UFO and note fields are spiral-arranged.
Where to Buy a Hang Drum
With the growing need of hang drums, there are more and mountains high on sales they you can buy. Here are some common sources:
These are just a few ways to find your own if you can't come up with one right away: Online Retailers - There has been mushroom growth of online music stores selling hang drums, from various manufactures. This is simple and easier way to find models or compare them.
If you are lucky enough to have a local music store that stocks hang drums - or their earlier prototype, the Spacedrum by Metal Sounds - this obviously presents an opportunity to try one out first and make sure it suits your -needs.
Online Marketplaces: You can find handmade or used hang drums online from individual sellers and artisans on platforms like Etsy or eBay.
Hang Drum Buying Guide
Given the endless options for a new handpan, it is crucial to research and pay close attention before deciding towards purchasing.
Hang Drum sizes: Hang drums are available in several different dimensions including compact, journey scale versions and extended models with low tones. Choose size based on what your use and portability needs are.
Metal: Some of the metallic materials used in crafting hang drums include steel, nitrided steel and different sorts of alloys. Each possession provides a particular tone quality and resonance so that you should discern properly that is your preferred.
Note Configuration: The kinds and also the number of notes on a specific hang can affect array as well versatility for developing tunes. Rate the design of notes depending on how you play and what style do you want to pursue.
History of the Brand says a lot, Verify beforehand that you are making your investment in a well-established musical intrument. Read reviews, testimonies of other hang drum lovers.
You may find manufacturers and artisans who offer customization options for aesthetics wherein you can personalize its looks, or how the notes are arranged or anything else of it.
Look After The Hang Drum
To keep in shape and sound health your hang drum you must daily take care of it. Consider these tips to keep in mind:
Care & Storage Tips: Treat your hang drum with respect, and protect it from dings or bumps. Once you're finished with your new portable scanner, store it somewhere safe and dry - such as a case or padded bag.
When Not to Clean: You should never clean the drum surface with water or other liquids, as they can cause damage in a matter of time. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the instrument.
Climate Control: Hang drums can be sensitive to extreme temperature and humidity levels, which may throw them out of tune or otherwise affect their resonance. Try to keep your instrument in a common area like the living room where it is not stored away, and which has average temperature and humidity.
Professional Tuning and Repairs: If your hang drum is out of tune or needed to be repaired, you best get every a tuning technician for the handpan field service department (for which some manufacturers also have one)
Hang Drum Accessories
If you still want to improve your game without compromising what is imperative, below are some hang drum essential accessories that can enhance your gaming experience and make it last longer.
Some Cases or Bags, to Transport and Store your hang drum in a safe way (Cases/bags are very important for travel with the instrument, so it does not been damaged).
Mallets and Beaters: Even though hang drums are typically played using the hands, a few musicians sometimes prefer to use mallet points or beaters so that they experience different tonal quality or playing styles.
Stands and Mounts: Used to create a stable ergonomic playing platform, which reduces tension in the body making it easy for player to hit tones.
Amplification Equipment: If you are using your hang drum to perform or record, then make sure that this version of the handpan comes with amplifiers like microphone and speakers etc. for best quality sound output in air.
Hang Drum Playing Pointers
Even the hang drum is quite self-explanatory but in regards of perfectionism can be very complex and difficult. The following are some pieces of advice that will assist you in beginning and bettering your game :
Experiment with different Hand Positioning: Using various hand positions and strike methods creates many tones as well harmonics. - You can use the pads in your fingers to play with a soft touch, or even just let it rest on the sides of drums and gently hit it here and there, OR you could experiment with using your palms..genres like Congolese Rhumba will often have those slaps - other traditional drum corps might beat their kicks/knuckles for different accents/sounds.
Start with simple rhythmic patterns and increase the complexity as you become familiar to it. Use methods such as dampening & muting to achieve complex rhythmic textures.
Free Hang Drum Style: Let the Hang drum set you free to improvise and discover new ideas of music. Gotta have some creativity and not stray away from playing music in a weird way.
Regular Practice: To better at play the hang drums, more than natural talent with this incredible music instrument regular practice is a must! Make a Point to Practice Regularly One of the best things you can do for your voice is develop muscle memory, keep honing in on those moves (both physically and mentally) AND KEEP GROWING YOUR TUNE BASE.
Listen and Learn:Attend hang drum workshops, watch tutorial videos or ask a professional player for help to get better ideas about playing techniques.
Hang Drums FAQ
When you start discovering about hang drums, there will be a few questions which could come through your way. Below are some of the FAQs, along with their respective answers:
How hard are Hang Drums to learn?
Though the playing method for hang drums is a little more intuitive, honing this instrument takes time and practice to learn advanced techniques. Yet, beginners can also learn to make beautiful melody and rhythm producing music with dedication.
Is there any other instrument can be played with hang drum together?
Absolutely! Hang drums can blend in with a wide range of other instruments, so it will come as no surprise then that they are an interesting feature for both solo and group performances. Its versatile, high-quality textures are suitable for any style of music from ambience to world.
How many years does a hang drum serve, normally?
Taking good care of an hang drum can guarantee that it will last for several years. Lifespan is relative to the materials involved as well as how you play and what environmental factors are at work.
What is the age limit to play hang drum?
No, hang drums are for people of all ages. They appeal to children in particular and can start them on the road of being creative musicians.
Are hang drums good for therapy treatments?
Yes, hang drums sound very relaxing and meditative but also have been proved to be healing. They are so good at calming and healing the body that they can be used for music therapy or mindfulness practices as well.
Conclusion
The decision to start investing in a hang drum can be the beginning of a whole new exploration into music, your own creativity, and more. With this guide, you can weigh in all these factors before settling on a choice to get yourself the ideal hang drum that suits your artistic vision.
So keep in mind, the path with a hang drum is not only about learning how to play it effectively but also feeling its attracting sounds which leads you to total wellness and transformation. So, after all, whether you are an avid musician who seeks a new way of musical expression or just someone that embarks on yet another creative journey - let the captivating melodies these drums can produce guide your own path towards self-expression and inner peace.
