The PanArt Hang was invented in 2000 in Bern, Switzerland by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. It is related to the Steeldrum from Trinidad and the word “Hang” means “hand” in Berndeutsch. As the name suggests, the hang is usually played with the hands and fingers. It has a central note which is called the “Ding” and there are 7 or 8 tone circles around it.
The bottom side of the Hang is called the “Gu” side, and it can be played in a percussive way, similar to an Udu, or Ghatam drum.

For the first generation of the hang there were many different tunings available which were inspired by a variety of ethnic and historical scales. In the later generations the number of available tunings was reduced and the overall tonal range of the instrument was lowered. For the last generations, the “Integral” and “Free Integral” hanghang (plural of hang), the Central Note, the Ding, is at D3 and the 7 notes around are A3, Bb3, C4, D4, E4, F4, and A4. Since 2010 the instrument is not tuned with electronic tuner any more, but intuitively by ear. This generation leaves the well-tempered tuning and is called “free integral hang”.
The hang inspired instrument makers from around the world and the instrument family of handpans was created.

Bottom line : the PanArt Hang (drum) and Handpans…