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HISTORY OF THE STEEL DRUM
In the mid-20th century the wonderful steel drum was invented in Trinidad and Tobago.
In the mid-20th century the wonderful steel drum –also called pan– was invented in Trinidad and Tobago. Even though there are still controversies about its origins, the evolution and development of the instrument were determined by the encounter between genius and history and the influence of native africans, among other cultural factors. Created by master craftsmen, sculptors of sound, the pan was a visionary instrument that spread quickly to other parts of the world. It gave birth to the first hang, created in the workshop of Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, owners of PANArt, in Bern, Switzerland. The hang itself paved the way for the development of handpans. From then on, new manufacturers –such as Anapana Handpan– emerged in the world, developing and expanding the family of handpans, researching into new options, different materials and multiple manufacturing parameters.
HISTORY OF THE STEEL DRUM
In the mid-20th century the wonderful steel drum was invented in Trinidad and Tobago.
In the mid-20th century the wonderful steel drum –also called pan– was invented in Trinidad and Tobago. Even though there are still controversies about its origins, the evolution and development of the instrument were determined by the encounter between genius and history and the influence of native africans, among other cultural factors. Created by master craftsmen, sculptors of sound, the pan was a visionary instrument that spread quickly to other parts of the world. It gave birth to the first hang, created in the workshop of Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, owners of PANArt, in Bern, Switzerland. The hang itself paved the way for the development of handpans. From then on, new manufacturers –such as Anapana Handpan– emerged in the world, developing and expanding the family of handpans, researching into new options, different materials and multiple manufacturing parameters.
We traveled the world for many years while studying the music of different cultures and the way of building their traditional instruments. Along the way we encountered the hang. In 2012, once we had returned to Argentina, we began the development of our own sound sculpture, the AnaPanA Handpan.
HISTORY
HISTORY
2012
Traditional
musical instruments
and lutherie
2014
Spinning and
hand-hammered shells
2016
Our own
deep-drawn
matrix design
TODAY
Optimal tension
and regular thickness
distribution for building
our instrument,
resulting in a one of a kind
AnaPanA each time
2012
Traditional
musical instruments
and lutherie
2014
Spinning and
hand-hammered
shells
2016
Our own
deep-drawn
matrix design
TODAY
Optimal tension
and regular thickness
distribution for building
our instrument, resulting
in a one of a kind
AnaPanA each time
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In 2012 we began the development of our own sound sculpture, the AnaPanA Handpan.
There are many methods when it comes to manufacturing a handpan, each being unique and leading to different qualities of the instrument. Each handpand maker can achieve its own style of timbre by changing specific parameters when developing the instrument and its vibrational architecture. Life lies in diversity.
Some key elements in the manufacturing process are:
THE MATERIAL
Diverse carbon steels can be used to obtain different results. Nitriding is a hardening process commonly used to achieve greater surface hardness and to create a layer to help fight rust formation and corrossion fatigue. Fstainless can also be utilised as it is a very ductile material which creates a prolonged and expansive sound. The thickness of the material, among other variables, even if subtle, can and will alter the final result.
SHELL FORMING
METHODS
There are many shell forming methods that can be used in order to achieve a uniform tension and thickness along the entire surface. Depending on the technique chosen, nivelating these forces can be more or less laborious.
SHELL FORMING METHODS
There are many shell forming methods that can be used in order to achieve a uniform tension and thickness along the entire surface. Depending on the technique chosen, nivelating these forces can be more or less laborious.
Manual sinking
This is the traditional making process for the handpan. It can be hammered by hand or with the help a pneumatic hammer.
Deep-drawn
This is the shell forming method par excellence used by Panart and mostly across Europe. At Anapana we have been using it in Argentina since 2017. It consists of a pressing matrix formed by two shapes (concave and convex). After the metal sheet is inserted the press stamps it achieving a homogeneous thickness and an ideal tension throughout the surface of the instrument. This is an expensive technique and it requires the use of large industrial presses.
Hydro-forming
Another metal forming process is called hydro-forming, a cheaper alternative which is currently being explored by some makers. It requires extensive research to achieve a homogeneous surface.
Spinning
Another way of creating shells is by spinning the metal sheet and using a roller tool that with the help of metal bars moulds the sheet into its desired form and depth. This method has certain deficiencies since the tension and the thickness of the shell surface do not always achieve homogeneity.
Thermal
processes
Thermal processes are used to eliminate the tensions that were introduced in the molding and to reorganize the structure and hardness of the sculpture.
The careful application of heat eliminates the tensions introduced in the molding process by redistributing the structure and hardness of the sculpture. When it comes to thermal processes, there are different methods. Electric furnaces, forges and special torches can be used, all applied in different ways. The maker must develop his own technique according to the instrument he wishes to create.
TUNING
The art of tuning changes according to each manufacturer. All of the parameters discussed above and the different tensions applied are only a small part of the totality of elements that need to be taken into account when making an instrument. Each decision and method will modify variables which in turn help create a proper and stable tuning. The handpan maker must be guided by its own intuition.
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The AnaPanA workshop is currently located in the hills of Córdoba, Argentina. After years of traveling around the world while studying music, traditional instrument making and lutherie, we began hammering in 2012. Since we are located within a native-tree forest, the first step for us was to build an underground workshop that would responsibly minimise the sound impact on the surroundings (our tools can be noisy at times!)At our studio we work the alchemy of sound, bringing together tools of modern technology with ancient craft techniques. The first generation of our handpans was created near the end of 2014.
We started experimenting with spinning and hand-hammered shells and even though we obtained great results we encountered limitations in each of the techniques employed. During the early days of the process we took in as much as we could in terms of learning, allowing us to delve into the details of how the instrument was being manufactured in different parts of the world. In 2016, with the help of argentinean engineers and after spending time researching, hammering and contacting colleagues, friends and makers from abroad, we developed our own deep-drawn matrix.
Our own
deep-drawn
matrix
We are pioneering handpan makers in South America. Our shells are made using our own deep-drawn matrix which allow us to achieve optimal tension and regular thickness distribution when manufactuing each unique Anapana.
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The manufacturing of each of our own AnaPanA handpans is unique and custom-made. The scales, tonalities and frequencies all have different vibrational characteristics which have a profound impact on all matter, and a particular strong effect of human beings. A myriad of human emotions can be contained in a melody and a song. Moreover, there are many cosmogonies that revolve around the idea of music and sound being channels for connection. Pythagoras, Hermes (with his idea that everything is vibration and all matter inhales and exhales). Many anthroposophical concepts are centred around the concept of the universe thinking through the brain, and the music of the univere finding its way through the larynx while blood moves the heart; cymatics, a modal vibrational phenomena studied by Chladni, Theodor Schwenk, Hans Jenny and Emoto is another example. The concept of (el concepto de las formas de aire y agua?) forms of air and water (after all, we are 80% water!), waves and particles, quantum physics and the list goes on. All these theories point towards one idea: we are vibration. At AnaPanA we believe that you can connect and feel the scale, tonality and frequency you resonate with. We are here to help you throughout this process.
Some scales
Some
scales
Celtic D (A,C,D,E,F,G,A,C)
Aeolian E (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,A)
Integral D (A,bB,C,D,E,F,A)
F Major (A,C,D,E,F,G,A,C)
Arabic D (A,bB,C#,D,E,F,G,A)
D Minor (A,bB,D,E,F,G,A)
Harmony D (A,B,C,D,F#,G,A)
Pandora D (A,bB,D,E,F,G,A,C)
Celtic D (A,C,D,E,F,G,A,C)
Aeolian E (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,A)
Integral D (A,bB,C,D,E,F,A)
F Major (A,C,D,E,F,G,A,C)
Arabic D (A,bB,C#,D,E,F,G,A)
D Minor (A,bB,D,E,F,G,A)
Harmony D (A,B,C,D,F#,G,A)
Pandora D (A,bB,D,E,F,G,A,C)
(Please note that the tonalities of some scales can be modified)
Specifications
Diameter: 52 cm
Height: 24cm
Weight: 6,5 kg
(hardcase included)
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We are musicians. The path that led us to the manufacture of our instruments is our passion to create and share. Our fusion style, which combines music with other arts, is inspired by our travels and the witnessing of the development and creation of handpans and other musical instruments around the world. Everything in the universe has a rhythm. Everything dances, everything is music. We offer concerts and workshops in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Chile. We currently play in Buenos Aires with the band Circular (facebook.com/circularmusicas).
Workshops
We are a group of teachers and workshop facilitators. We offer individual as well as group music lessons. The instruments we play and teach are: handpan, sarangi, bansuri, oud, didgeridoo, piano,ngoni, native flutes and the vocal technique overtone singing.
How to buy / FAQ
How much will my AnaPanA cost?
The current cost to acquire an 8 note AnaPanA in Argentina is USD 1200. We can manufacture instruments with a higher number of notes (USD 100 + per note).
For values for other countries and shipping costs please contact us directly with your enquiry. Since this instrument is fragile and it needs to be protected when it’s not played, we always include a hardcase. Our bags are specially designed for a good protection of the Anapana. The cost of manufacturing the instrument may vary over time, depending on the price fluctuation of supplies and materials such as metal. Although the commitment between parts is an oral agreement, respected by both parties, we request a deposit of 100USD for us to add your name in our waiting list. This sum is later deducted from the final value of the instrument. When we start working on your instrument you will be notified about the payment method for the remaining sum. We accept cash, bank transfers, payments via Paypal and Western Union.
How do I acquire my AnaPanA?
There is a waiting list to acquire the instrument, due to its high demand and the delicate manufacture that each AnaPanA requires. Please do contact us if you are interested in buying one and we will notify you when we are ready to start working on your oder. We are currently experiencing an average of four months waiting time.
If you agree with out T&Cs you are welcome to participate and put your name down of our waiting list. Please email us your details to anapanahandpan@gmail.com. Many thanks, we look forward to hearing from you!
How do I receive my order?
We encourage you to pick up the instrument from our workshops in the sierras of Córdoba. However and because we know this is not always possible, we can ship it safely by private courier services (FedEx 
/ DHL 
), which are informed of its fragility and the special handling care the instrument requires. For deliveries within Argentina, the packagind and shipping have an additional cost of 750 ARS. For international delivery please contact us so we can give you a quote.
How do I take care of my AnaPanA?
Even though it is a metal instrument, the nature of the handpan is delicate and it requires careful care.
You should be careful not to hit your instrument, play it in an improper manner –too hardly–, expose it to water, humidity, a salty air environment or direct sunlight. If needed, the AnaPanA can be cleaned with a dry cloth. We recommend protecting it by applying a fine layer of an oily product, silicone, liquid petroleum jelly or any organic oil. After not playing your instrument for a while it might need retuning, depending on how it was stored when not in use. We are not held responsible if the instrument has not been properly taken care of. However, please rest assure we are always available to provide a tuning service when required, as long as the instrument has been purchased directly from us in our workshop and played accordingly to our care guidelines.
CONTACT