Do you think it is better to start playing the lyre and then jumping to the hanago? Also, what company did you get it from? I have been trying to google it, but the ones I found look different than yours.
I'd say go for the one you like better. They're quite similar and eventually one will be preferred and the other "abandoned". Most information about the Hanago is in Korean so it's hard to search. The company is called Koaura. They're selling within Korea at the moment but will open for international orders next month. I'll post the link here when that happens.
Hi. I got an update from them. They'll sell the Hanago in January on Kickstarter. Here's the link if you're still interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Very interesting instrument. I really like the fact that the black dots resemble piano keys and also that you don’t have to retune strings when you want to play a song in a different key.
Making all the strings the same length (in order to enable equal length shortening for semitones) is unfortunately a poor design. Also can't play strings from both front and back with both hands like a harp or bigger lyre models.
@@set3777 Why is it a poor design? Can you please elaborate? There are actually 3 different ways to play with both hands. Like this ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hh1XCZWTgeE.html, this ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FTEk4QXzqjc.html or this ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TzEOtD5a5ck.html .
@@SamanthaonMars 1. Because the strings are all of equal lengths except shortened for accidentals, and the string tension must be nearly about the same for playing, the ONLY variable for pitch is string gauge (string diameter). Hence the Hanago is limited by physics to few strings - only 16 strings in fact. 2. The instrument is only built for C key but with possibility of playing rare accidentals. You cannot easily play tunes with a different key, I think. It would be better to invest in either a 34 string Chromatic Lyre or a 26 string levered harp.
@@set3777 Thanks for the explanation! I see what you mean now! It seems the Hanago is not the instrument for you. That's ok. I just feel it's not fair to say it's a 'poor design' period. If you go to the Hanago's original site (Koaura dot com, it's in Korean so you need google translate), one of the uses is to make it portable and used in schools for music education. It is supposed to be small, so it doesn't matter that it has few strings. I also see what your second point means. Yes, it can be hard to play in other keys because one hand has to control the length of the string, but then the lever harp also requires one hand to pull the lever mid-performance. Again, it comes down to each one's needs. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I have been thinking about buying a lyre hard, but have been putting it off due to work + playing in a local jazz band. But with Winter coming the band takes a break, so I may finally try something new. This looks like a fantastic way for me to enter the lyre harp world. A big plus, for me, is that it is a chromatic instrument that's laid out like a keyboard. I play vibraphone, so I'm already very comfortable with that. Thanks!
YES! Another unboxing! Thank you very much for you honest and straight to the point review, finally a lyre that can play sharp/flat! Hope we get to see more of this harp in the future!
@@SamanthaonMars So you are going to step up on another level :D . I am so excited to listen to your futur songs with this ! Do you have a link to buy it ?
@@adliwalid835 In October they'll start selling it internationally. I'll let you know the link when it happens. Right now they're sold exclusively in Korea.
Hi. I've received an update from the Hanago company. They'll sell the Hanago in January. Here's the link on Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
This is my uncles invention it’s awesome JOWOOM I got the first one ever I’m on asvertising in the kickstarter the boy holding it it’s now mine those photos where took in Hawaii
You have a talented uncle! Not only did he make the Hanago, but also the Bearlele. It's wonderful that you helped him with the Kickstarter campaign. You have a great smile!
Wow what a great review, I love that you were honest and that you weren't afraid to say your opinion. It sounds pretty good, the idea and concept is very interesting. Also, were you playing "The Entertainer" at 4:12?
Yes I was! I have wanted to play "The Entertainer" on the lyre harp for SO LONG but I couldn't. Now I'm finally able to do it on a string instrument. Thank you for loving the review! You're the best.
@@SamanthaonMars Thank you. It's cool that you can get the sound of a lyre but with more capabilities, I wonder what songs you could cover now if you used it.
Very interesting i like the look of it and the sound but I need to see how you play it and I like the facts that you can play sharp and flat on it, I need to see more of your performance on this instrument please.
Hi Amparo. Check out Melodami. She can demonstrate better than I can on the Hanago: ru-vid.com%EB%A9%9C%EB%A1%9C%EB%8B%A4%EB%AF%B8MeloDami/ . You can also play it holding up like this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xBSMdgCmsW4.html , or on a tabletop like this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TzEOtD5a5ck.html
I took the new Hanago with me to a one week trip with my family. At the long car rides I played german folksongs and easy christian songs, with both hands, melody and accompagnement. I still play them stil in a quite slow tempo but its getting better every day. I am a piano player and a guitar player. One difficulty I experience is the position of the black dots. The "c" is actually at the position of what would be the "c Sharp" on the piano. I still find it difficult to adjust and I stil sometimes miss the right string. But this instrument is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to have a soft instrument to play relaxing music. Which is also small to carry with me "everywhere", also outside. And to develop my creativity while improving my playing scils.
My only challenge with the black dots is that they can be a bit hard to press, but I totally understand your struggle with their positioning. Your trip sounds like a wonderful trip! And it’s fantastic that you found an instrument that suits your needs.
What a cool instrument- it looks a bit like finish kantele! Im waiting now for your new melodies, btw you have very very nive voice and speak perfect english! Do you come from the south korea?
With my limited knowledge on musical instruments I had to check what a kantele is 😂 and yes they look similar. Thank you for saying I have a nice voice! ❤️❤️❤️ I'm from Hong Kong.
Im reading now a book written of aa writer from Hong Kong- Chan Ho-kei "the second sister". I really like it (Im otherwise a big fun of asian literatur)
So tiny, and yet so beautiful. Would love one of these, alongside a harp and koto. Can just imagine the mystical music that can be created with this instrument.
Then you have to watch Melodami's videos. She's the queen of playing the Hanago like a kalimba, a true professional! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-f0_L1Y_mBTg.html
@@timchiang1386 it would be if I was only after its string sound🙂 but it is a bit tiring to keep on tuning the kalimba😅 with the hanago, I guess people would have the option to tune it in advance or to press the top while playing.
I’ve got one. The higher, thinner strings are easier to fret than the lower ones. A disadvantage is that fretted notes don’t sustain quite as long as the open strings, but the sustain is pretty long to start with, comparable to a piano. Also fun, with a little practice, you can extend the range upward by using harmonics.
That's cool! I appreciate your insights. I didn't notice how the higher strings are easier to fret and didn't think to explore the harmonics on the Hanago. Thanks for sharing!
@@SamanthaonMars I have seen a few videos on RU-vid about it, but other than the beautiful music played in the video, the videos I have seen of it, don't offer any information about it, or where to get one.
@@thebookishhbookworm That's because in the past they were exclusive to South Korea. The good news is they'll be sold internationally next month on Kickstarter. Here's the link if you're interested. You can leave your email & get notified once it launches: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Oh wow, you are dangerous! I have already got two harp lyres and now I want a hanago XD min 5:02 is class! Thanks for showing us this cool little fella
I think that's very cool that you can play it in multiple ways as you described. That's also good that you told them you'd do a fair and honest review, as that's very important to point out the pros and cons for your viewers. Hmmm, I think I like this instrument. It has a really nice sound and it's capabilities to play the extra notes is a very big deal. I'm glad you showed us this as I like to check my available options before making a purchase. What do I think about it overall? It's awesome and I like it a lot. Your review was perfect here and being unbiased is always important when reviewing something. The cons didn't seem too bad to me compared to the pros. I found this extremely helpful and perfect. Excellent job! I like how you could hook it up to an amp and that makes the capabilities very dynamic. I have a question for you though and it does matter to me since you've become quite the Lyre Harpist, I know you love the Lyre Harp, but if you had to choose, which one do you prefer? There's nothing wrong with having both though and that's how I am, I'd likely get both. Thank you very much for this video my friend! You're an awesome reviewer! 🙂😁 🎶 🎵 👍 👍 😀😃
This is indeed a very cool instrument. When I first unboxed it I was as excited as a kid opening her Christmas present! Too bad I didn't capture that moment on camera. When I did the voice over later, a lot of the excitement has already softened down. Thank you for telling me what you think. The answer to your question has to do with timing. When I started with the lyre, the only thing available was the lyre. Since then I've grown to love the instrument more and more, and it has opened me to better things such as meeting friends like you! At this moment, it's the lyre for me. If in another universe I'm a complete beginner, and given both the lyre and Hanago to choose from, I would likely pick the Hanago. The reason is simple, the Hanago looks better. 😆😆😆
@@SamanthaonMars Haha you are too funny with your last sentence. 🤣 You're welcome for my thoughts and how cool must've that been, that moment of unboxing it. I like how you described it. That's how I felt when unboxing my studio monitors that I never use ironically. 😄 I actually did record it, not sure why though as I hate seeing myself on camera. My friend always bothers me to do a face reveal too. It's like it matters so much to him for some reason. 🤔 My monitors just collect dust as my headphones are the main thing that get used. Used so much I've managed to destroy 2 sets this year alone. 😅 I can see why you prefer the Lyre Harp at this time and indeed, it's very very special to you. I'm greatful for it as well. 🤝 You have been very kind to me and I always appreciate that from you. You have accomplished so much with it and it's been a treat for me to able to watch and learn from you. I already know I will end up with one. It's just a matter of time. By the way, I could still hear some excitement in your voice. 🙂
@@SamanthaonMars Hmm they're okay and are just basic flat studio headphones. I should stop being cheap and buy some better ones, but my best friend who ironically, happened to go to school for sound engineering, suggested these ones for mixing. He says when making music we should have a basic flat sound with nothing truly standing out. I understand the idea, but also different reference points can help. To answer your question better though, I am enjoying them because holding my ear to a small soundbox is not very comfortable when trying to tune something and I probably shouldn't tune anything to that box. 🤣🤣 It could give me a false reading ya know? When I feel the product is finished, I check it on the AKG k240 studio headphones, in my car with stock speakers, the Doss XL soundbox, my IMac stock speakers and my phone. If it sounds good without much distortion on all 5 references, I then decide its okay for an upload. Yeah that part annoys the heck out of me and is very redundant. 😅 Ugh it bothers me just thinking about it. 😂
@@LoneTreePeak Umm... The process sounds too complicated for my brain to fully understand, haha. Believe it or not, even when you've shown sneak peaks of your work on your Macbook, it's still hard for me to believe one person can single-handedly create soundtracks as rich as yours.
Hey Samantha! I was wondering, are there lots of musics from video games that you cannot play with your usual lyres? Sometimes it sounds like there are just too many notes that we can't play with a Lyre, so I wondered if you'd play a note that's "close enough" to the original note or if you give up completely on it or find yourself another music? The Hanago seems to be able to deal with that matter more easily but I have to say, it's a big chunk of wood to me, lyres looks better from my point of view, is the apparence of your instrument important to you or not that much?
Hello. You're absolutely right. Many melodies have accidentals (sharps / flats) and need a 12-note scale like the Hanago or piano to play. My usual lyres, being diatonic, uses a 7-note scale. There are several ways to deal with such a melody on the lyre. I could play the next note that is 'close enough' as you said. I could tune the next string to that accidental note (doesn't always work). Or I could skip the note entirely, or change the melody to avoid the note. The size of the Hanago is comparable to my 16-string lyres. Where the lyre is round in the middle, the Hanago is much narrower. To answer your question, yes, the looks of my instruments are important. Maybe it's superficial but a beautiful instrument motivates me to play it more, haha.
I haven't personally seen a Hanago with nylon strings. In fact, someone asked whether the instrument could come with nylon strings, and the Hanago team said that using nylon could potentially damage the instrument. I think it has to do with tension or something. So probably best to stick with metal. :)
As a Newbie I like it the soft tone sounds lovely but I’m still looking for that one special Lyre Harp that I will be able to play quietly and softly over my mum’s and pops resting place in the Memorial Garden as they both sleep in the Ground peacefully God rest their Souls
Hi! I'm not sure when it'll be sold in the US. They originally planned to launch it in October, but then it was delayed to November. I asked them a few days ago but didn't hear anything from them.
@@SamanthaonMars It sure would be nice, because it seems like it a nice flexible instrument, especially since it has a pickup too! Thanks for your reply!
Hi. It's been such a long wait! I would feel frustrated too. I don't work for the company, and I don't have insider information about the production or shipping. I recommend reaching out to them directly for an update. I hope you receive your instrument soon!
Not yet. The only similar instruments I have are budget lyres. The Hanago stays in tune so much better than my lyres. They all use the same type of strings (metal guitar strings) but different selections of gauges. Sometimes the high notes on my budget lyres can sound sharp. The Hanago seemed to have fewer occasions when this problem occurred.
You've sold me on this instrument. Nice, innovative instrument. Congrats to the designer. 💗 The only issue is there should be backup strings. That would be a nice little addition. 💜
I agree this instrument has a great design. It was just invented last year and this model is the 2nd version. I wish they give us an option to buy spare strings if they're not included in the box. We'll find out.
@@SamanthaonMars I can't find this in the States, not even through Amazon. Any idea where to go to get it? Thanks! Oops, I just saw the note about availability. I'll check back in October!
Hi. I got an update from them! They'll sell the Hanago on Kickstarter next month. Here's the link if you're interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Not yet. As much as I want to, there are so many videos I want to do but so little time. :( If you'd like to see what the Hanago is capable of, take a look at Melodami's channel. She's a pro! She plays the most beautiful music on the Hanago. ru-vid.com%EB%A9%9C%EB%A1%9C%EB%8B%A4%EB%AF%B8MeloDami/
I sincerely think that this instrument is more efficient than the lyre harp. I bought the 16 strings aklot lyre harp 6 month ago, I was very pleased by the sound and the instrument itself. But now the lyre is broken due to the poor attention in craftsmanship. I hope the hanago will fulfill my expectations
Perhaps not any time soon, but check out MeloDami's channel: www.youtube.com/@MeloDami . She is a true professional for the Hanago and she's got a lot of outstanding covers!
I really enjoyed learning about this instrument. I think it would suit me better than an lyre. I really like the fact that one can play sharps. How do I purchase one?
It was available for international sales earlier this year through a Kickstarter campaign which I linked in the description, but they aren't accepting new purchases now. If you're located in South Korea, you can purchase the Hanago through KOAURA. If you have friends or relatives in South Korea, or if you know of any buy and ship services, they may be able to help you get one.
Wow thank you! this is exactly the kind of instrument I'm interested in buying! What website should I order from to ship internationally to the united states?
Hi. I got an update from them. They'll sell the Hanago in January on Kickstarter. Here's the link if you're interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
It souds beautiful, however where can you get new strings from when you need them? I am planing to buy a similar one but I don't know from where could I get strings for such an instrument
Hello! Are you asking specifically for the Hanago? They planned to sell the Hanago (and spare strings) internationally this year, but the plan was postponed and now I can no longer reach them. Right now, they're only available in South Korea. If your instrument is akin to the lyre, maybe you can look for lyre strings on Amazon. You'll want to look for metal strings because that's what the Hanago uses. The Hanago does having thicker strings for the same note, compared to my lyre. The thickness depends very much on how the instrument is constructed. If your instrument has, say, 16 strings, I'd look for a set of 19, 21, or 24 on Amazon. So there are extra "spare" ones to test things out.
Ok ,danke für die Info, ich schaue noch einmal nach. Du hast mich inspiriert 😃eine Lyra habe ich mir schon zugelegt. 👍🏽🤣🤣🤣🤣 ich versuche mein bestes und hoffe das es reicht 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@Mariposa851 You're so welcome! Yes, yes, it's enough. 😃 It's more than enough to be putting your best effort into it. Let's not forget to enjoy the process too!
@@SamanthaonMars ich werde dir weiter hin folgen. Du hast mir eine "NEUE TÜR" geöffnet.... ich bin immer bereit was neues zu entdecken und zu lernen. Danke....🎵🎵🎶🙋🏾♀️👍🏽🥰
Hi. It was sold internationally on Kickstarter a while ago, but I believe the campaign has closed by now. Currently, you can find them exclusively available in South Korea.
Allow me to introduce MeloDami's channel to you: www.youtube.com/@MeloDami/ . She plays the most beautiful melodies on the Hanago. She's super talented!
Thanks for your review. Since you've been playing around with the Hanago for a few months: does it stay in tune with normal playing, or does it detune easily? Do you still use it and practice with the Hanago?
Hello! The Hanago stays in tune so much better than my lyre harps. With temperature / humidity changes, my lyre harps need to be re-tuned often. Not for the Hanago. I haven't been playing the Hanago as much, but whenever I took it out, it sounded decent. It looks like they use the same type of strings so I think it has to do with the Hanago's better set-up.
After having the Hanago for a while, the most notable downside is still related to the first con in the video. It hurts to press down after prolonged playing. Similar to playing the guitar, there will be initial discomfort until calluses are developed.
The company said they would release it internationally last month. Then it's delayed to the end of this month. I'll post the link when I have it. Right now, it's only available in South Korea.
Hi. I got an update from them. The Hanago will be sold on Kickstarter next month. Here's the link if you're still interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Hi! Just an update. They didn't send me the link, and they're not replying to my emails. I can't find anything about the launch. So perhaps.... it's further delayed? I'm not sure...
Hi Linda. I got an update from them. The Hanago will be sold on Kickstarter next month. Here's the link if you're interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument . You can enter your email and be notified once it launches.
Discovered this instrument really randomly. Can't wait for the Kickstarter to open tomorrow to buy one. I just hope that it won't be overpriced for Europeans :D
Hello! I hope it won't be overpriced too. :) They told me the Kickstarter will be delayed to some time in February. Let's hope the wait won't be too long.
@@SamanthaonMars Yeah, noticed the countdown on their global website was done but still no Kickstarter sadly. Finger crossed we will get it anytime soon ☺️
Hi. It was available for international purchase earlier this year through a Kickstarter campaign which I had in the description. But now, they aren't accepting new purchases. If you're located in South Korea, you can purchase the Hanago through KOAURA. If you have friends or relatives in South Korea, or if you know of any buy and ship services, they may be able to help you get one.
Hi. I got an update from them. The Hanago will be sold on Kickstarter next month. Here's the link if you're still interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Yep they are! They'll be available internationally in October. Right now they're only sold in Korea. I'll put out the link once I know it. The company is called Koaura.
Hi. I got an update from them. They'll sell the Hanago in January on Kickstarter. Here's the link if you're still interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Hi. I got an update from them. They'll sell the Hanago in January on Kickstarter. Here's the link if you're interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Hi. I got an update from them. They'll sell the Hanago in January on Kickstarter. This is the link if you're interested: www.kickstarter.com/projects/hanago/hanago-the-easy-playing-reimagined-string-instrument
Yep they are! They will be released internationally in October. Right now they're only sold in Korea. I'll put out the link once I have it. The company is called Koaura.