Ayasa C# Pygmy 17

The Ayasa C# Pygmy 17 is a handpan of rare depth and emotional power. The Pygmy is one of the oldest and most iconic scales in the handpan world. The C# tuning takes on a particularly warm, grounded quality that feels both ancient and timeless. With 17 notes spread across top and bottom, crafted from Ayasa's proprietary Ember Steel this is an instrument that invites you to get lost in sound.

For Intermediate and Advanced Players

The Pygmy scale is built on a pentatonic structure that creates something paradoxical: fewer notes, but a stronger sense of harmonic unity. Because every note outlines a single consistent chord, every combination resonates. There are no wrong notes, only different moods. The C# tuning sits in a particularly resonant register: deep enough to feel grounding, yet bright enough to carry the signature Pygmy airiness that makes the scale so distinctive.

With 17 notes, this instrument extends the Pygmy far beyond a standard configuration. The eight bottom notes - including the low D3 - dramatically expand the harmonic and melodic range of the instrument, opening up complex chord voicings, layered compositions, and fluid transitions between meditative atmospheres and more dynamic, expressive passages. This is not a scale that sounds like anything else and made from the hands of Ayasa, it sounds exceptional.

What’s in the Box?

• Ayasa C# Pygmy 17 Handpan
• Bag of Your Choice: A convenient and stylish way to carry your handpan.
• 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

Every Ayasa handpan is shaped using a standardised deep-draw method - a process refined over more than a decade - that ensures a consistent shell thickness across the entire instrument. This precision is the foundation of Ayasa's signature sound: clear, balanced, and resonant across every note field, with a full low register and bell-like precision in the upper tones.

The C# Pygmy 17 is crafted from Ayasa's proprietary Ember Steel - a stainless steel alloy developed in-house that produces a distinctly warm, rounded tone with exceptional sustain. Ember Steel is also notably more resilient to temperature and humidity changes than standard nitrided steel, making it an ideal material for players who perform outdoors or in varying conditions. Its characteristic bronze patina deepens naturally over time, giving each instrument a visual warmth that is entirely its own.

The C# Pygmy produces a sound that is haunting, open, and deeply atmospheric. Because all notes outline a single consistent chord, every combination creates powerful harmonic unity. Each Ayasa handpan is hand-tuned individually after shaping, and every instrument must meet Ayasa´s exacting standards before it leaves the workshop.

High-Quality Craftsmanship

Ayasa Instruments, led by founder Ralf, has been crafting high-quality Handpans since 2016. The company has grown into a well organized team, all dedicated to refining the art of Handpan making. Each Ayasa Handpan is handmade, meaning the surface color and texture can vary slightly, making your instrument one of a kind.

About Malte and Ayasa

Malte, a renowned Handpan player and teacher, has been a longtime partner of Ayasa Instruments. In fact, he exclusively plays Ayasa handpans due to their unmatched quality and sound. Malte has been friends with Ralf, the founder of Ayasa, for many years, and has been a significant influence on the development of the Ashakiran scale, which remains a key feature in Malte’s concert performances.

Additional Note!

• The visual appearance may differ slightly from the example image, as each Ayasa handpan is individually handcrafted.
• The Ember Steel patina may shift and deepen over time. This has no impact on sound or tuning.
• To maintain the surface, clean the handpan after each use and store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area and not inside the bag.

Why Choose C# Pygmy 17?

The Ayasa C# Pygmy 17 brings together one of the handpan world's most emotionally powerful scales, the grounded warmth of the C# tuning, 17 notes of extraordinary range, and the benchmark craftsmanship of one of the world's most respected makers. Whether you are drawn to its meditative depth, its harmonic richness, or simply the sheer beauty of its sound, this is an instrument that rewards every moment you spend with it.