The nice thing about purchasing a handpan is that it really excites one; the sheer number of choices available online seems more than a guy can bear. Whether you are someone who has been trying to see and listen to the beautiful tunes of this very abstract instrument or someone who has already grown the collection, it is about finding a legitimate source. This will take you through the perilous hands-on search for buyers of handpans online, with a couple of tips about whom to trust and whom not to trust as a seller; what to watch for along with how to be sure you are getting an appropriate one. So after these few tips, you should be able to confidently step into the world of beautiful melodies offered by the handpan.
Understanding Handpans
Handpans: musical instruments that fill the ears with smooth melody. There is a main note in the center called ‘ding,’ encircled by notes tuned similarly. When played with hands, they produce rich sound colors that can either calm one’s aura or express one’s soul. These instruments came into existence around the year 2000 and are in demand across the globe for their beautiful sound and truly adaptive nature for practically any genre.
What is a Handpan?
Made by hand from steel, a handpan is a percussion instrument of a similar nature to a steel drum, save that it has been given an inverted shape. When it is being struck with the hands or only rattled lightly with the fingertips, the sonorous sounds are created.
The Difference Between Handpan and Hang Drum
Types of Handpans: 9 Note vs 13 Note
During the choosing process, the option of choosing a handpan note number has to be considered. These two options basically contradict each other in terms of range, in terms of playing, and in terms of suitability for the kinds of music.
9-Note Handpan
Usually, a 9-note handpan would have a center note (ding) surrounded by eight semicircular-shaped tone fields, which are all evenly spaced out, an arrangement that is easy enough to put together as a beginner’s instrument. Also, the 9-note handpans would pretty much carry the typical scale just to pair up easier with melodies, keeping it straightforward not to scare a potential player away. Compact, lightweight, and portable are good qualities for an instrument to have for outdoor gigs and casual playing. The only tear of limitation is range when pitted against the larger ones, while the 9-note handpan is a limitless channel for creativity in meditative or minimalist compositions.
13-Note Handpan
The 13-note is big-top as it has an extended note range with its central ding, surrounded by 12 tone fields. This larger layout is well suited to be utilised in grand airs of music dynamic chords, and very technical melodies. The mere presence of a greater index of notes would provide for more musical styles and genres the instrument can adapt to, practically rendering it an instrument of choice for the adept musician. But the 13-note would surely be best for the unsuspected who is finding it difficult due to overloaded style; the sheer weight and dimension hasten its downfall in portability-that is when a maestro steps in, and an exquisite richness of sound with endless creative avenues awaits.
Choosing Between Handpans
Your consideration between the nine and 13 depends on skill, aspiration, and practical concerns. Mainly, the beginner would consider the nine-note side because it is lighter and simpler, whereas the skilled players would go for the 13-note route because it is more complex and versatile for performance. Prices normally rise as the notes-number climbs due to the delightful intricacies of handcrafting.
Both 9- and 13-note handpans emit beautiful tones and are worthy of being embraced by the musical possibilities; it really comes down to personal choice and musical trend.
Finding Quality Handpans for Sale
If one wants quality handpans, one should first contact the manufacturer through his/her established sellers. An established trust-giving brand develops a reputation, by way of innumerable positive reviews from beginners and professionals alike. Look for sellers who have websites or shops that explicitly describe the handpan tuning, materials, and craftsmanship. Another option is attending handpan festivals or workshops, which offer some access to tests. Pricing that looks suspiciously low might mean compromised quality. Try to always favor sellers who give a return policy or warranty for your peace of mind.
Trusted Handpan Shops Online
First and foremost, when purchasing handpans from anywhere online, one should always look for an excellent name to go with the legitimate customer reviews. The following are the famous handpan centers known for their quality and workmanship.
Panart Hang Manufacturing Ltd.
The makers of the first official handpan have made Panart instruments of world-class quality in Switzerland. Out of all handpans, it is surely the most renowned for the exalted sound quality and life expectancy of the instrument. Therefore, not putting in all the money for it would be quite a loss-the aptitude and respect that have gone into the making of that instrument definitely require one to pay dearly for it.
Handpan Shop (handpanshop.com)
This store has many handpans available for every kind of level, from beginners to professionals. It describes the tuning scales, materials, and manufacturing processes in detail. Also is pretty helpful, and it considers these reviews in giving an informative guideline to the buyer. Prices usually begin at about $800 and extend to the premium range.
Hardcase Technologies (hardcasetechnologies.com)
They’re basically making handpan cases, but they still have a restricted range of the highest-quality handpans. If you are a motivated traveler, their complex cases will be one thing you would always cherish!
Sarab Handpans (sarabhandpans.com)
It is highly comprised of the manufacturer considered Sarab Handpans in the UK, whereby they adapt instruments for their clients and provide great acoustic design. Their website gives a clean and clear explanation of the tuning given and about instruments from around $1,000 to $3,000 in their marketing.
Symphonic Steel (symphonic-steel.com)
This shop is situated in the U.S. and aims to keep the price of their handpans affordable for beginners without compromising on sound quality. Symphonic Steel also offers its customers standard and custom options.
Vox Handpans (voxhandpan.com)
In studios, Vox Handpans were put on artistic displays to highlight their resonant sounds. They managed to grow their marks, both visible and audible, out of their own. Being famous musicians, Vox Handpans are found throughout festival circuits.
Important Things to Be Considered When Buying from an Online Store
- Shipping and Delivery Options: The shop should always ensure that shipping is safe with tracking codes and a warranty against losses or damages in transit.
- Return Policy and Warranty: The first thing to take into account is a possible trial period or a warranty against defects in workmanship.
- Customer Service: The one thing you must look for is a shop that answers your questions promptly and assists you in choosing the right instrument for your needs.
If one were to collaborate with a reputable dealer while selling or buying, an almost assured chance would be there that the handpan investment has every quality that the customer is looking for. In any case, do your own research and check the reviews before you purchase.
Evaluating Handpan Makers and Their Craftsmanship
When choosing between handpan manufacturers, workmanship and reputation constitute priority considerations. Being a niche instrument, handpans require skill, precision, and a thorough understanding of acoustics. Below happens to be a handful of the most famous five makers, each paying attention to detail in their handpan making:
PanArt Hang (Switzerland)
Before anything else, PanArt is identified as the maker of the original Hang. PanArt is credited with being synonymous with what this instrument has become today. Their instruments are said to have a warm tone and host cutting-edge designs.
Key details: Highly skilled workmanship with a lean towards experimental acoustics. PanArt handpans are in limited availability, hence highly sought after.
Halo by Pantheon Steel (United States)
A unique design, the clanging deep resonances of the Pantheon Steel Halo have been spoken about by many. They belong to the select few makers of handpans graced by international recognition and respect.
Key Details: Have maintained their reputation for consistent quality and customer-oriented approach, although demand may hamper availability.
Ayasa Handpans (India)
The name Ayasa resonates with the handpan world, where nature marries engineering in the making.
Key Details: The instruments are tuned to produce clear and harmonious tones, and there are custom tuning provisions to suit the player.
Yishama Handpans (Israel)
The name Yishama Handpans stands about the world in respect of sprawling, elaborate, and deep soundscapes tempered with care in each piece, reflecting the passionate and loving approach of the artisan toward his craft.
Key Details: Generally custom instruments with a significant emphasis on durability and aesthetic appeal.
Echo Sound Sculptures (Germany)
The Echo Sound Sculptures handpans have been praised for their ability to support any style and for their tonal clarity. Usually, they come with enhancements that are born of innovative design.
Key Details: Extreme precision in tuning and conscious about sustainability in the production process.
The buyer will feel confident making an informed choice while purchasing a handpan after thorough analysis of these brands. One should take note of the tonal balance, stability of tuning, and quality of materials, among other things, so that the instrument meets his expectations.
Features to Look for in a Quality Handpan
In choosing a handpan, some vital features and considerations will ensure you buy an instrument worthy of your investment that suits your musical and personal needs. Here is a brief overview of some of the features to be considered and the dynamics and trends of the current handpan market:
More than anything, a good handpan needs to provide tuning stability. Its tone must be kept intact through time with repeated usage. One must buy the instrument from reliable manufacturers who use advanced tuning procedures such as double-shell construction or heat-treated steel, so that the harmony lasts. According to recent reports, this handpan made with nitrided stainless steel wins in resisting environmental variable factors such as humidity and temperature changes.
Generally, the handpan is fashioned out of nitrided steel or stainless steel. While nitrided steel grants warmer tones, stainless steel assures a much brighter sound with greater resonance and has better corrosion resistance. Based on recent market reviews, the stainless steel handpan has become famous for its sturdiness to different climatic effects, thereby making it a safe buy for musicians around the world.
Among the various scales and tunings for handpans are D minor, Celtic scale, and integral scale. This term is literally used for handpans with a broader range of notes (generally 7 to 9 within the central dome) that allow for greater expression of creativity. Trends of recent years suggest that the D minor tone remains one of the preferred pitches for beginners and pros alike, as it affords a more balanced meditative sound.
The degree to which a handpan is well-crafted and designed depends on how much resonance and sound projection it can provide. Handpans, delightfully worked by artisans hammering and shaping, tend to produce purer tones with less overtone. Nowadays, CNC machines are used to ensure higher finish quality and consistency of sound production.
In our relatively environmentally aware society, many handpan-makers have chosen to go green by using environmentally friendly materials or reducing the waste generated during production. Supporting these makers means supporting responsibility and ensuring that you will own an instrument manufactured with care and dignity.
Handpans are huge investments: real professional ones go for anything between $1,500 and $3,000. Recently, more affordable beginner-level handpan options have been coming up for hobbyists and are selling at a price range somewhere between $600 and $1,000. Do research, read reviews, and get an idea of whether the instrument is worth the price.
With these characteristics in mind, you can be sure to pick a handpan capable of making a state-of-the-art sound that fits into your idea of art and an instrument that will endure in your lifetime.
Buying Tips for Beginners
- Set a Budget: Determine the price you are willing to pay before you begin your search. Beginner instruments are usually priced between $600 and $1,000.
- Research the Brands: Don’t search for manufacturers who are not renowned or sellers who are not reputable whose products have received good reviews so one is sure of credibility and quality.
- Try It: In case it’s possible, I recommend testing the handpan for its feel and sound in person, but otherwise, get sound samples if buying online.
- Think About the Scale: The scale is to be selected with that would suit the sort of music you would like to perform, as it affects tone and mood on the instrument.
- Check Return Policies: Make sure the seller has a return policy in case the instrument will not meet your expectations.
If you adhere to these tips, then you will be assisted in making an informed choice in selecting a suitable instrument to begin musical training.
Choosing the Right Handpan: Minor vs C Major
Understanding Tunings: Kurd and Hijaz
Handpan tunings mainly invoke a feeling into a melody, and especially the higher tunings into a melody. The most favorite tuning systems include the Kurd and Hijaz scales. Each tuning lends a particular handpan versatility and character. Below is an outline of the tuning systems and their variations:
Kurd Tuning
The basic aim of Kurd tuning is a pentatonic-minor scale, producing a calm, meditative, and sometimes melancholy atmosphere. It is perhaps the most versatile tuning and can be produced by both beginners and professionals. This tuning is used for very expressive, deeply emotional music.
Some variations of the Kurd scale include:
- D Kurd (D minor scale)
- C Kurd
- G Kurd
- A Kurd
- F Kurd
Hijaz Tuning
The Hijaz tuning coupled with the harmonic minor scalar structure lends an exotic Middle-Eastern aura to the promissory melodies. It is enormously bold, dramatic, and expressive; hence, composers apply it in the most heart-wrenching passages involving deep-felt emotions.
Some variations of the Hijaz scale include:
- D Hijaz
- C Hijaz
- E Hijaz
- G Hijaz
- F Hijaz
They have unlimited potential in creating unique and expressive musical compositions. If you get stuck between the two, it will be the mood and the tone that you want to give to your music that will free you.
Essential Accessories: Handpan Bags and Stands
The choice of accessories to protect your handpan and elevate the playing experience. Handpan bags protect the instrument from being damaged during transport. Stands are for comfort and stability during performances or practice. The following list details the necessary and significant handpan bags and stands, along with their features and benefits:
Padded Handpan Travel Bag
- Heavy-duty padding guarantees superior protection while in transit
- Adjustable straps and handles for carrying convenience
- Many bags nowadays tend to be made for different handpan sizes
Hard-shell Handpan Case
- Does its magic by acting as a rigid outer shell against impact
- Lightweight, yet fairly durable
- The outer shell is typically lined with a soft, plush material to prevent scratches.
Lightweight Handpan Backpack
- Compact, ergonomic design with easy portability
- Ideal for casual walking or an outdoor practice session
- Additional compartments for accessory storage, such as mallets or cleaning tools
Adjustable Handpan Stand
- It adjusts the height and angle for the best playing position
- Makes playing gigs easy as it is usually foldable
Collapsible Handpan Table
- Gives a flat and stable surface for playing and recording
- Lightweight and easy to set up and pack
- Often, it may fit a few sizes of handpan
They really help in keeping your instrument in condition, and, at the same time, are fun to play. Think of personal needs and preferences when you factor in what is good for you and your handpan.
Shipping and Care for Your Handpan
Proper shipping procedures and care must be provided to keep the handpan in the finest condition possible. Always utilize a sturdy and well-padded case when shipping the handpan so as to avoid any damage it may incur. Extra padding can be added inside the case to limit movement. The shipping company must be reputable and well-versed in the requirements of transportation for fragile goods.
For daily maintenance, the handpan should be kept in a dry environment under controlled temperature to prevent rust and warping. Dust it and clean off any fingerprints on occasion with a microfiber cloth, applying only a little bit of oil to protect the surface. Keep the handpan protected in a padded bag or case to avoid scratches and dents. This is how you keep your handpan quality intact and increase its life.
Worldwide Shipping Options for Handpans
We offer shipping options worldwide so that your handpan arrives safely and soundly. The officials carefully pack each instrument on the basis of possible damage by the courier during transit, and they collaborate with reliable courier services offering tracking information for timely delivery. Freight charges and delivery time may be calculated at your end; nevertheless, please feel free to contact us at any time should you have any queries or concerns.
How to Properly Care for Your Handpan
Taking great care of your handpan ensures its longevity, enhances its excellent acoustics, and maintains its appearance. Here are five useful tips for you to preserve your instrument and keep it in condition:
1. Clean Your Handpan Regularly
Become used to wiping down your handpan after each use. Oil, sweat, and dirt accumulate very fast on instruments, and these are corrosion-causing agents. Keeping it clean will preserve that protective finish.
2. Apply Protective Oil
For moisture, rust, and other weather effects, a light application of oil, such as frog lube or coconut oil, should be done every two to four weeks on the handpan.
3. Keep in a Dry Place
Always store your handpan in a cool, dry environment to prevent damage caused by exposure to humidity and very extreme temperatures over time.
4. Avoid Sharp Items
Avoid scraping and denting your handpan with sharp or hard objects. Use a padded case with which to transport your instrument.
5. Play with Clean Hands
With your hands clean and dry only, your handpan should be played. This tends to cut down on the accumulation of oils and dirt on the surface, which is cooperative for sound quality.
Following these tips will maintain the good state of your handpan while you enjoy its soft melodic tones for many years.
Using Handpan Oil and Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance of a handpan keeps the instrument pristine and ensures its longevity in the long run. Taking care of the handpan includes oiling procedures and manipulating it accordingly. In detail, the five tips for maintenance are as follows:
Handpan oils are designed to keep the metal surface intact, so you should use only oils made for this purpose. Both natural and synthetic high-quality oils are acceptable in this respect. Examples of either natural or synthetic oils include Phoenix Oil and Froglube. Owing to residue build-up and dirt, do not use any general-purpose oil.
Oil should be brushed onto the handpan in a thin coating every one to three months, depending again upon use and environmental conditions. If you happen to be living in a highly humid and coastal climate, then more application of oil is warranted in order to avoid any rusting.
Dust or dirt particles could come in between the cleaning process with a dry and lint-free cloth, dusting the tins before giving a fresh coat of deodorant. This prevents waxing on an effective and smooth layer.
Because oiling is the part that is done during maintenance, the problem lies in the fact that a ton could make the surface sticky or too greasy, which could greatly affect the tone and playability of the handpan. Just a thin coat should be put on, and it should be evenly rubbed with soft clothing.
Store the handpan in a dry, cool place after oiling. High humidity or direct sunlight can break down the oil’s protective features and harm the material.
Adhering to these maintenance guidelines can prolong your handpan’s life and keep its majestic sound intact.
Community and Resources for Handpan Players
By and large, several communities and media outlets exist for handpanists. Online forums include, for example, Handpan.org and a Facebook group called Handpan Collaborative, where people meet, trade playing techniques, and ask questions. Learning-wise, MasterTheHandpan.com has course offerings for all levels. Furtherhand community networking may be possible by attending handpan meets and festivals such as HangOut UK. These resources help nurture creativity and bring people together in the handpan universe.
Connecting with Other Handpan Enthusiasts
Meeting different handpan players would be exciting and fulfilling for me. I’ve found online forums and social media groups to be the best mechanisms to converse with like-minded persons about sharing ideas or raising questions. Other occasions when one can come across other players and learn from their skills would be through festivals and meet-ups for handpan players, such as the HangOut UK festival. Notwithstanding, these meetings would help me improve my craft and add more spice to my experience with the handpan community.
Online Resources for Learning and Playing
The internet is an extensive repository of information for any handpan player, beginner or experienced. Some of the trending platforms and tools for honing your technical skills and knowledge are:
YouTube Tutorials
YouTube has been a great platform to learn handpan techniques or to brush up on new compositions. Channels like David Charrier, Yatao Music, and the official Sam Maher channel provide detailed tutorials, performance videos, and inspiration for all levels of players.
Dedicated Handpan Learning Platforms
Structured courses are provided for people at various skill levels by websites such as MasterTheHandpan.com. A few reviews on Trustpilot speak about users saying that they liked the simple yet engaging content accompanied by expert guidance.
Social Media Groups and Forums
Some Facebook communities- Handpan Community United or Handpan and Pantam Players- are good avenues for socializing, sharing progress, or discussing maintenance tips. They also disseminate news on forthcoming festivals, workshops, and handpan makers.
Mobile Interactive Apps
Applications such as Handpan Simulator and HandpanEasy allow one to practice on a virtual instrument and take interactive lessons. The demand for these courses has grown greatly, being downloaded thousands of times on both Google Play and Apple App Store.
Online Sheet Music Libraries
Whatever anybody is looking for in terms of handpan compositions can be found in these resources. Handpan Notation Project-type libraries provide sheet music and tablature, much of it contributed by players from all over the world.
Virtual Workshops and Live Streaming
The likes of Zoom and Twitch have been coming up as mainstream live-streaming platforms, and handpan maestros use these venues to conduct workshops, allowing real-time interaction and feedback. This breaks geographical barriers, and there are participants from all across the world.
Depending on your choice, these are some very famous sites with each offering a different way of supporting any learning in handpan. If you add practicing and interaction with online communities to the mix, then something beautiful should come along out of this balancing act.
Exploring Various Handpan Genres and Styles
The handpan, really versatile, makes it possible for performing artists to express themselves in different styles or genres. Let’s see the five major genres or styles that have flourished around the handpan:
Ambient Music
The organum in hi-fi ambient inserts a more calming and airy side to handpans, with flowing melodies usually sustained to give a feeling of relaxation and realization.
World Music
Due to its background and intricate tonal possibilities, the handpan has found a place in the world music category. The instrument goes along well with traditional instruments from various cultures, adding bottom and balance to kinds of music.
Meditative and Healing
Provided the calming vibes, the handpan has been used for the healing and meditation arts. In these areas, the slow-building repetitive patterns of music help free the mind and nurture the capacity to let emotions go.
Percussive Rhythms
The percussion origin is showcased here, thereby placing it in rhythmically challenging patterns. The style is characterized by loud and heavy beats and plenty of syncopation. Thus, it suits peeps who are all about lively things.
Fusion and Modern Styles
The handpan is being blended nowadays by musicians within contemporary genres such as jazz music, electronic music, and even pop music. They are the pleasant kind of counterpoint or fully in union with these new musical styles.
Entertaining these styles can lift the player’s perspective up and render a perfect fountain to demonstrate that the handpan adapts to different genres of music.
References
- The History, Development, and Global Dissemination of the Hang/Handpan
This thesis examines the history and global dissemination of the handpan, offering a scholarly perspective on its cultural and musical significance.
Read the thesis here. - Analysis and Resynthesis of the Handpan Sound
This academic paper explores the acoustic properties and sound analysis of handpans, providing technical insights into their design and sound production.
Access the paper here. - A Portfolio of Compositions Developing Notational and Compositional Techniques in Neo-Liturgical Music, Including Handpan
This dissertation examines the utilization of handpans in neo-liturgical music and their increasing popularity among musicians and enthusiasts.
View the dissertation her.e
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where Can You Shop for Handpans Online?
The online marketplace features several instrument stores from which one may procure a handpan. Genuine online handpan stores and artisans are good places to buy quality handpan instruments on Amazon, covering nearly all types with alternate income levels and materials ranging from nitrided steel to, say, stainless steel.
What is a Handpan Drum?
The handpan drum is an extraordinary percussion instrument played by hands to create beautiful melodies. Usually, they are convex and dotted with tone fields that sustain more notes, further broaden the variety of notes produced. Most handpans are constructed from stainless steel or nitrided steel so as to have better sound quality.
How to Choose a Handpan That Suits You?
The number of notes (13 notes or 9 notes) and scale (Celtic minor or Amara, etc.) go into crafting an ideal instrument. Listen to different handpan sounds to discern those that suit your unique needs.
What’s the Price Difference Between Brands in Different Handpans?
The price difference in handpans greatly varies in accordance with brands, manufacturing processes, and raw materials. The affordable-priced handpans can start at a few hundred dollars; however, somewhere there will be a good-quality handpan from a reputed brand, willing to charge well above a thousand dollars. Factors such as price and quality must always be weighed.
What Makes a Handpan Unique?
Handpans are unusual musical instruments, being exceptionally shaped instruments and resonating with tone. We can say that each handpan is made by hand, so each differs in capacity and resonance. Also, a very important factor is tuning, which makes the instrument workable into its unique sound, with every handpan scale having its own options for melody.
How to Care for a Handpan
Yes, handpans are a little sensitive in nature and need extra care to retain the sound quality and not get damaged. It should be carried inside a soft bag or pouch and kept away from extreme temperatures and moisture. It is better to check for tuning every now and then to allow the handpan to retain that heavenly sound.
Are There Handpans for Beginners?
Yes, certain handpans are manufactured with the beginners in mind. There are some companies offering handpans that are especially geared toward beginners: these usually have a few fewer notes than other handpans, and thus tend to be a little easier to play. A nice handpan for a beginner would be a nine-note handpan, or a drum of tongues made of steel with nine notes; these are both great for beginners.
What are the Necessary Handpan Accessories?
Purchasing the accessories below will ensure a proper setup of the handpan for the owner or player: a mallet to play with, a handpan stand to display the instrument, and a carrying case for protection while transporting it. These accessories, geared towards enriching the process of playing, will also ensure that the handpan is kept in excellent condition.
How Does One Join the Handpan Community?
Membership in the handpan community can be gained by enrolling in online forums and social media groups and attending local meetups. Fellow handpan players use the membership to share techniques, handpan brands, and tips on purchasing top-quality instruments. Another method of meeting fellow handpaners is attending workshops or festivals.
Now this thorough guide is all you need to be well-informed in the purchase of a handpan online. Topics range from understanding different types and features to sellers, and finally to how to care for your instrument. Therefore, you might consider everything to make an intelligent decision. Remember that quality matters; sellers should be well researched, and something suitable for your musical ambitions and budget must be chosen. Happy playing!