The Cahang: A Percussion Instrument Inspired by Feedback - Part 4

A New Instrument: Not Just an Idea

Creating a new musical instrument is no easy task. It often starts with an idea, which is then developed and tested. But what is especially important is to investigate whether the instrument you have in mind actually adds something unique to the musical world. That is why it is crucial to consult amateur, semi-professional, and professional musicians. You pluck up courage and make contact. So Ward and I started talking to Jan Valkenborg…

The Story of Jan Valkenborg

Jan Valkenborg is a versatile person with various roles and talents. He is known as the drummer of the Flemish group Fixkes, which has been an established name in Flanders for many years. In addition, Jan taught for many years at the music academy in Ekeren. Nowadays, he fulfills the role of director at the art academy that connects the municipalities of Wijnegem, Schilde, and Zoersel. In other words, Jan breathes music, and especially drums and percussion.

When I presented him with our story and our question, he was immediately interested. As he himself once said: “A percussionist is always looking for new sounds and instruments to beat on.” On June 20, 2023, the introduction took place at our home. It was a very pleasant moment, with a very amiable person.

In our garden, we showed him a prototype and a modified one, based on the feedback from Danique Kos. Jan was impressed. The light weight of the instrument immediately caught his eye. The sound and appearance appealed to him very much, but he especially considered the freedom and mobility of the instrument as strong assets. He did have a few comments about the carrying system, in which he saw room for improvement.

Jan strongly believed in the instrument and wanted to stay informed. He even had an idea to use it in the future. After a meeting of about an hour, Ward and I were satisfied that we were on the right track.

A few months later, after more meetings with percussionists, I contacted Jan Valkenborg again to present my latest prototype. It didn’t take long before Jan was at our door again; his interest was still there. The final prototype, which would become the Cahang, was ready to be tested. Jan was enthusiastic about the ergonomics, appearance, and especially the sound, which exceeded all expectations. He decided to use the instrument during the Fixkes theatre tour, which would start in January 2024. Ward and I had not seen this coming. We had really designed and built a good instrument. At that moment, we were very happy and glad.

We quickly sat down with Jan again to make arrangements about the Cahang and the Fixkes theatre tour. Jan would have the honor of being the first to use the instrument in public. And so it happened. The collaboration we had built up helped us put our instrument in the spotlight. We are very grateful to Jan for that.

And the collaboration continues…

Influence of Jan Valkenborgh

Thanks to the touch of Jan Valkenborgh, the Cahang came to life! His valuable feedback and his belief in the Cahang helped us create this unique and innovative instrument.

Working with experts like Jan makes it clear how valuable it is to use their expertise and insights.

More info about the Fixkes : www.fixkes.be