Guy Jackson, a software programmer from South Africa, had a dream: he wanted to make an electronic, hardware Hang Drum type instrument that would perfectly replicate the experience of playing those great instruments. He, like so many others, was frustrated at the lack of availability and high costs of the genuine drums, and wanted a more affordable, democratic solution.
He created a working prototype and contacted SonicCouture (makers of the well know Pan Drums sample library) to supply the samples for a full production model.
Now Guy launched an Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign to get The Lumen into a full production prototype form, and then make it available for retail.
The crowd funder price oscillates between $499 and $699 (from super early bird supporters to regular ones). Considering that original Hangs are up to $10,000 on eBay (erm..), and other models selling for $2000+, the Lumen could be a very interesting product for all those who would love to add some great percussive tones to their tracks.
Being an electronic instrument, you can also output the audio signal or MIDI messages straight from the Lumen. The product is expected to be on sale in 2017.
Lumen Features
- Sound Design & Consultancy by Soniccouture
- Full velocity sensitivity (20 levels per tone field)
- Full range, amplified speakers
- USB charging
- 4 hour+ playing time
- MIDI output
- Audio output (headphone jack)
- Multiple instruments – changeable while playing
- Key adjustments while playing
- Scale adjustments!
