The instrument:
The Gadung is a melodic percussion instrument that is played entirely by hand. Each instrument is meticulously crafted by hand using two deep drawn and hand hammered shells. To ensure exceptional tonal quality and rust resistance, the shells are treated with a special heat treatment called nitriding. The tones produced by the Gadung are finely tuned with exceptional precision, resulting in a unique and mesmerising resonant sound that is truly magical.

The material:
At the heart of the Gadung is a carefully selected steel that sets it apart from other handpans on the market. As the builder, I personally choose the steel that goes into each instrument, opting for a type that differs from the steel used by 99% of other builders. This unique steel selection allows me to further develop the distinct character of each Gadung, making it truly one-of-a-kind. When you choose a Gadung, you are choosing an instrument that is truly unique, as no one else uses this particular material.

I take great care in selecting the steel for each instrument, ensuring that it is of the highest quality and will allow the instrument to sound its absolute best. With this attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship, you can be sure that your Gadung will be a treasured instrument for years to come.

The scale:
Each Gadung I build has its own distinct mood and feeling, offering a range of options for players to explore. As a player gains experience with the instrument and becomes more familiar with its various playing techniques, they can unlock even deeper possibilities for sound expression.

Choosing the right scale for your Gadung is crucial to creating the perfect mood and feeling for your music. As you spend more time with the instrument, you’ll develop a stronger connection to its unique character, and it will become truly your own.

Thanks to the handmade nature of each instrument, every Gadung is one-of-a-kind. This means that you can be sure that your instrument is truly unique, and that no one else will have an identical one. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, a Gadung is an incredible instrument that offers limitless possibilities for musical expression.

440Hz or 432Hz?
Most Gadung instruments are tuned to A=440Hz, which is the most common tuning for musical instruments. This makes it easy to play together with other musicians without any issues. However, upon request, I can build a Gadung that is tuned to A=432Hz. This tuning has some unique harmonic properties that some musicians prefer.

The frequency of 432Hz is said to be in harmony with the rhythm of the human heart, which beats 4,320 times per hour (72 beats per minute). This tuning is also connected to larger cycles of time, such as the retrograde cycle of the stars that moves at a rate of 1 degree every 72 years. This cycle repeats every 25,920 years, which is 432 times 60. According to mythology and Sanskrit scriptures, the Kali-Yuga cycle of time lasts for 432,000 years.

432Hz tunings are also commonly used in sound therapy, which is why some musicians prefer to use this tuning for their Gadung. Please note that a Gadung tuned to 432Hz cannot be played together with instruments tuned to 440Hz. Because each instrument is made on request, it will have a longer waiting time. However, I am always happy to work with you to create a custom instrument that meets your unique needs.