MAG C# Pygmy 17

The MAG C# Pygmy 17 is a beautiful handpan built for players who crave depth, introspection, and emotional resonance. The Pygmy is one of the oldest and most iconic scales in the handpan world - instantly recognizable by its otherworldly, open character - and the C# tuning gives it a warm, grounded quality that feels simultaneously ancient and timeless.

For Intermediate and Advanced Players

The C# Pygmy 17 is best suited for players who already have some experience with the handpan and are ready to explore a scale with real emotional complexity. The Pygmy's pentatonic structure keeps the playing experience intuitive: every note belongs, every combination resonates. Yet the scale is far from simple - its sound is layered with longing, connection, and contemplation in a way that few other scales can match.

With 17 notes across top and bottom, this instrument offers a generous tonal range that rewards expressive technique. The bottom notes extend the musical palette significantly, allowing players to move fluidly between meditative atmospheres and more dynamic, melodic passages. Unlike scales such as Kurd or Amara, the Pygmy begins with a second interval from the ding (main tone), giving it a distinctly chromatic feel that sets it apart from all others.

Whether used for deep meditative practice, intimate solo performance, or evocative studio recordings, the MAG C# Pygmy 17 invites you to explore music that feels truly otherworldly.

What’s in the Box?

• MAG C# Pygmy 17
• Bag of Your Choice: A convenient and stylish way to carry your handpan.
• Handpan Care Pack: Everything you need to keep your instrument in top condition. (currently not included for orders from the US)
• Care Instructions: Easy-to-follow guidelines for maintaining your handpan.

Dimensions

• Diameter: 53 cm
• Height: 26 cm
• Weight: 4.5 kg

Technical Details

• Scale: pygmy
• Key: C# minor
• Top side notes: C#3, F#3, G#3, A3, C#4, E4, F#4, G#4, A4
• Bottom side notes: D3, E3, B3, D4, B4, C#5, D5, E5
• Material: Ember Steel
• Standard Pitch: 440 Hz
  

Sound and Build

MAG instruments are crafted with Ember Steel, known for its exceptional durability and long-term tonal stability. The material ensures that the instrument holds its tuning reliably over years of regular play and requires minimal maintenance - a key advantage over nitrided steel alternatives. Each instrument is individually handcrafted, giving it a natural surface character that is entirely its own.

The C# Pygmy produces a sound that is haunting, light, and open - with a strong sense of space and an otherworldly quality that is immediately recognizable. Because all notes outline a single consistent chord, every combination of tones creates powerful harmonic unity. The C# tuning sits in a particularly resonant register: deep enough to feel grounding, yet bright enough to carry that signature Pygmy airiness.

High-Quality Craftsmanship by MAG Instruments

MAG Instruments was founded by four friends - Ricsi, Peti, Patrik, and Áron - who combined technical craftsmanship with a deep musical passion for the handpan. What started as a student project in a small-town workshop grew into one of the most respected handpan makers in the world.

Every MAG handpan is built to the highest musical and technical standards, using a strict quality control system developed over years of research and iteration. MAG instruments are today played by renowned musicians globally.

Additional Notes

• The visual appearance may differ slightly from the example image, as each MAG handpan is individually handcrafted.
• Ember steel surface finish may show minor natural variations - this does not affect sound or tuning.