Hang
Monday, May 31st, 2004
The “hang” (pronounced “hung”) is a (relatively) new musical instrument that sounds like a hybrid steel drum and gamelan (a Thai xylophone). It is played with the hands or mallets (or whatever) on the lap or a stand and is tuned to make a variety of sounds depending on where it is hit. Hang means “hand” in the Bernese language.
It is made by a swiss company Panart but their web site is now down and they are only making a limited number of instruments duing part of the year. This is an exciting instrument so there should be a used market for it.
If you read down this rather long thread you’ll see that you can purchase a new hang by making an appointment with Hanghouse, traveling to Switzerland and… well, read the comments for more on this.
hi ! how and where can i get and buy a hang ??
please…thank you
If you’re in the US:
Ron Kravitz
musicinthemoment at earthlink dot com
Not sure about overseas but you could ask Ron.
I need know how i can buy or win a hang, i say win because the price i see in inet are not accesible 4 me… sorry 4 my english i can go to Bern if that is necesary… how many cost the hang in Bern? because in inet are 589$… kisses
Im from Barcelona (Spain) and my english is not very good, is better that, than nothing.
PLs, answer me in my mail
I can’t tell you how to win one but buying one means coughing up about $500 US.
I have a hang drum and I can tell you I am in love with it. It is an amazing drum, and I use a lot of my tabla finger technique on it and am learning how to get more and more sounds out of it. If you can aford it, you will not regret getting one. So call Ron Kravitz at 215-233-0777 or go to http://www.musicinthemoment.com or e-mail him at: musicinthemoment@earthlink.net.
Scott: The question is, which one to get? There are so many choices and it’s not easy to compare them at the site. What kind do you have and do you play it with other instruments, like drums?
Richard-You are correct, it is difficult to choose which scale to get. The Hang Drum I have now was chosen for me by Ron, and it is the Japanese scale: Banshiki-Cho/Yue-Diao scale, which it turns out I like and other musicians also have no trouble playing with. I would like to get another one, and I admit I agonize over which scale to get. I am leaning toward a Dorian scale. It will be awile before I can afford to get another anyway, so maybe by next year I will decide.
Right now I am having fun using it with my Roland loop station with it. -Scott
Scott: thanks for the report. One of these days I’m gonna get one of those things as they’re quite amazing.
I have one (Dorian) and I love it. I have just discovered that marimba mallets coax the sweetest tones out of it..
I just yesterday recieved email from Ron Kravitz that the makers have decided not to distribute these worldwide. Meaning, they have become much rarer all the sudden.
You’d have to pry mine out of my cold dead hands…
Peace all,
m
Marga: Darn, I was hoping to get one someday and I too like the sound of them with mallets; the time I borrowed David Darling’s hang I played it with my hands and with various mallets and the mallets were easier to aim at the sweetest spots (for me).
I had the hardest time figuring out which model I wanted and that gave me pause a few years ago. Each one is great in its own way but it’s hard to imagine how they might work with other instruments (for me).
Yep, I know of which you speak. All those scales and tunings to choose from, make for a very tough choice.
I think the Dorian was the first in the list on Ron’s hang shop site. I always felt a bit bourgouise picking the first one.. But, dorian is where its at, baby. Plain and simple.
How about a chromatic instrument – I would wager an eliptical or rectangular drum would sound OK , or better. Not as pretty but no modal lockage.
May the Gu be with you,
Mark of Austin.
what a feeling it is to be a hang owner and player….i have worked hard over the last few months to explore the range of tones that i can get from my yu diao high hang. it amazes everyone i play it to..i teach music and art workshops and playing this is an amazing ice breaker.
words of warning………if you dent your hang its a complete disaster and tears will follow! theres nothing worse than a bum note!
in2nation: dang, a bent hang. Sounds bad.
I got china pentatonic scale, and i can recomend it.c, es, f, g, hes.every musician can play with it. i tried with viola, guitar, clarinet, voice…souds great
Milos: Fantatsic. Thanks for the recommendation. I wasn’t sure which model to get as they all sound great to me.
I want to sell to of my hangs (i have four of this wonderfull instruments): a blues-scale and a greek-scale (segiah). i can send them nearly everywhere. im living in switzerland, the hangs are nearly new and without damage. perhaps there is interest here? in switzerland the hangs are not known, so they are hard to sell, only to insiders etc. sorry, if this annoucenment is not allowed in your blog, buts its nearly the only site about hangs i can find in google. have wonderful day out there and thanks a lot: Kai
Kai, No problem posting a for sale here, especially on a hang which is an unusual instrument.
I might be interested in the blues scale model, send me an email at richard at richardsnotes dot org and let’s talk about it.
Kai, if you still have the blues hang please post I would like to talk to you about it.
Shaun
Hey i am interested in buying a hang please e-mail me if u have one to sell at clive.wetherill@wbs.co.za please want one soon please incl price thanx angelique
Hi kai,
Do you still have your instruments for sale – I am interested to buy one. Would you send it to Australia.
PLease email me ashbykaren@yahoo.com.au
Perhaps there is someone else out there that wants to sell a hang.
Hope so !
Hi Basil here, i’ve been searching for a hang for years now and could never find one on the net because i thought it was called a ”hong” HA HA LOL!!….please could someone help me with info on how to buy one, i live in the U.K and have searched in many music stores with no luck.
cheers Basil
Greetings All,
Heard my first Hang just yesterday — and like many of you would love to live with one of my very own — I’m truly mesmerized and excited.
Any for sale? Anywhere?
many thanks,
bri
lotusphire@yahoo.com
hi Kai,
I would am very interested in purchaseing a hang from you.
please, email me your info. je_co@att.net
James USA
Hi i heard my first Hang been played today and really would like one, and now that i have searched the net for one i see how hard they are to get.
I think i would like to get a china pentatonic scale.
If any one no’s were to get one or is selling one please email me.
Diarmuid.ds1@gmail.com
Thanks Diarmuid
Aloha all–
I too am interested in acquiring a Hang of ANY tuning. Please contact me at kmroddy@gmail.com
Hooked on hang. I heard a hang. I NEEEED a hang. Im traveling in europe right now and have two weeks of extra time at the end of the journey to go anywhere the wind blows me. It sounds too perfect. In understanding the recent rareness of these heavenly instruments, I would like to go to the source. Where in Switzerland do I go? Somebody, anybody, please!! Guide me to one of these so that I may then guide those beutiful, spine tingling, toe popping sounds out of the hang. The hang NEEDS me.
ok. im so spun on hang, I didnt leave an email.
smileatblee@hotmail.com
where in switzerland do i get one’
I just heard the hang performed in New York. I am a percussionist and pianist and I would love to learn to play this instrument. If anyone has any information on purchasing one please contact me. It seems that there are many of us who want one of these beautiful instruments, I hope it is possible for everyone to enjoy this amazing instrument.
Thanks Makaya
Bigmakaya@yahoo.com
Hi guys
i see i have fallen as many of you have to the sound of this most remarkable instrument, and it looks like i too must follow the path of tracking down the illusive drum. If any of you could email me either the site address or the place i could purchase one i would be most gratefull!
Thank you all
stark1@blueyonder.co.uk
Hi,
last night, I heard the hang for the first time. Was very inspired to put voice to it. After a little tweaking and figuring out compatible keys, was able to play along with the hang on my guitar. We even got wild on some old Bonnie Raitt and Scissor Sisters. Such a sweet instrument.
I too am looking for a hang drum. Kai, or anyone else who has one they would be willing to part with, please email me with your information at louisknapp@gmail.com.
thanks,
louis
I just purchased the LLAMA CD by Ravid Goldschmidt and Sílvia Pérez Cruz. Just incredible! Ravid uses the Pentatonic and Aeolian Hangs, which really does not mean anything to me. I also see that there are Japanese tuning Hangs.
I am not a musician, but I recently became semi-retired and after hearing this instrument I want to learn it very, very badly. I would like to purchase one and any leads, suggestions, tips, lessons, advices will be much appreciated.
Do you think that not being a musician learning instrument like Hang is not wise?
Dear Richard,
Am SO happy to find your blog!! And am not really surprised to find there are so many others out there who, like myself, heard this amazing instrument and fell in love. My first affair began when I heard the hang played at a sound workshop in Cape Town, South Africa. I immediately knew I HAD to have one of these instruments. I am a singer, song-writer who is trying desperately to learn the piano to help with my writing and to accompany myself. When I heard this instrument I, like a previous blogger, thought to myself, “I can learn to play this…..I can write with this instrument” but, before I had this thought, I heard a melody insinuating itself through my mind…..it felt like it had been ‘waiting’ to meet again its beloved partner, the hang in order to express itself. All I wanted to do was sing out along with the hang musician, but it wasn’t appropriate to do so. I’ve never had an experience quite like it…. and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. I have been searching for a hang ever since. Kai,,,,,or anyone else…..if you know how I can get my hands on one I will be forever grateful…….bonnie in Toronto, ONTARIO…bonnieblack1@hotmail.com
looking to buy a hang Drum Where can i get one.
I am in canada BC
thanks.
Andy
Thaddeus:
“Do you think that not being a musician learning instrument like Hang is not wise?”
On the contrary, the HANG is incredibly accessible as an instrument and I’m sure you’d love playing it. Finding one may be difficult though as they’re not made anymore and my guess is the used market is tight. Until then, know that a steel drum or even a log drum or small marimba might suffice. What you’re looking for is a percussion instrument that will play a range of tones that you find appealing. Good luck.
Bonnie and Andy: I don’t even have one myself (although I have access to one) but somehow this post has ended up in google I’ve become a clearing house for things hang. Glad to do it and if people want to use this thread to advertise, fine by me. I think, because they’re not made anymore they’re in short supply.
Dear Richard,
That is funny how Internet creates its own spaces…
Thank you for the Hang advice for a novice. I contacted Ron Kravitz and he gave me run down on the current status.
Since this has become ‘The Hang List’ I still would like anybody with leads to contact me at thaddeus@thaddeuskonar.com
The new Hangs are on the horizon, suppose to be better and in even lesser numbers.
Thaddeus
The hang is the best instrument and the best image of the future
I’ve got it only one year after its creation!
I’m 18 years old and just moved to holland!
I’m looking other musicien in that country for maybe creat a band…
Contacte me via email please
zeroi88@gmail.com
Thaddeus: wow, new ones are coming? Great. I had no idea. Please keep us informed here as I’d like to buy one.
While we are waiting, can anyone reading this list help me? I was all set to buy one many times but could not decide which model to choose from. They all sound interesting to me and in isolation or even borrowing and playing many of Ron’s (I’ve met him numerous times) I could not decide and given that it’s an expensive instrument, I waited. Well, I guess I waited too long.
I play many kinds of hand drums and would want to work the hang into my drumming. Can anyone make a recommendation on how to start thinking about tone range? Thanks.
I like many have discovered the Hang and must get one soon!! It is the most amazing instrument……I just feel drawn to it….I heard it for the first time in May and I couldn’t leave…..i had to stay there listening…….where can one be got
Hi everyone!
Does anyone knows links to choose hang drum models?
I want to buy one and if anyone is willing to sell hang drum please inform me!! eozgecen@hotmail.com
Thanks..
Dear Hang lovers,
I just returned from Bern, Switserland were I visited the Hang house and ofcourse the wonderful Felix and Sabina. Yes there is a 2nd generation of instruments now. If you want one just go there knock at the door of the hanghouse and you’ll be received warmly. No more sending around the world or hassle just go the there and get what is there. in May 2007 there will be an other Hang meeting (most probably) just like this year (there were over 100 Hang players showing up from so many countries). as there are around 3.500 Hangs distributed over the world (of which I and my 2 brothers own 26) there are many players around. Also there must be Hangs around from the 1st generation that are collecting dust so keep hunting and try to play these wonderful instruments.
Well if you want to hear some Hang music go to http://www.soundclick.com/musicforhang. just register (free) and listen and or download all you want. Hang solo, duo, with vocals with band, with orchestra and more. ENJOY
Joshua
Hi Richard,
I bought a Hang right before they stopped making them about 8 or 9 months ago. Like yourself, I did a lot of agonizing over which scale to order. I wanted the most versatile drum I could get. They are WAY too expensive to be limited to one key or tonal center. I actually made drawings of the few different scales I was considering and after examining the possibilities of each I ordered a C Dorian drum. The dum or center note is G and the ascending scale is C D Eb F G A Bb c. This is a wonderfully versatile drum. I can play in C dorian or C minor pentatonic, but can also play on G minor, D minor, F major and Eb major and also in a tuning I love which is based on the donso ngoni C D F G Bb c, though this one handcuffs me on the drum. So I can definitely recommend a dorian drum if you are thinking you can only buy one. I would like to have a pentatonic drum for the broader range but I have several pentatonic instruments and they are not nearly as versatile.
Anyway, after all that, I do have to say that I’m not totally sold on the Hang and have thought of EBaying mine several times. Especially now that they are scarce and I might actually get a decent price for it. I love how it sounds, but it seems like a bit of an ergonomic nightmare to me. Reaching out to get the notes farthest from you is not at all comfortable and my back kills me after a half hour of playing. Watch someone play a steel pan: they work one tenth as hard and have many more notes much closer together. Mine also has a bit of an overring in one of the notes and depending on how it’s hit it goes from not noticable to fairly annoying. I’m really picky when it comes to instruments so to hit a note and hear that note with shades of the neighboring note mixed in is not something I expected or was pleased with. I contacted the makers but really didn’t get very far. In fairness, I’ve lent this drum to several percussionists and they said it didn’t bother them at all.
I have never had an instrument like this before. One day I play it and am convinced I’ll never have anything to say on it and want to sell it. The next day you couldn’t pry it out of my hands for anything. Weird. I usually either love or hate or am indifferent to an instrument and feel the same everytime I pick it up. But the Hang is more like a woman. : ) I don’t think I’ll ever figure it out!
Best of luck to you and to the others who have posted and are searching for drums. If you catch me on one of those off days maybe you can have mine. If anyone would like to email me offlist: Tarktunes1@comcast.net.
Peace,
Tark
Tark: thanks so much for sharing your experience. Nice to hear from someone not totally stoked on it or, with a love/hate relationship with it.
Believe it or not, and this may be totally sacrilegious in the hang world, I moved from playing it by hand to playing it with both soft and medium mallets and I felt the sound I got was cleaner and it was a heck of a lot easier to play. One needs some kind of tripod conga stand to do this easily but it can also be done on the floor or lap.
I still don’t have one but I go over and play my good friend David Darling’s if I need a fix. I can’t remember which model he has; I think it’s a pentatonic scale although I don’t really know.
Joshua: Does this mean that the only way to get one of these things is to go to Bern? That would make the hang out of my reach, even though I’d love to go there.
Dear Joshua Samson, i would like to go to Bern on September, can you tell me the adress of Handhouse? thankyou very much!
peace to all!
Sorry i wanted to say HANGHOUSE i want to know the adress.
gurubahadur@hotmail.com thank you.
Good vibrations can help to heal body and spirit. The hang seems to be an instrument that can help promote this.
In spite of the many comments I have read I still don’t know how to come by a hang. Is there any address or is someone offering one?
Hello all,
I’m also hang-hunting, for my drummer boyfriend. I nearly bought him one last year and didn’t, and now I can’t find them, sob! I’d love to get him one for his birthday this month, or failing that, for christmas, so if anyone is selling one, please email moominmaiden@yahoo.co.uk. Sadly I don’t live very near Switzerland!
Vashti
Hellow friends, if any Hang lover wants to listen littel samples about 30 differents hangs, go to this page: http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/hang/index.html
enjoy it!
Love to all!
Jose: fantastic, thank you so much for that link. Extremely useful.
Hi Richard,
I have tried mallets on the hang but was nervous because I’d heard you could knock it out of tune if you played too hard. Perhaps I’ll seek out some soft ones and give them a try. Thanks to Erce, one of the pics he posted showed me a way to hold the hang on my legs that was different from how I had been playing it. This seems to be a bit easier on my back and the far notes seem closer. Hope I’m able to play longer and more comfortably this way. David’s album Cycles has long been a favorite of mine. I wore out my vinyl copy and had to get it on cd. I hope he is doing well.
I’m glad that the Hangsters are still making drums, they really are far-out instruments and I’m glad I ordered mine when I did. I’ve played it a bunch the last few days and found some very cool patterns emerging. Drool city. My wife swears it’s the coolest instrument I have and that’s saying a lot because I have a LOT of instruments! Wish I could fit it in my kayak or backpack. I guess that’s why god made kalimbas. Take care and best of luck to all the hangers and people searching for drums.
Peace,
Tark