Pangolo

Reduced, rhythmic, expressive
The creation of a new instrument is a long and exciting journey—marked by discoveries, challenges, and a great deal of fine-tuning. As we explore our composite material Pang and the hammer work, we are constantly gaining new insights and discovering new forms. This development is a process, a work in progress.

A new sound vessel
In the course of research at PANArt, a new form and thus also a new way of playing has emerged: the Pangolo.

Made from the proven Pang composite, this sounding vessel is visually reminiscent of various things – a hinge, molecules, perhaps even Mickey Mouse. Acoustically, however, it opens up an even wider world: sometimes it sounds like drum skin, sometimes like wood, stone, air or metal.

The name combines the material Pang with the suffix olo, which becomes visible when looking at the instrument from above.

The Pangolo sits wonderfully on the lap, but can also be played in many other positions close to the body. It literally nestles against you, enabling a very physical playing style. Your hands create organic grooves that can be used in a wide variety of musical contexts.

The central sphere forms the heart of the instrument. Its volume contributes greatly to the deep pulse of the instrument. The two hemispheres with their playing surfaces reflect the hands and offer them an exciting dance floor. Hand and heart is the theme.

The sound of the Pangolo is different for every person, because every hand is unique in its texture and movements. This creates an individual expression.

Sound and character
The Pangolo is a minimalist, percussive instrument that captivates with its presence – both visually and acoustically. Versatile rhythmic structures can be created with minimal hand movements.

In contrast to the Hang, which creates atmosphere with its rich sound and invites you to immerse yourself, the Pangolo is a clear, percussive sound body.

This makes it suitable as a rhythmic foundation, as an accompaniment or as an accent-setting sound object.

Design options
The sound spectrum of the Pangolo can be expanded and individually adapted with various add-ons:

A textile inside can make the bass sound drier, magnets change the frequencies of the tuned vibration modes, and effects applied in different ways (e.g. drum brushes) can add extra spice. These modifications invite you to understand the instrument as an open system – an invitation to experiment and create.

Even without additional elements, the Pangolo offers a rich spectrum of sounds that are more than enough to create lively grooves.

Craftsmanship and stability
Pangolo is a unique piece. The tuned zones, the connection of the shapes and the hammering are carefully done by hand. This gives each instrument its own character.

Made from our Pang material, the Pangolo is very robust. Neither temperature changes nor humidity can harm it. Unlike other vessel instruments, it is not fragile, which makes it easier to transport.

New instrument, new bag
A suitable soft bag has been developed in collaboration with our case manufacturer in Germany to ensure safe transport. It offers protection and has a simple, functional design.

Price
Pangolo: CHF 1500 (including 8.1% VAT & cleaning fluid spray)
Soft bag (black, green, beige): CHF 100 (including 8.1% VAT)

Purchase and shipping
The Pangolo can be selected and picked up in Bern by appointment or shipped upon request.

A 30-day right of withdrawal applies to shipments: within this period, the instrument can be returned at your own expense and the purchase price (excluding shipping costs) will be refunded in full.

Up to 6 months after receipt, it is also possible to exchange the instrument in Bern for an equivalent model, provided it is in perfect condition.

For orders from abroad, shipping costs, import sales tax and customs duties may apply, which vary depending on the country.

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

The Pangolo in the hands of Frédéric Perroux, a long-time hang player