Work in Progress: Pangolo

In the year 2024, a branch of PANArt research has brought forth a new form and thus also a new way of playing: Pangolo.

This new sounding vessel, made from our Pang composite, is visually reminiscent of various things: a ball joint, molecules, even Mickey Mouse. Acoustically, it reminds us of much more: sometimes you hear skin, sometimes wood, sometimes stone, then again air and sheet metal. So there is a lot to discover - for all the senses. The name stands for our material Pang and the suffix olo, which appears when you look at the instrument from above.

The Pangolo sits beautifully on the lap, but can be played in many positions close to the body. It literally moulds itself to the body of the person playing it. This proximity and direct contact with the hand create organic grooves that can be used in a wide variety of contexts.

The central ball can be seen as the heart of the instrument. It gives the pangolo a large part of its body and is therefore a decisive factor in its deep pulse. The two hemispheres and the playing surface reflect the hands. Hand and heart - that is the theme.

When the Pangolo is played under this motto, exciting grooves are created that sound different for everyone. Why? Every hand is different, moves in its own way, so the music also sounds very different. That's a good thing.

In contrast to the Hang, which immediately creates atmosphere with its richness of sound and invites you to sink into it, the Pangolo is a rather sober sound object. It offers a broad spectrum of percussive sounds that can be used to accompany any kind of music. Whether as an accent or a main instrument, whether in a duo with a guitar or as a complement to the Hang - it goes at least as well with other instruments as it does with the human body.

Experience in our workshops with visitors from all over the world shows that the Pangolo attracts a great deal of interest. We notice how the initial scepticism and the ‘lack of longer-sounding tones’ very quickly give way to an unbridled joy of playing. Hands on!

The Pangolo is currently at an advanced stage of development. If you are interested, please get in touch and find out more.

Contact: David Rohner | david.rohner@panart.ch