The basic scale is set to the “Ryukyu scale” because it can be easily switched to the “major scale” and “minor scale” using the included tuning magnet (each position is marked).
Tuning magnets can only lower the tone.
To switch to a major scale, attach magnets in three places: ②, ③, and ⑤. To switch to a minor scale, attach magnets in two places: ② and ⑤.
If the base scale is Ryukyu, you can lower the tone to other scales, but if the base scale is the major scale, you cannot change “D” to “E”.
In this way, if the base scale is Ryukyu, other scales can be used.
Another big reason is that the tone of the propanota matches very well with the tropical atmosphere of the Ryukyu scale.
One magnet can lower the tone by “1 to 1 and a half tones”.
You can also create your own scale by attaching magnets in any position you like.
A resonating sound can be added to the bottom or inside so that it resonates with the surface sound plate.
By slightly shifting the frequency of the two sounds, it is possible to “give the sound fluctuations.” In instruments used in orchestras, this is called a “groaning sound” and is avoided. However, in this metal tongue drum, this combined with the characteristics of the sound creates a healing effect that is quite sufficient.
This model features a unique design where a single slit produces two harmonized notes an octave apart. Strike a “C”, and both the low and high C tones resonate together, forming a rich, layered sound. This octave pairing enhances the overtone spectrum, adding depth and spaciousness to the instrument’s voice.
Carefully tuned by hand, some notes are given a gentle wavering effect— a soft “foowaaaan” that blooms after the initial tone, offering an even more immersive sense of calm. It’s like being quietly embraced by a deep forest.
The moment you touch the tone plate, a tender wave fills the air and spreads in a gentle, lingering echo.
In particular, the resonance effect is doubled when playing two instruments at once.
For those seeking deep relaxation and sonic healing
With just a gentle touch, a warm and soothing resonance unfolds—like resting by a quiet fire, wrapped in stillness.
The soft, layered vibrations of the Propanota gently unwind the body and mind, creating a space where tension dissolves, and inner calm emerges naturally.
Let go of stress and noise, and allow yourself to return to a quieter state of being—where silence and sound flow together in peace.
Whether played by hand or allowed to sing on its own in autonomous motion, its tones invite you into a meditative soundscape shaped by serendipity and subtle shifts.
“If you want to play melodies, this is the type you’ll need physically.”
“Having two octaves each of whole tones and half tones expands the range for melodic playing. However, I believe that this type of instrument is better suited to a free and intuitive style of performance rather than following strict musical scales.”
You don’t need to read music. You don’t need years of practice. With the Propanota, all it takes is a gentle touch—and a world of sound opens up.
Its 15-note, two-octave range offers space for both playful improvisation and heartfelt melody. No pressure, no rules—just pure expression.
Whether you’re following a tune you love or simply letting your fingers wander, the instrument responds with warmth and beauty, turning even the simplest gestures into music with depth.
There’s no need to use every note, or to play in order—like a breeze over water, melodies emerge naturally, with a quiet richness that invites both player and listener to slow down, breathe, and feel.
From Okinawa to Bali – A Scale That Evokes the Tropics
The six-tone model is tuned to the Ryukyuan scale—a traditional musical mode from Okinawa, the southern islands of Japan. This scale (C–E–F–G–B) shares a remarkable resemblance to the gamelan scales of Indonesia, known for their dreamy, otherworldly resonance. Just by playing the tones in ascending order, you can instantly create a lush, tropical soundscape that feels both exotic and inviting.
Strike the notes with a skipping rhythm and you’ll unlock a playful, dancing quality reminiscent of waves and island breezes.
What’s more, by using the included tuning magnets, you can easily shift to the major pentatonic scale (C–D–E–G–A) for a brighter, more open feeling, or to the minor pentatonic scale for deeper, introspective moods. You’re also free to break the scale altogether and invent your own voice—making the instrument a limitless canvas for musical exploration.
明るくストレートなメジャー音階
南国情緒あふれる琉球音階
メランコリックなマイナー音階
The Resonance of Metal – and the Creative Possibilities It Unlocks
One of the most enchanting qualities of a metal slit drum is its lingering resonance. When tones overlap, they create a dreamlike, otherworldly soundscape. In the six-note model, the limited number of tones allows each note to stand out clearly, offering a crisp and beautifully defined sound.
This clarity makes room for playful experimentation. Unique playing techniques—like the “swimming cap mute” or using sticky notes to create electronic-like effects—come to life precisely because the tones are so distinct.
To take things even further, the instrument comes standard with a 1/4-inch output jack, allowing you to connect it directly to effects pedals or amplifiers. Whether you’re adding reverb, delay, or modulation, the metal body responds beautifully, expanding your sonic palette in unexpected and inspiring ways.
