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Melati Dzakirah Mefta/15/X-1
Structure
General Classification
The handpan is a musical instrument that originated in the 21st century. It is a type of
idiophone, which means it produces sound by vibrating its entire body when struck. The handpan is
made of two half-steel shells glued together, creating a resonant chamber. The top case has a
number of grooves, or "notes," hammered into the metal, creating a series of tuned "tongues" that
produce different notes when struck.
Description
Handpans are played by striking notes with the fingers or hand, creating a rich bell-like sound. They
are often used in meditation and yoga practices, as well as in live music performances. This
instrument is often played solo, but can also be used in ensembles with other instruments, such as
guitar and drums.
Handpans were developed by a small group of instrument makers in the early 21st century, and
continue to be produced by a small number of skilled craftsmen throughout the world. Because they
are handmade and labor intensive to produce, handpans are generally quite expensive and difficult
to obtain.
Handpans produce sound through metal vibrations when struck. This instrument consists of two half
shells of hardened steel that are usually about 20-24 inches in diameter. The top case, or "ding," is
convex with a central note and a number of indentations, or "tone planes," hammered into it. The
bottom shell, or "gu", is concave with a hole in the center that serves as the sound hole. Each note
plane on the top shell is tuned to a specific note, and when struck with the fingers or hand, it
vibrates and produces a clear, sustained note. The handpan setting is usually arranged in such a way
as to allow the musician to play the melody with the right hand while playing the harmony and
accompanying rhythm with the left hand.
The sound of the handpan is characterized by its rich, warm, and resonant tone, often described as a
cross between a steel drum, harp, and bell. The unique combination of the tuned tone field, the
resonance chamber of ding gu the half shell, and the sound port in the bottom shell all contribute to
the handpan's signature sound. Handpans are commonly used in a variety of musical genres, but are
especially suited to meditative, contemplative, and world music styles. The handpan's warm,
resonant tones create a relaxing and calming atmosphere, making it ideal for use in yoga,
meditation, and sound healing practices.
There are several types of handpans, each with its own unique sound and characteristics. Here are
some of the most common types of handpans:
1. Hang: The Hang is one of the original and most popular handpans. It was discovered by Felix
Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt in Switzerland. Hang has a distinctive voice and is
known for his warm and soft tone.
2. Halo: Halo is a handpan made by Dave Beery of Pantheon Steel in the United States. It has a
bright and clear sound and is known for its sustain and projection.
3. Spacedrum: Spacedrum is a handpan made by Metal Sounds in France. It has a very pure and
clean sound, with a good balance of bass and treble notes.
4. Bali Steel Pan: Bali Steel Pan is a handpan made in Bali, Indonesia. It has rich, warm sound,
with powerful bass and clear highs.
5. Caisa: Caisa is a handpan made by Meinl Percussion in Germany. It has bright, lively sound,
with a good range of highs and lows.
6. Rav Vast: Rav Vast is a handpan made by the Russian company Rav Drum. It has a unique
design and sound, with deep, resonant bass and bright, clear treble.
7. Ayasa: Ayasa is a handpan made by Ayasa Instruments in India. It has a powerful and
expressive sound, with a good balance of low and high notes.
Overall, the handpan is an extraordinary instrument that combines unique tonal qualities with a high
degree of versatility and creative potential. Its distinctive sound and expressive abilities make it a
beloved instrument for musicians and music lovers all over the world.
Language Features
1. General Noun: Instrument, Handpan, Shells, Metal, Guitar, Drums, Steel, Harp, Bell, Pan,
Bass
2. Technical Terms: Idiophone, Notes, Tongues, Ding, Convex, Tone Planes, Concave, Resonant
Tone
3. Action Verb:
Which means it produces sound by vibrating its entire body when struck.
Handpans are played by striking notes with the fingers or hand, creating a rich bell-
like sound.
Halo is a handpan made by Dave Beery of Pantheon Steel in the United States.
The handpan's warm, resonant tones create a relaxing and calming atmosphere.
Often described as a cross
4. Relating verbs/lingking verbs:
The handpan is a musical instrument
It is a type of idiophone
The handpan is made of two half-steel
This instrument is often played solo
Because they are handmade and labor intensive
Handpans are generally quite expensive
The top shell is tuned to a spesific note
The handpan setting is usually arranged
5. Simple Present Tense:
It is a type of idiophone, which means it produces sound by vibrating its entire body
when struck.
The instrument is often played solo
Because they are handmade and labor intensive to produce, handpans are generally
quite expensive and difficult to obtain.
This instrument consists of two half shells of hardened steel that are usually about
20-24 inches in diameter
The setting is usually arranged in such a way to allow the musician to play the
melody with right hand while playing the harmony and accompanying rythim with
the left hand
The sound of the handpan is characterized by its rich, warm and resonant tone,
often described as a cross between a steel, drum, harp and bell.
Handpans are commonly used in a variety of musical genres, but are especially
suited to meditative, contemplative and world music styles