History

Where the instrument came from: a Trinidadian craft carried to Bern, a percussionist's request in 1999, twelve years of Hang, and the worldwide maker movement that followed.

22 questions answered

Questions and answers

Origins of the Hang

How two Swiss steelpan builders, a Trinidadian instrument, an Indian clay pot and a percussionist's request produced a new instrument in the year 2000.

HIS-01Who invented the Hang, and when?
HIS-02What came before the Hang, and what influenced it?
HIS-03What did PANArt make before the Hang?
HIS-04How did the Hang actually come about in 1999 and 2000?

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PANArt timeline and the Hang generations

Four generations of Hang in twelve years, the letters, the end of production in December 2013, and what an original Hang is worth now.

HIS-08What was the first generation Hang, 2001 to 2005?
HIS-09What changed with the second generation Hang in 2006?
HIS-10What was the Integral Hang of 2008?
HIS-11What was the Free Integral Hang of 2010?

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The rise of the handpan movement

From two makers in Bern to hundreds of workshops worldwide, and from a two year waiting list to next day delivery.

HIS-16Who were the first makers outside PANArt?
HIS-17How did the internet and YouTube drive demand?
HIS-18How many handpan makers are there now?
HIS-19How did buying one change from lottery lists to instruments in stock?

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