The Sela Unity Handpan C# Kurd 215 is an ingenious combination of percussion and melody; because of its fixed key, capable by design of only the correct notes, even players without any prior musical knowledge can coax harmonious, immersive, and deeply resonant sounds out of it seemingly effortlessly. It consists of two thin stainless steel bowls that are shaped by hand and then joined together: On the top is the playing surface with the tone fields, and underneath is the resonance hole, also called the gu. The manufacturing process of the Sela Unity Handpans is extremely complex, as the artisan who tunes them must hammer each individual tone field to achieve exactly the right note – with each tuned section also affecting the tuning of the other fields. The stainless steel, when worked in this way, offers optimal resonance for long sustain.
Handpans are made by hand to be played by hand. The dome in the middle of the Sela Unity Handpan C# Kurd 215 produces the lowest note (C#3), also called the central note. Surrounding this point, the eight other tone fields are arranged in a circle (G#3, A3, B3, C#4, D#4, E4, F#4, and G#4), with the sequence of notes progressing from left to right for an instinctive playfeel, and producing the bright and melancholic C sharp minor scale. In contrast to the models of the Sela Harmony series (440Hz tuning), the concert pitch A of the Sela Unity Handpan is 432Hz. The tone fields are played by tapping or striking them with the fingers or thumb, responding sensitively and clearly to the slightest touch. Depending on where the tone fields are struck, they can also generate partial tones, with the 'empty' areas used for percussive accents. Handpans are usually played while seated, although there are also stands that allow musicians to play while standing, and even use several handpans at once.
Admittedly, the Sela Unity Handpan C# Kurd 215 is not an entry-level instrument in terms of price, a result of the craftsmanship involved in making each one: However, by no means is it only suitable for professional musicians. Even beginners with no knowledge of musical notation can quickly summon fascinating soundscapes from this instrument, simply by playing it instinctively. And with a little practice and the right playing technique, complex rhythms, two-part melodies, and chords (e.g. C#m, G#m, A, and B) soon become a reality, too. There is something meditative and spiritual about playing a handpan: Their sound is soothing, yet mysterious, and simply captivating. Apart from a pair of hands, only a subtle awareness of rhythm is needed to completely enchant an audience.
With its motto "The Soul of Sound", Sela Percussion has been developing and producing exceptional cajons for discerning musicians for over 20 years. Sela cajons are manufactured and developed exclusively in Germany, to the highest standards of quality and with ease of use in mind. With innovative features such as the adjustable snare system, "clap corners", and the very practical "Pro Snare On/Off Mechanism", Sela cajons offer a wealth of sonic possibilities. Sela Percussion has now expanded its product range to include handmade handpans which, thanks to their ethereal sound, are guaranteed take both musicians and their audiences on a spiritual journey.
With to its unique timbre and lengthy sustain, the Sela Unity Handpan C# Kurd 215 is predestined for use in spiritual activities, for example in a yoga studio at home. Although this instrument sounds very good on its own, it's equally well suited to making music together with other percussion instruments or guitars. The matte golden stainless steel body is a real eye-catcher, as well as being able to withstand almost any weather – so a sudden rain shower during a jam session in the park will simply be refreshing! According to the manufacturer, even mild acids (perspiration, for instance) won't harm the Sela Unity Handpan. Thanks to its fine, nuanced response, this special musical instrument is of course also ideal for recording sessions in the studio.