C# Low Pygmy 15 'Kintsugi' Stainless

This is Oasis #111 a very special and magical instrument

C#) D# E (F#) G# (A) B C# D# E (F#) G# (A) (B) (C#)

Here we have the top shell holding the ever savory Low Pygmy scale. Traditionally, the term “Low” was reserved for scales that went from the ding as the root straight to the 2nd and then 3rd of the scale as the respective first and then second perimeter notes. Thus here we have the ding as 1), and then around the perimeter we have 2 3 5 7 1 2 3 5 which is the fundamental orientation of any Low Pygmy scale.

By using the bottom notes available, you will find the traditional Pygmy handpan scale being played in the performance first. Traditional Pygmy has the ding as the fifth of the mode that is placed around the circle. This looks like 5) 1 2 3 5 7 1 2 3 5. What’s interesting here is if we play the ding as the root we have a mode that looks more like”1) 4 5 6 1 3 4 5 6 1”. This is why the vibe of the traditional Pygmy handpan scale feels more mysterious than the savory “Low Pygmy” due to the 1, 4, 5, 6 relationship.

Using the bottom notes available you will also be able to play the Equinox scale which you hear entered after the Pygmy vibe.

Thus by filling in the missing notes of the top shell on the bottom we have created a fully diatonic instrument. We like to call this Kintsugi.

Kintsugi: The Japanese art of pouring gold into the cracks and fissures of broken pottery to not only repair the piece but to display the mend as a part of the objects beauty.