This book describes the fascinating history of a musical instrument that many also refer to as a sound sculpture. Developed in a small steelpan workshop in Switzerland, the HANG® from the company PANArt (1999/2000) has become highly sought after in a short time. Street musicians discovered these beautiful-looking and extraordinary-sounding instruments that are easy to learn. These handmade instruments became world-famous when the first Hang® videos, uploaded to the then-new online video platform YouTube, went viral.
A little later, the first replicas of the Hang® were created – and the handpan was born.
It is a declaration of love to the Handpan and to the Hang, a declaration of thanks to the creativity and the steel tuners from Trinidad to the Alps who pursue their passion as an art and not as a business.
This book also takes a critical look at the adventurous development history of the handpan, from the first attempts at replication to the lawsuit brought by a group of handpan manufacturers and dealers against PANArt, the inventor of the Hang.
The worldwide sales figures, as well as an insight into the tax files of major manufacturers, are proof of this: Handpans have become a multi-million dollar business.
The book reveals the tricks and methods used to squeeze every possible profit out of this boom.
It also reveals quite ruthlessly how large the profit margins in this business actually are. 99% of handpans are sold – and bought – at completely exaggerated prices. Experienced handpan makers also have their say in the book, honestly and transparently explaining the costs and time involved in making a handpan and showing how completely overpriced these instruments are offered to customers…..
The publication was actually planned for mid-December. However, due to the delays in the HCU v PANArt case (the HCU has lodged an appeal against the Bern judgement), it could make sense to wait for the final, supreme court decision (99.9% a full confirmation of the judgement), which is expected in early summer 2025. Only then can the final events that are essential for the future of Handpan be considered, interpreted and assessed.
It remains exciting – on the one hand – with regard to the development of the now reactivated legal dispute between the merged Handpan wholesalers and manufacturers against PANArt.
On the other hand, it remains exciting to see how a so-called community will react to the challenges that are likely to be faced very soon….
visit “The HANDPAN BLACK BOOK” Website at https://handpan-blackbook.com
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