The Hang: A Swiss Idiophone
The Hang, a unique musical instrument classified as an idiophone, originates from Switzerland. Its distinctive "UFO" shape is formed by two deep-drawn, nitrided steel half-shells glued together at the edges, leaving a hollow interior. The top ("Ding") features a central "note" and surrounding "tone fields" (seven or eight), all hammered into the metal. The bottom ("Gu") is a smooth surface with a central, rolled hole producing a tuned note when the rim is struck. It's also known as a handpan.
The Hang's design incorporates principles similar to the steelpan, but adapted to function as a Helmholtz resonator. Its creation reflects years of research into steelpan construction and other instruments.
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