Hang
In 2000, after a series of experiments on the acoustics of metals, Swiss artists, inventors and researchers Felix Rhoner and Sabrina Scharer invented a new percussion instrument which they called “Hang”. Over the years, as a result of their continuous research, Felix and Sabrina’s Hang has undergone significant improvements.
The instrument is formed by two special metal hemispheres joined together.
At the centre of the upper part, there is a convex rounded protrusion called “Ding” which is surrounded by a circle of 7 concave rounded recessed profiles (in some models also 8). These profiles are then tuned to generate the notes that make up the musical scale.
The lower hemisphere has only a large hole in the middle known as “Gu”:
The first models were tuned at 440hz with different scales, while the latest “Integral Hang” models all have the same notes.
The most appropriate way to play the Hang is with your hands; in fact, in the dialect of Bern (headquarters of Hangbauhaus), Hang means hand.
In my concerts, I often play the Hang in a duet with percussionist Vincenzo De Martino.
