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  • All About Metal Sounds
    May 6, 2022

    All About Metal Sounds

    Metal Sounds LogoLearn all about this exquisite line of steel pitched percussion crafted out the highest quality materials in the South of France, and how WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER has brought them to the American Market for musicians in the ever widening handpan community. We're now convening an interconnected international network around these unique melodic instruments that anyone can pick up and play.

    A Story of Passion, Quality & Integrity...

    Djoliba Music Store

    In 2006 Philip Maignaut and the Djoliba Music Store began a collaboration and research project that five years later resulted in the birth of the Spacedrum and a new company: SAS Metal Sounds founded in October of 2011. 

    Philip Maignaut

    For more than 25 years, Philip Maignaut has been researching the machined manufacturing of steeldrums, complimented with traditional methods for producing 'Pans', The Spacedrum resulted from this craftsmanship and expertise. 

    Metal Sounds Workshop, France

    This artisan instrument maker, the Metal Sounds Company is based in Toulouse, France, and today manufactures Spacedrums and Zenkos, as well as importing steeldrums (steelpans) and other instruments...
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  • Music Therapists on utilizing our instruments for Music Therapy
    October 8, 2021

    Music Therapists on utilizing our instruments for Music Therapy

    The We Play Well Together family of instruments - which include monochords, tongue drums, handpans, kalimbas and hanging chimes - have all been utilized in a variety of different music therapy applications. 
    According to Music Therapist Katie Down (LCAT, MT-BC, MMT, MM):
    "possible clinical uses of our instruments include: 
    • Bedside for Hospice Care
    • Ameliorate somatic symptoms associated with emotional stress
    • Recreative and Receptive Methods
    • Clinical Improvisation
    • Song Writing
    • Self-Soothing Methods
    • Supporting Children and Adults with Special Needs
    • Early Childhood Development
    • Therapeutic Group and Relational Work
    • Supporting Vocal Exploration and Breath Work" 
    We created a 15-minute highlight video just for music therapists to get an idea of the many different instruments and possible applications for their use, featuring instruments built by Hokema Kalimbas, feeltone and Metal Sounds.
    (Click "READ MORE" below to access the video..) 
    ...
    And be sure to join us in our digital booth this week at the American Music Therapy Association 2021 Conference October 14th -17th! 
     
    AMTA 2021
    Read now
  • The Metal Sounds Story!
    June 18, 2021

    The Metal Sounds Story!

    Metal Sounds:

    Handpans Handmade in France

     

    SPACEDRUM®, the intuitive handpan, is a metal melodic instrument inspired by the original steel drum (aka the steelpan) and by the Hang® invented by PANArt® in 2000. Metal Sounds' handpans have been designed and handcrafted since 2006, and were the first handpan producer in France.

    As requirements, tastes, and desires vary, Metal Sounds offers two different lines of handpans:

    Spacedrum Evolution

    Read now
  • Spacedrum: Nitro vs. Evolution (+Handpan Recording Techniques!)
    February 18, 2021

    Spacedrum: Nitro vs. Evolution (+Handpan Recording Techniques!)

    "This particular handpan by Metal Sounds is one of the most beautiful that I've personally played before!" - Todd Boston, January 2021

    In this 7-minute video, acclaimed Producer and Composer Todd Boston talks about the the differences between the Metal Sounds Spacedrum Nitro and Spacedrum Evolution - offering his impressions on what makes each model possess a unique sound quality.
    Todd Boston - Handpan Recording Techniques

    Want to know how to record a handpan?

    Towards the end of the video, Todd offers tips on how to best mic the sound of handspans using the mid side mic technique. If you like to geek out on technology or are an audio engineer, read on...

     

    Read now
  • What's the difference between the Metal Sound Evolution and Nitro Spacedrum?
    August 4, 2020

    What's the difference between the Metal Sound Evolution and Nitro Spacedrum?

    The SPACEDRUM EVOLUTION® is a Stainless steel handpan made handcrafted by Metal Sounds in the South of France 

    The stainless steel alloy combined with Metal Sounds' method of manufacture makes the Spacedrum Evolution® a truly unique handpan. Using 1.2 mm stainless steel sheets for the top shell, the note shaping is specific to this instrument's line and the shells are welded together. This combination of elements gives the Spacedrum Evolution® its unique acoustic character.

    It's is a handpan with a powerful sound and very rich in harmonics, whose shaped curves provide excellent ergonomics of play and easy transport. Its main assets: it is very easy to play, the tuning is stable, its maintenance is limited with perfect protection against rust (stainless steel) and its design is resolutely modern. The Spacedrum Evolution® line comes in 3 sizes with diameters of 48 cm, 55 cm, and 60 cm. The number of notes ranging from 6 to 13 depending on the models.

    SPACEDRUM NITRO® – Nitrided handpan
    The latest creation of Metal Sounds, the Spacedrum Nitro® is a really versatile handpan! Here the construction method is based on oval notes and dimples (buttons) shapping and the shells are glued together. Most importantly, the steel sheets of 1.2 mm are treated for better resistance to shocks and corrosion (nitriding). The Spacedrum Nitro® combines all the qualities required of a high-end handpan with a good dynamic range and a balanced sustain. The crosstalk (resonance of the notes between them) is well controlled and the harmonics are easy to play. Also, the percussive sound produced by the player on the side of the handpan (Tak) is clear while the Ding note stays deep and rather short. Musicians will be able to appreciate the full extent of its possibilities and its unique sound...
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