2016 CATALOG

METAL SOUNDSZ.A. Piossane II, 2 impasse d’Occitanie 31590 Verfeil - France

+33 (0)9 50 04 72 06+33 (0)6 21 10 10 18info@metalsounds.fr

metalsounds.frmetalsounds.fr

Photos by Grégoire VoevodskyPhotos are non-contractual

Printed with vegetable inks on recycled paper

Passion, integrity and quality.

Metal Sounds is a French company that makes two wonderful new kinds of musical instruments: handpans (Spacedrum®) and steel tongue drums

(Zenko®). We also import steel drums from Trinidad & Tobago. Allow us to introduce ourselves a little bit further,

before travelling together through our musical universe.

The Spacedrum project was conceived in 2006 as a result of a partnership between a musical instruments shop and a steeldrum maker. In 2008 the very

first Spacedrum was unveiled and sold. Three years later, responding to a huge demand and after a lot of Research & Development, the company

Metal Sounds was created by Philippe, Cédric and Marc.Our next inspiration Zenko was introduced for the first time at the Frankfurt

Musik Messe 2014. The Zenko, our steel tongue drum, is the result of a patient R&D program. It met immediately with large success in Europe and beyond. Metal Sounds is constantly developing and improving its musical instruments

and accessories; undertaking research on materials, new alloys and new processes. Our goal is to offer the best quality and the best service

to our customers. We combine countless years of experienced craftsmanship with the efficiency of a modern company.

METAL SOUNDSZ.A. Piossane II, 2 impasse d’Occitanie 31590 Verfeil - France

+33 (0)9 50 04 72 06+33 (0)6 21 10 10 18info@metalsounds.fr

metalsounds.fr

The manufacturing Our creative team of craftsmen is composed of five manufacturers/tuners. Phillipe, Elie and Julien are in charge of the Spacedrum’s making in our main workshop, while Moustafa and Gabriel are handling the Zenko’s assembly, fine tuning and finishing, in a second workshop.

All of our team members work together and share ideas and improve-ments in order to always make the best possible instruments. The main part of the manufacturing stages is done in our workshops with the use of sophisticated machines and home-made tools.

At the same time we are involved with several Research & Development programs, thanks to the help of many external partners coming from the steel industry, and we are constantly improving our processes with one and only concern: the final quality of every instrument.

The tuning Spacedrum and Zenko have two different tuning processes. One is hand hammered in a slow time consuming process (Space-drum) while the other is cut in a much faster process (Zenko). Both of them require some specific skills, like a good ear of course, but also a good ear defender, furthermore, because our team is so passionate they probably have steel running through their veins! The tuning of steel is sometimes considered as an Art form according to its com-plexity and mysterious nature for which the artist (tuner) develops a keen intuition. Philippe, our main tuner (Spacedrum), is sharing his precious knowledge and experience with Elie and Julien, both young and talented tuners. A fine tuning (Standard 440 Hz or any other frequency, like 432 Hz), for both instruments, is done in soundproof boxes. The accuracy of each note and overtone is checked thanks to the software Linotune©, specially designed for steel-made instrument tuning.

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ZENKOThe Zenko belongs to the family of steel tongue drums,

also known as «tank drums» because these kind of instruments were first made out of propane tanks. The Metal Sounds team has spent a lot of time and energy

to create a finely crafted and reliable stainless steel tongue drum. In addition to a high sound quality, we

have created a unique shape and design for our first steel tongue drum line.

Technical features: Number of notes: 9Material: Stainless steelDiameter: 32 cmTotal height: 13 cmWeight: 2.8 Kg

Included accessories:Deluxe bagSupport ringPair of wood mallets

Design, efficiency and reliability are our three key words. The Zenko is an original melodic percussion made of a specific stainless steel alloy that protects it for life from the rust and helps to hold the tuning of the instrument thanks to its firmness. Special care is given to the finishes: the colour of the top can be «copper-like» or natural silver-grey.The Zenko exists in 8 different scales/tunings. It can be played by hand or with special mallets (included, along with the cover bag and the support ring). The scale choice is a personal decision, according to your needs and personality. Therefore, we offer a large selection of different modes and tones, for different uses. To find out which Zenko scale is your favourite please visit our website and listen to the audio files on the products’ pages.

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ZENKO

IONIAN AKEBONO

PENTA C EQUINOX

The ionian scale is a A minor diatonic scale. The A3 note in the center gives a deep bass that is used as a pivot. This scale is very versatile and can be played by beginners or experienced musicians. It fits particularly well for educational purposes so it is a good choice for schools.

9 notes: A3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 B4 C5ZEN01

The Akebono scale is a C minor pentatonic scale. The G3 note in the center gives a deep bass that is used as a pivot. This scale is a pentatonic mode (5 notes that are repeated) that comes from Japan. This is one of the best scales for relaxation and music-therapy, a unique mood!

9 notes: G3 C4 D4 Eb4 G4 G#4 C5 D5 Eb5ZEN03

The Penta C is a C major penta-tonic scale. The A3 note in the center gives a deep bass that

is used as a pivot. This scale is a pentatonic mode (5 notes that are repeated), it can be played by beginners or experimented musicians. Perfect to play with other instruments in a C major

harmony, this is a highly energetic range.

9 notes: A3 C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5 E5ZEN02

The Equinox scale is a B minor original scale. The G3 note in the

center gives a deep bass that is used as a pivot. This scale is unique, including a major mode in the Key of C (with a 3rd in E),

so it is very versatile and can be used in any creative composition

and/or jam session. For «open minded» artists!

9 notes: G3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F#4 G4 B4 D5ZEN04

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ZENKO

HARMONY

SOLSTICE

The Harmony scale is a very versatile scale that combines a C minor and a C# major scale. The C4 note in the center gives a medium bass that is used as a pivot. It offers a large range of different chords bringing inspira-tion to the musician. This scale is a Metal Sounds creation, just try it!

9 notes: C4 F4 Ab4 Bb4 C5 C#5 Eb5 F5 G5ZEN05

The Solstice scale is based upon an G open tune chord (D G B

D) and can be played in a major or a minor mode (with the Bb).

The B3 note in the center gives a medium/low bass that is used as a pivot. The sharp and flat notes that are around this basic chord gives this model all its richness.

For musicians of all level.

9 notes: B3 C#4 D4 F#4 G4 Bb4 B4 D5 F#5

ZEN06

PYGMY

OMEGA

The Pygmy scale is a C minor pentatonic scale with a 7th minor. The C4 note in the center gives a medium bass that is used as a pivot. This scale is a pentatonic mode (5 notes that are repeated) that comes from Africa. It will fit perfectly with many ethnic instru-ments. A beloved scale by world music musicians.

9 notes: C4 D4 Eb4 G4 Bb4 C5 D5 Eb5 G5ZEN07

The Omega scale is a G major scale mainly composed with

natural notes. The G3 note in the center gives a deep bass that is used as a pivot. The spirit of

this scale is close to the Middle East harmonies, using many half

tones that offer several interes-ting combinations. Surprising

and mysterious, this scale is a Metal Sounds creation.

9 notes: G3 Eb4 G4 Ab4 B4 C5 D5 Eb5 F5

ZEN08

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SPACEDRUMThe «Handpan» neologism means:

a pan to be played by hand.Handpans are the only metal-made musical instru-

ments designed to be played by hands and fingers. The Spacedrum is the first Handpan ever made in

France and we’re proud to contribute to the spread of such magical instruments all over the world.

Our experience shows that everybody is touched by the sound of the Spacedrum.

The Spacedrum is not made of classic steel or nitrated steel like many other handpans, but of an original stainless steel alloy that gives an excellent sound definition, sustain, sound power and deepness in the bass notes. Its brown colour comes from the heat treatment. A removable rubber profile comes all around to protect the edge and softly damps the sound. The sound hole, below the instrument, lets the Spacedrum «breath» and brings a better resonance and a well-balanced sound.The Spacedrum exists in three sizes and 9 different scales, in seve-ral modes: pentatonic, diatonic and even chromatic. Actually, Metal Sounds is the first and only handpan maker in the world to offer a full chromatic octave on one single handpan. Musicians have immediately felt how relevant this model is and that is why it is currently a best-seller.

Technical features: Number of notes: 6 - 8 - 9 - 13Material of the dome: special stainless steel alloyMaterial of the bottom: stainless steelDiameters: 48 cm - 55 cm - 60 cm Total heights: 16 cm - 17 cm - 21 cmWeights: 3.5 Kg - 5.4 Kg - 7 Kg

Included accessories:Deluxe bagPot of wax

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SPACEDRUM

6 NOTESPENTATONIC Bb MAJOR

6 NOTESCHROMATIC EXTENSION

Are you a beginner? The Pentatonic scale is made for you! Intuitive, versatile and very easy to play, it can accompany different music styles (Blues, Rock, Jazz, World Music, Reggae...)

6 notes: Bb3 C4 D4 F4 G4 Bb4SPACE07

8 NOTESPENTATONICC MAJOR

8 NOTESDIATONICA MINOR

The C major pentatonic scale is a classic. It suits to any type of players, from beginners to experimented. There is always something new to do with these notes! This is for creative and intuitive players.

8 notes: G3 A3 C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5SPACE08

The diatonic A minor scale is often used in educational

contexts (conservatories, music academies, schools, art therapy

and early-learning activities...). It also suits to any type of

artistic projects and can be complemented by the 6 notes

«Chromatic Extension».

8 notes: A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4

SPACE08

The 6 notes Spacedrum «Chromatic Extension» and the 8

notes Spacedrum Diatonic A minor complement each other.

With both models you get a full 14-notes chromatic range. It can also be played alone too, thanks to a very nice scale of accurate

sharp and flat notes.

6 notes: Bb3 C#4 Eb4 F#4 G#4 Bb4

SPACE07

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SPACEDRUM

8 NOTESHITZAZKIAR

8 NOTESDEEP SKY

Hitzazkiar is a Persian minor scale that exists for centuries. It is a typical middle-eastern harmony that offers many pos-sibilities in terms of composition or improvisation. The tessitura (range) of this model is in the high tones.

8 notes: C4 C#4 E4 F4 G4 G#4 B4 C5SPACE08

This Spacedrum has the distinc-tion of having 8 notes placed on a large 60cm diameter. Its

scale starts with a C3, which is a remarkable bass, and ends on F4. The Deep Sky offers a large spectrum of sounds, overtones

and sustain.

8 notes: C3 Eb3 G3 Bb3 C4 D4 Eb4 F4

SPACE10

8 NOTESATLANTIC’O

9 NOTESAKEBONO

Akebono is a Japanese penta-tonic minor scale that will bring

you immediately at the foot of the mount Fuji Yama. It is much ap-

preciated by people who want to relax, owing to the Spacedrum’s

tranquil vibrations. This is the largest range for a Spacedrum

scale, from E3 to C5.

9 notes: E3 A3 B3 C4 E4 F4 A4 B4 C5

SPACE11

The Atlantic’O is one tone higher than the Deep Sky, it’s a D minor scale. The timbre is slightly different from the Deep Sky, a bit brighter, more res-ponsive. For those who want to play in D.

8 notes: D3 F3 A3 C4 D4 E4 F4 A4SPACE10

22 Steve Shehan© by Cédric Aimé

SPACEDRUM

13 NOTESCHROMATICThe unique masterpiece! 13 half-tones on only one handpan, in the high tessitura (range) from C4 to C5 (special pattern). Musicians were drea-ming of it, Metal Sounds did it. Now you can play whatever you want, in any tones. You just need to practice!

13 notes: C4 C#4 D4 Eb4 E4 F4 F#4 G4 G#4 A4 Bb4 B4 C5SPACE09

The second hole improves the sound experience of the Chromatic Spacedrum.

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Mallets in wood and rubber tips.

STICK01 (13 cm single tips)

STICK02 (16 cm double tips)

Mallets in wood and rubber tips (shore 50). Size: 25 cm.

STICK05

Stand in metal, collapsible and adjustable.

Suitable for Spacedrum and other handpans.

STAND-08

Special gloves designed to give a delicate touch and produces a soft sound.

GT-N1 (male)

GT-N2 (female)

Deluxe padded and reinforced bag with a layer of fibre. Handle, back straps and pockets.

HS-SP-48 (small)

HS-SP-55 (medium)

HS-SP-60 (large)

Wax (30 ml)

CIRE

Support ring in foam. Diameter 14 cm. Thickness 1.5 cm.

SUP1

Deluxe padded bag with handle, shoulder strap

and pockets.

HS-ZEN

Other available colours : blue and brown

Professional hardcase. Polycarbonate and foam inside. Handle and on castors. Specially designed by HardcaseTM for the Spacedrum. Suitable for miscellaneous handpans. Made in the UK.

HC6 (small)

HC7 (medium)

HC8 (large)

Stainless steel cleaner (wax). Spray can 500 ml.

CIRE1

ACCESSORIESFOR ZENKO FOR SPACEDRUM

Considering the high quality of our steel tongue drums we have decided to include a full range of specially

designed accessories (deluxe bag, mallets and sup-port ring). Furthermore several add ons are available :

a collapsible and adjustable stand to play the Zenko standing-up, a cover to protect it and a special wax

spray designed for stainless steel cleaning.

All our handpans are provided with a solid softbag that includes a fibre layer on the top to protect efficiently the playing surface. A pot of wax is also included, to clean and make your Spacedrum shine. We also offer special mallets to get a softer resonance when playing.

Chromed steel stand.Clamp height

and tilt adjustments.

STAND-03

Cover in cotton with embroidered logo.

HS-ZEN1

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STEELDRUMSSteeldrums (also called steelpans) were invented in Trinidad & Tobago during the 1930’s. Since the

«pioneers» from Trinidad have developed many diffe-rent kinds of steeldrums, these instruments are now

played in the steel orchestras (steelbands) all over the world. Despite this worldwide and growing interest for

steeldrums, the particular manufacturing knowledge is shared by very few people and these instruments are

still rare and sought after.

Technical features:Number of notes: from 3 (single pan)

to 32 notes (double pan)Material: steel

Finishing: powder coated (painted) or chromed

Diameter: 58 cmHeight: 22 to 85 cmWeight: 4 to 20 Kg

Included accessories: sticks (mallets)

After decades of manufacturing and tuning steeldrums, the Metal Sounds team has finally decided to import them from Trinidad, the home of the steelpan. We travelled there in 2014 to find a reliable partner who could guarantee a high quality product range (steel-drums and accessories): Gillspan is a well-known steeldrum manu-facturing company operating in Trinidad for two generations (Merlin and his son Mazzini). Our customers are assured that they receive an instrument that bears the Gill Brand of Distinction:Qualified Craftsmen with internationally recognized certification (University of Trinidad & Tobago)Constructed Tuning Rooms to especially improve overtones, accurate harmonics and concentration for tuning in different concert pitches.Steel tailored to Gill Quality Specifications.Pans built, tuned and chromed to guarantee the Gill distinctive look and sound. All our steedrums are available

in a powder coated finishing(standard range)

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STEELDRUM

TENOR(SOPRANO)

DOUBLETENOR

(SOPRANO)

The Tenor consists of: High D and Low C Lead range from C4 (or D4) to E6 (or F#6) and has 29 notes. This instrument is designed to play the melody in the steelband (front line), its tessitura is the highest pitched of all the steeldrum family. This is the most recommended model to start with.Chrome: STEEL-IMP1

Powder Coated: STEEL-IMP01

The double Tenor (Soprano) consists of: Low C range from

F3 to B5 and has 31 notes. This instrument, made of two barrels, is designed to play the counter

melody in the steelband. It is the model that has one of the

largest number of notes and is very versatile

Chrome: STEEL-IMP8

Powder Coated: STEEL-IMP07

SINGLE &DOUBLESECOND(ALTO)The Second is designed to accompany the melody played by the tenors’ front line. A little bit lower than the tenor, it has 14 notes from G3 to A4 (single) or 32 notes from F#3 to C6 (double). The second may be used for the counter melody and the harmony. The single second, traditionally used for marching steelbands («pan ‘round the neck») is now played in the regu-lar steel orchestras. However, the double second is still the most widespread in use.Chrome: STEEL-IMP4

Powder Coated: STEEL-IMP02

Chrome: STEEL-IMP2

Powder Coated: STEEL-IMP05

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STEELDRUM

Chrome: STEEL-IMP3

Powder Coated: STEEL-IMP06

TRIPLE CELLO(TENOR)

The Triple Cello is used for rhythmic, chords and harmony (tenor voice). This instrument offers a large range of 24 bass and medium pitched notes from B2 to A4. The playing technique is not that simple to handle at the same time because of its three barrels but its timbre definitely merits it. It produces one of the most beautiful sounds of all the steeldrums that composes a steel orchestra.Chrome: STEEL-IMP7

Powder coated: STEEL-IMP08

SINGLE &DOUBLEGUITAR (TENOR)

Guitar pans, single or double, are mainly used for rhythmic and

harmony. Its powerful timbre is perfect for the «strummings»

(rhythmic chords and harmony tenor voice) and, despite its 18

notes (for a double guitar) it can also be used for the melody.

The single Guitar is made in one barrel and gives 8 notes harmo-nized with the other single pans.

Chrome: STEEL-IMP5

Powder Coated: STEEL-IMP03

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SINGLE BASS(BASS)

6 BASS(BASS)

The single Bass is used for the bass line. It has 5 essential notes that will fit with thousands of melodies. It’s easy to handle, compared to the 6 Bass, and is particularly appreciated by mu-sicians who are moving a lot with their instrument, or for marching steelbands. Very easy to play and producing a deep full sound experience, the single Bass is re-commended for beginners and/or starting bands.Chrome: STEEL-IMP6

Powder coated: STEEL-IMP04

The 6 Bass is one of the largest playing surfaces in the world

of musical instruments. With 6 barrels of 3 notes each, the com-

plete instrument has 18 notes and is, of course, used for an

elaborate bass line. The chrome finishing is not relevant for such a big instrument. The musicians who play the 6 Bass often seem

to dance while they’re playing. For experienced players and

steelbands.STEEL-IMP001

STEELDRUM

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ACCESSORIESFOR STEELDRUM

Metal Sounds offers a full range of high quality acces-sories designed buy our own team or directly imported

from Trinidad & Tobago. You will find here what you need to protect, move safely your instruments and of

course give a total freedom to your creativity.

Sticks with grip for TenorRods: wood,Tips: latexLength: 18 cmWeight (pair): 36 g

STICK-IMP01G

Sticks with grip for Second and Double TenorRods: woodTips: latexLength: 22 cmWeight (pair): 50 g

STICK-IMP02G

Sticks with grip for Guitar and CelloRods: woodTips: latexLength: 22 cmWeight (pair): 55 g

STICK-IMP03G

Weight: 450 GrHeight: 45 cm

Diameter: 9 cm

SCRAT1

The scratcher (metal guiro) takes place in the rhythmic

section of the steelband. Hand made in Trinidad.

Professional hardcase. Simili leather with handle and shoulder strap. Black or «Trini flag». Made in Trinidad.

HC-M1 (tenor)

HC-M2 (second)

HC-M3 (guitar & cello)

Professional padded bags (all sizes) with handle and pocket.

HS-ST-01 (tenor & second)

HS-ST-02 (guitar)

HS-ST-03 (cello)

Hat cover for Bass. Simili leather. Made in Trinidad.

HS-ST-06

Professional hardcase. Polycarbonate & foam inside.

Handle and on castors. Made in the UK.

HC1 (tenor)

HC2 (second)

HC3 (guitar & cello)

HC4 (single bass)

HC5 (bass)

Collapsible and adjus-table «low legs» stand for double and triple steeldrum. Painted steel. Made in Trinidad.

STAND-06-LL

Collapsible and adjus-table standard stand for single steeldrum.

Painted steel. Made in Trinidad.

STAND-06

Stand for bass steeldrum. Painted steel. Made in Trinidad.

STAND-07

Weight: 650 GrHeight: 60 cmDiameter: 9 cm

SCRAT2

Sticks with grip for Single BassRods: wood

Tips: foam rubberLength: 26 cm

Weight (pair): 100 g

STICK-IMP04G

Sticks with grip for 6 Bass Rods: woodTips: foam rubberLength: 30 cmWeight (pair): 175 g

STICK-IMP05G

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Conditions of use and maintenance Despite our instruments being made of metal, they must be handled with care to maintain the tuning. Here are some advices to follow to keep your instrument safe and to enjoy it for years to come:

How to play for keeping a sustainable tuning?Our instruments must be hit softly, whether by hand, or with our specially designed mallets. If they’re played to hard the sound will be saturated and there’s a risk of them going out of tune.

Could the temperature affect the tuning?Our instruments must be played in a tempered atmosphere to avoid expansion or retraction of the metal which could cause a tuning issue. If your instrument is too hot or too cold, let it come back to a normal temperature before considering playing it. Avoid a direct exposure of sun.

How to protect my instrument?Shocks or rough movement are the first cause for tuning issues. That’s why Metal Sounds offers rein-forced protective bags and hardcases to protect and carry your instrument. We strongly recommend placing your instrument into its bag or hardcase as soon as you finish playing it.

How to clean my instrument?After playing you can use a soft cotton cloth to clean your instrument. We also offer a special stain-less steel cleaner (wax) to erase the finger prints and make your Zenko or Spacedrum shine (not to be used for Steeldrums). It is not necessary to wax your instrument too much, once or twice a year is generally enough but that mainly depends on the way you use it.

Customized instruments It is possible to «imagine and create» your own Spacedrum!By selecting the «Customized Spacedrum» offer you can choose an original range of notes and choose one of the three sizes we propose. This offer is not available for Zenko and Steeldrums.Spacedrum and Zenko can also be tuned on a different pitch than the classical A440 Hz (for example: A432 Hz for relaxation).

Re-tuning service If your instrument is out of tune, whatever the reason, we can still fix it thanks to our re-tuning service. Contact us to know the waiting and pricing conditions.

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Philippe MaignautSpacedrum’s workshop manager

Main tuner

Cédric AiméC.E.O.

Elie DacenkoZenko’s workshop manager

Tuner

Marc GuilliouSales manager

Moustafa NajmiZenko’s manufacturing

Tuner

Florence Marteau-DulatierAccountant

Gabriel FournierZenko’s manufacturing

Julien BarkerSpacedrum’s manufacturing

Tuner