(!) This post may now be out of date - but has been left published for archive purposes. It may still prove to be of interest, but some (or all) details may now be out of date (!).
If you know the story of the ‘Hernan Drum’, you’ll know that until recently they went under the name of ‘Hang Drum US’, and sold as Hang 'replica', and were seen at best to make a nice wall-hanging, or an ornamental beer bottle holder. Un-tuned, HandPan shells, Hernan drum, became something of a joke within the HandPan community. And by most, were thought of as little more than a scam attempt.
Recently though, however, having taken on the new name of Hernan Drum (most likely due to PANArt’s recent actions against incorrect usage of the name ‘Hang’ by their ‘competitors’), this infamous HandPan has, unexpectedly, found its ways into the hands of a tuner, and is now, just beginning to show its voice.
And while it’s fair to say that this is not a Hang, yet, in terms of sound quality. And nor is it a Halo, a Bells, or an SPB, etc. If you’re looking for comparisons. But what it is, is a strong step in the right direction. And listening to a recent ‘Arezzo’ tuned Hernan Drum, with its high, and actually fairly sweet sounding tones (IMO). I caught myself thinking that actually, if the price were right, and if the sound improved just a little bit more. I could even find myself tempted. Just possibly.
Decide for yourself by visiting the Hernan Drum YouTube channel: HERE, or alternatively, you can visit their website for more information: HERE (EDIT - Both now seem to have been closed, moved, renamed).
{UPDATE} While the following source has proven historically to be particularly unaccepting of the vast majority of newer HandPan makers (being primarily devoted to discussion of the PANArt Hang) - in this instance, we feel that anybody considering purchase of one of these '(what are believed to be) Columbia-made HandPan (changed from 'are' Columbia-made following complaint) might benefit from the read prior to purchase: Some Information and Thoughts About Handpandrum.us - Additionally, while the makers of the Sagittarius HandPan (also known as the STG Escultura) deny any connection with the Hernan, there are a huge amount of similarities, so that at this point in time, we would strongly encourage thorough online research of any of these brands before considering purchase).
Resources such as Handpan.org may prove beneficial in seeking further information, and advice.
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{UPDATE} While the following source has proven historically to be particularly unaccepting of the vast majority of newer HandPan makers (being primarily devoted to discussion of the PANArt Hang) - in this instance, we feel that anybody considering purchase of one of these '(what are believed to be) Columbia-made HandPan (changed from 'are' Columbia-made following complaint) might benefit from the read prior to purchase: Some Information and Thoughts About Handpandrum.us - Additionally, while the makers of the Sagittarius HandPan (also known as the STG Escultura) deny any connection with the Hernan, there are a huge amount of similarities, so that at this point in time, we would strongly encourage thorough online research of any of these brands before considering purchase).
Resources such as Handpan.org may prove beneficial in seeking further information, and advice.