Hanging out
Is it a wok? Is it a UFO? No it’s a Hang. Created in 2000 the Hang is a young musical instrument. It was created by the PANArt Company in Bern, Switzerland. It is the result of many years of research into resonating percussive instruments from around the world such as: gongs, gamelans and cowbells. Each Hang is tuned individually, players are encouraged to design their own “tone circle” thus the musician becomes part of the creation and customisation of the instrument, meeting their creative needs.
The top side of the Hang (the Ding) contains eight tone fields which form the “tone circle”, this circle surrounds a central dome which sounds like a gong. The underside (the Du) contains a hand sized hole for sound resonance and modulation. Players invite their hands to discover the instrument with their fingertips, thumbs and the heel of the palm. The creators say there are no rules for playing except one: the joy of music! This marriage between art and science creates a somewhat haunting but playful tone. A resonating harmonic note binded by the sound of the steel.
If you are interested in buying one, it may take some time. There are only two people in the world, the Hang makers (Sabina Schärer and Felix Rohner), who know how to wield the hammers on deep-drawn steel sheet blanks, which are then processed using a hardening procedure in a kiln. Periods when people can visit the Hangbauhaus and pick their Hang are already planned. The Hang makers are sending letters inviting those who are able to purchase a Hang. The letters contain a statement where they outline their point of view regarding the instrument and listening device. Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer characterize the central aspect of their work as “harmony, equilibrium and proportion”. With the purchase agreement they engage in with their customers they want to establish a culture of trust and respect. The agreement PANArt has required since 2008 requests first rights to purchase back a Hang and discourages resale of a Hang by the owner at a price higher than at which it was obtained.
A statement from Hang makers Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer
PANArt Research & Development Papers
