A percussion instrument is an instrument that produces sound when struck by hand or by a beater. Scraping or rubbing with hands or a beater also produced these sounds. The Hang is one such instrument which produces different notes when struck by hand.
This percussion instrument was invented during the beginning of this century. This instrument has also been called a hang drum, a name very strongly disapproved by the inventors. PANArt owns the trademark for this product
The Instrument
This musical instrument is made from hardened steel. Two convex sheets of steel are tightly fixed together to create this instrument. The upper side of this convex instrument has a sunken or indented center which creates a specific note when struck. Similarly, seven to eight such indentations are found on the side and they produce different notes when struck. The bottom has a hole in the center and does not have any indentations. Bass notes are produced with this arrangement.
In the subsequent years, the inventor brought out varying models of the Hang, each offering multiple scales. The first generation was during the years 2001 to 2005. This model had varying scales that could produce different sounds.
During the year 2006, the second-generation of this musical instrument was introduced into the market. The upper part of the instrument has a coating of brass and the entire portion where it is fixed to the lower part has been provided with rings made of brass. Most of the instruments in this generation provided seven tones.
The first half of 2008 saw the introduction of the next generation, the Integral Hang. This product had a single tuning with 7 tones.
The Free Integral Hang, the next generation model, was introduced in the year 2010. The manufacturer discontinued the use of the brass ring around the circumference and the brass coating on the outside.
All these products have had a very successful run during these years. However, the people behind these products discontinued the manufacture of Hang during the end of 2013. During this period about 4500 pieces of these instruments were made available in the market.
The company, meanwhile diverted its attention in introducing different percussion instruments and also diversified into string instruments.
This instrument has been a part of the music culture for many years and continues to do so even now. These instruments, generally called now as the hang drums are available from different manufacturers. The original Hang is now available only in second-hand from those who bought them during the time it was available in the market.