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The Caisa normally contains between nine and twelve notes. These notes are grouped together on a single convex disc. The complete disc like a gong, also has its own note, harmonics and resonances which vary depending on the depth and thickness of the dome. These can and often do interfere with the actual playing surfaces. The effect can be a discord or certain notes may be blocked completely. This effect, also experienced when tuning steel drums is greatly increased in the Caisa due to the closed nature of the instrument. The easiest solution would be to offer one scale or series of notes on a prepressed dome of a fixed height and thickness where experience has proved that no problems of this nature will be incurred. We are however more interested in providing the musician with the instrument he or she requires than making life easy for ourselves. For this reason, especially when dealing with custom made instruments, the appearance can vary from Caisa to Caisa. The shape and position of the playing surfaces or the form of one or both of the domes may be altered to achieve the maximum sound perfection possible. This will of course, always be done in a professional manner and one that is pleasing to the eye.
TUNING
The Caisa is basically tuned in the same manner as a steel drum that is, the note, its octave and further harmonics to achieve the required timbre. The playing surfaces are however formed differently to accentuate their percussive nature and reduce sustain and treble that is normally found and required in a steel drum. Also the lowest notes, usually placed at the rim of a steel pan are better located in the centre. This has to do with the fact that the Caisa does not have the skirt of the steel drum which strengthens and amplifies the deeper notes. The low notes positioned in the middle, are supported by the complete disc and also by the complementary notes and harmonics from the playing surfaces surounding them.
The centre notes are always tuned with their octave and a fifth. The surounding notes, the deepest usually starting between f and bb are tuned in the same way. From g’ to b’ we often prefer to use a forth.as second harmonic. The higher notes above c” which tend to respond less readily when played by hand are sometimes given an additional second octave e.g. C2 (note) + C3 (double octave) + C4 (2nd octave) if found to be required. The higher notes also support and give body to the lower notes.
PLAYING
The Caisa is played with the hands, preferably with the fingertips, in a style similar to playing the tabla or with special mallets similar to those used for playing the steel pan. Again, like the steel drum, too heavy handed playing or playing with drumsticks or other unsuitable objects can cause the Caisa to go out of tune. For this reason we include a pair of special mallets with every Caisa sold which are perfectly matched for playing and for protecting the tuning of the instrument. The length and weight is designed for maximal volume and sound and also for playing the notes nearest to the players body. They give a sharper sound when playing together with other instruments or playing a solo part.
The Caisa can be played in a variety of positions, for example:
Sitting in a crosslegged position with the Caisa on the lap.
Using the Removable Foot (separately available), sitting in a crosslegged or squatting position with the Caisa placed in front on the ground.In a sitting position using the Adjustable Floorstand (separately available) in a low position seated on a stool, drumseat or similar armless seat.Using the Adjustable Floorstand (separately available) in a high position. This gives the possibility of moving around the drum while playing.
We finally have received two more Caisas from Germany:
Model 905A: the Akebono scale with G centre and C', D', D#', G', C'', D'', D#'', G''.
Model 905FC: a new model: the Cosma' Caisa in F major with D centre, A', A#,' C', D', E', F', G'.
Please contact us for further details.
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