Will I Be Disappointed if I Buy a Hank / Steel Tongue Drum…
Will I be Disappointed if I Buy a Hank / Steel Tongue Drum… When What I Really Want is a Hang?
Spend any significant amount of time on the Internet searching around
for a possible PANArt Hang alternative to buy, and sooner or later you’ll inevitably come across one of the Hang disciples (the sort of people who spend their free time searching the net for those who accidentally call the Hang a ‘drum’, so that they can deal them a good verbal spanking, in order to make themselves feel superior), lurking on a Facebook page, or forum somewhere, stating matter-of-factly, time and time again, that there is no alternative for the PANArt Hang. And that purchasing any other instrument of a similar nature, to soothe your craving. Such as a Hank, or a steel tongue drum. Will ultimately, only leave you feeling deeply disappointed with your purchase.
And this is where I, and the Hangfarians differ in opinion.
Recently I purchased a 1Tone ECLIPSE steel tongue drum. And let me be honest from the start. If somebody was to approach me right now and offer to swap their PANArt Hang for my 1Tone ECLIPSE, I probably wouldn’t hesitate for a moment. Before making the exchange. But, with that said, being unable to buy, borrow, or steal a genuine Hang at time of writing, I opted for the 1Tone as a more accessible alternative, and if anybody were to ask me if I was disappointed with my purchase, I would tell them “NO!” Not at all. In fact, I’ve been incredibly pleased with it.
Meaning that while I’ll admit that the Hangfarians have a point when they say that if you purchase a Hank-style drum believing that it IS a PANArt Hang, you may be disappointed. If you’ve done your research, and you’re aware that the steel tongue tank drum is not a Hang, and that it is what it is. You should be more than happy with it. As being similar to the Hang in shape (in general), and having the same note layout, Hank and steel tongue drum are incredibly fun to play. But more than that, despite being intuitive to play, these are not toys. And with a little practise to learn the art of reducing the metallic-slap sound that those new to playing may experience when first they play. In their own way, steel tongue drums are capable of creating tones equally as enchanting as those of the Hang. And four months on since the purchase of my 1Tone ECLIPSE, I’m still playing it for at least an hour, or two, every single day. Which is something that a man disappointed, simply wouldn’t do.
Hank Drum / Steel Tongue Drum List
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