The tambourine gift set consists of a delightful Cosmos Handpan hand pan in the key of D minor with 9,10 or even 12 notes and a matching tambourine. These deep and reverberating sounds are often thought to create a calm, meditative atmosphere – the perfect addition for professional musicians looking to branch out into new realms of expression through drums.
A companion tambourine that seamlessly transitions in and out of the set allows it to be played as a stand-alone cymbal duo or paired with framed drums for rich, multisensory sonic experiences.
This would be another great present for drum circles, people who love world music, or anyone searching for unique instruments to inspire their musical creativity.
Hand Pounded technique
The Hand Pounded technique is a unique method used to make handpan instruments. These steel tongue drums are carefully crafted one note at a time using specialized hammers and tools. To create each circular noteplate, the metal is placed on an anvil and then skillfully hammered by hand into its distinctive shape.
This requires an incredible amount of dexterity, strength, and artistic ability on the part of the handpan maker. By carefully controlling the amount of impact on the metal surface, they are able to achieve just the right curvature and thickness to produce the targeted pitch.
Through this meticulous hammering process, the raw steel is transformed note by note into a beautiful handpan capable of resonating rich, melodic tones under the hands of a musician.
Material and Finishing of Handpan
The materials and finishing process are crucial elements in the artistry of handpan construction. Most handpan makers source high-quality raw steel to fashion into the instrument’s noteplates. Through hours of hand pounding and shaping, the smooth rounded notes begin to take identifiable form. After tuning, the plates undergo careful finishing treatments.
Some craftspeople polish the steel to a fine gloss, while others use textures, stripes or paint designs for visual interest. Resonating beneath is a hollow wooden or steel body, providing a vessel for tones to carry.
Once complete, finishing touches like weatherproofing or protective coating ensure a handpan can be played for years. The marriage of durable steel tones with often beautiful painted or brushed designs make each handpan a unique work of art as well as a melodic musical instrument.
Note Variations
One of the most distinctive aspects of handpan instruments is the variety of note configurations available. While some original hang drums contain just seven notes corresponding to a Western major scale, contemporary handpans offer far more note variation. Instruments can have anywhere from 9 notes up to 22 notes laid out in a spiral pattern across the steel plates.
This allows musicians to play in different keys and modes beyond the standard major or minor. Some popular options include 12 note chromatic scales, 10 note overtone designs, or arrangements tailored to specific music genres.
Through tuning each individual noteplate to the exact desired pitch, handpan makers can craft nearly any note variation. This customization grants performers tremendous melodic and harmonic flexibility on their instrument.
9-Note Configuration
The 9-note layout is one of the most popular scale designs for handpans due to its versatile yet accessible nature. Nine notes, typically spaced diatonically around the instrument in a spiral pattern, provide enough pitches to play full chords, complex melodies, and rhythmic grooves.
A standard 9-note tuning replicates the natural notes of a major scale like C or G major, featuring the tonic, supertonic, mediant, subdominant, dominant, submediant, and leading tone for an uplifting sound.
10 Note Configuration
The 10-note layout expands the harmonic and melodic potential of the handpan, while still maintaining an ergonomic design. With two additional notes fit into its spiral layout, a 10-note instrument contains a chromatic scale which allows it to be played in any key.
This level of pitch flexibility supports complex arrangements, modulations between keys, and adorning melodies with accidentals.
The two extra notes also make 10-note handpans well-suited for genres like jazz which utilize complex chords. Whether producing Latin, African or contemporary Western tones, a 10-note configuration gives players rich harmonic variety to craft deeper musical passages. With sufficient notes for chromaticism yet a portable footprint, the 10-note handpan opens creative possibilities for performers.
12-Note Configuration
The 12-note handpan configuration provides musicians with an expansive palette of tones. Similar to a full chromatic Western scale, 12 notes fitted in a circular design allow the instrument to be played competently in any musical key or mode.
This remarkable versatility supports complex chord voicings, fast technical passages, modal interchange, and lyrical melodies utilizing semitone accidentals. For genres like jazz, Classical or complex Celtic tunes, 12 notes give handpan players rich harmonic flexibility.
The Tambourine Gift Set
The tambourine gift set is a thoughtful bundle that includes both a handpan and tambourine for versatile percussion possibilities. At the center is a high-quality steel handpan instrument crafted through specialized techniques.
Its one-of-a-kind tones can be layered with the included tambourine’s metallic taps and jingles. Whether playing together or separately, the set grants options for creative expression.
The tambourine allows for keeping beat while melodies ring out on the handpan. As a co-ordinated set, the instruments make music-making more interactive and fun. It’s a perfect present for drum circles or those exploring worldbeat genres. With its combination of unique steel tunes and shaker rhythms, the tambourine gift set boosts any percussionist’s toolkit for casual jams or serious performances.
Healing and Meditative Benefits
- Low-frequency vibrations can induce relaxation and relieve stress/anxiety.
- Gentle resonance promotes deep breathing and calm mental/physical states.
- Playing melodies encourages focus and being present-minded.
- Harmonic, tone-based music aids in slowing heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
- Interactive but simple to learn, handpans are accessible for most any user.
- Connecting to sound through touch can be a meditative, therapeutic experience.
- Sessions can foster healing benefits like reduced muscle tension/pain.
- Playing in groups nurtures social interaction and community well-being.
- Unique tones may stimulate positive brainwave patterns for mental balance.
- Incorporating improv/melodic expression facilitates emotional release/insight.
FAQ’s
What handpan note configurations are included in the gift set?
The gift set allows choice of a 9, 10, or 12 note handpan, each tuned to the key of D minor.
What other instrument is included?
A matching tambourine is also included to play melodies or keep rhythm while performing on the handpan.
Who would benefit most from receiving this gift set?
The set is well-suited as a gift for drum circle participants, those exploring world music genres, or anyone wanting portable handpan and percussion instruments for relaxing music-making.
Conclusion
The Cosmos Handpan Sun Totem tambourine gift set provides a unique and thoughtful bundle for any percussion enthusiast. With the option to choose between 9, 10, or 12 stainless steel notes tuned to the key of D minor, the accompanying handpan instrument offers flexibility to suit different musical experience levels and styles.
Its one-of-a-kind tones can be played solo or layered melodically with the included tambourine’s rhythmic jingles and taps. As a portable and affordable set, it opens up possibilities for meditative solos, interactive jam sessions with others, or informal performances.
Whether enjoyed casually or pursued seriously, the gift set boosts recipients’ toolkit for handpan and world music exploration. Its combination of healing steel notes and accompaniment shakers supports both relaxation and creative expression.
For these reasons, the Cosmos Handpan Sun Totem gift set makes an ideal present for drum circles, classrooms, or anyone wanting to soothe the mind and spark the spirit through interactive music-making