The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Handpan Instrument: Answering 13 of Your Most Urgent Questions
Though relatively new to the music world when compared to more ancient instruments like flutes or even guitars, handpans are quickly gaining a large fan following for their ethereal, uncommon, and meditative sound. The challenge, however, to being a newer instrument, means that less is commonly known about the handpan, and therefore, more questions remain for both novice and experienced musicians.
If you’ve found yourself captivated by the siren call of this exquisite instrument, but are unsure about its history, construction, price, or how to choose one for your current skill level, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
It has been our privilege to play the role of handpan ambassador to the world over the past decade, and we would be honored to introduce you to an instrument that brings a sense of joy and peace to everyone who comes in contact with it.
Quick Navigation Guide
1. What is a Handpan? Is a Hang® Drum the Same Thing?
First, let’s clear up any confusion as to what a handpan is. In short, a handpan is an instrument made of steel and played with your hands. Some have called it’s form cylindrical, elliptical, or even UFO-shaped. Think of it like two domes being fitted together.
It is made from two metal sheets which are fixed together in such a way that it will create a resonant sound chamber. Though that is a very simple explanation, it actually takes a great deal of skill and craftsmanship to build the instrument you’ve probably already fallen in love with.
And as far as a “hang” drum is concerned, that's a trademarked name, which we’ll cover in the next section...
2. The History of Handpans: When Were They Invented?
The history of the handpan can be traced back to the steel pan and drum instruments developed in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1940s. This particular steel family of instruments, of course, has a distinctive sound that instantly transports you to the Caribbean Islands. The handpan could be considered a cousin to the steel drum.
The original concept for the handpan was developed in 2001 by the PANArt company in Bern, Switzerland, and is called a “Hang®.” Already a steel pan manufacturer for over a decade, they were poised to fulfill the request of musician Reto Weber who wanted an instrument similar to a steel drum, but that could be played with the hands rather than traditional mallets. Thus, the “Hang®” (which translates to “hand”) was born.
“Handpan” became the more common name in 2007 as more manufacturers put their own spin on how to build the best instrument. Here at Isthmus Instruments, we have been building our expertly-crafted handpans since 2013, and have many raving fans and 5 star reviews.
Handpan history may be short, but with its popularity growing rapidly, we expect it to be around for a very long time.
3. How Does a Handpan Work?
With a melodious sound unlike any other instrument, you may also be wondering how a handpan works. When built properly, the metal exterior forms a sound chamber inside it that is hollow. It’s incredible what the right mix of vibrating steel and air can do, isn’t it?
Because every instrument is created by hand, each will be slightly different. The work of a handpan tuner is to take a rough-hewn tone field and very precisely manipulate the metal to bring three distinct frequencies into alignment. Perfect alignment among the frequencies produces a good-sounding note. The relationship among the frequencies on a given pan may differ, but in general each note resonates with a fundamental tone, an octave, and a compound fifth. This precise and carefully-administered skill performed with hammers creates the matchless sound you attribute to the handpan.
What creates the unique sound is often sympathetic vibrations of the repeating frequencies found in the notes across the instrument. That rich chorus-like effect is pretty unique to the handpan, but it must be well-tuned for that to happen. We blend our instruments so it does just that.
| The result is an acoustic work of art. |
4. What Does One Sound Like?
A handpan sounds like nothing else you’ve ever heard before.
Some describe it as tranquil or relaxing like a meditation.
Some would say it sounds mysterious, others might even think of the sound as haunting, and yet there are plenty of people who would call the sound joyful. The different styles of handpans are also designed to create a variety of sounds in a specific tonal range.
Much like other instruments, there is a personal element to the sound that resonates differently with each individual.
The complex, yet inviting tones of the handpan have enchanted people all across the world since its origin in 2001. Give the video above a listen, and leave a comment at the end of this article to tell us what a handpan sounds like to you!
5. Handpan Materials: Should I Make My Own?
The musicians out there may at this point be wondering how to make your own handpan. We’ve already mentioned that there aren’t a lot of materials required to build a handpan, and that each one is unique. So, you may have the confidence to try and build your own.
There are six basic steps to making your own handpan:
Hammer a steel sheet or a barrel into a bowl shape.
Use a torch, kiln, oven, for heat treatments for color and stress relief.
Use a hammer and other tools to further shape the handpan to its final form.
Tune the instrument so that every note has 3 harmonically aligned frequencies.
Glue the two sides of the handpan together.
Retune after the glue sets and the shell is held together.
After describing the simplified handpan construction process above, you may think this is a DIY project that you’re ready to tackle. We would caution against it; however, as it is a deceivingly complex process that takes professionals years to learn.
If you have a desire to play the handpan, you deserve to learn on a quality instrument that will allow you to hone your skill and create the music you’ve come to know and love. We make both stainless steel and nitrided steel instruments to help you achieve the sound and look you’re seeking.
6. How to Play a Handpan? Getting Started on Your Journey
Would you like to learn how to play a handpan?
The great news is that because this instrument is fairly new to the world, you’re practically an early adopter! And whether you are a master of many instruments already, or want to pick up a musical hobby for the first time, we have three fantastic resources that will help you on this incredible journey.
First, we are excited to debut the first Handpan book to be published in the USA! Written for a broad range of skill levels, the Hal Leonard Hanpan Method includes the terminology you need to know, techniques and methods for play, and even video access.
Second, we recommend checking out our Handpan Videos. On our YouTube channel, you’ll find handpan demonstrations, be able to hear the handpan scales played, see “how to” videos, and receive plenty of inspiration to keep you motivated as you get started.
Finally, we’ve compiled many informative pages:
like this one for handpan beginners
as well as free tutorials
From beginners to accomplished musicians, we want to help you find the right tools for learning the handpan and improving your skills.
7. Handpan Tuning: Should You Tune Your Own?
Do some of your handpan notes seem a bit off...out of tune?
If you’ve spent many hours with your handpan, you may feel that you know it well enough to try and tune it as well. After all, who knows your instrument better than you do?
We understand the temptation, but much like building a handpan, we recommend that only a professional tune your instrument. We’re happy to give you some insight into our own tuning process, but just know that it has been perfected over time and only after practicing on hundreds of instruments.
A handpan tuner is practiced in the art of tonal alignment. Unfortunately, it isn’t just as simple as someone with a “good ear for music;” this particular skill set is a craft that takes years to learn. Don't be fooled by using your guitar tuner to tune your handpan since frequencies in handpan notes won't be read properly by conventional tuners. Professional builders use specialized tuning software.
Please let us know if we can assist in tuning your handpan. We promise to take top-notch care of it.
8. How Much Is a Handpan? A Look at Cost & Quality...
How much do handpans cost? Are they expensive?
Frankly, it’s all about perspective. Each person has their own definition of “expensive.” That said, let’s dive into a few ways to help you find the right handpan for your budget.
One of the best ways to figure out which instrument meets both your needs and what your pocketbook can afford is to talk to a handpan maker. Because they are manufacturing professionals educated on the instrument and its different types, they can guide you to one that you’ll be happy with.
Here at Isthmus Instruments, we will never pressure you to meet a sales goal or make you feel uncomfortable. We are passionate about helping more people fall in love with the handpan, and that means helping you find the perfect instrument for your lifestyle. That said, if you choose to visit another manufacturer, we encourage you to find one where you feel comfortable in asking all of your questions and explaining your specific wants and needs so that you can find the perfect fit.
If you’re buying your first handpan, we would caution you against simply going for the cheapest option. You get what you pay for, right?
We understand this is a big decision, but you may regret it if you place too much of a focus on price. You want a quality instrument, made from superior materials and crafted with knowledge and care. This helps ensure not only the durability and longevity of your handpan, but ensures that it will produce the sounds that attracted you to the instrument in the first place.
Just like in economics where you have the intersection of demand and supply, here, you also have the intersection of price and quality.
| High Quality = High Price |
| Isthmus Quality = Fair Price |
| Low Quality = Low Price |
At Isthmus Instruments, you can be assured of the quality that you’re looking for. Every instrument we make is hand-built with superior materials. Our handpans resonate with the lightest touch, making them a joy to play and own.
We also offer financing, if you need it. To make owning a handpan easier, we partnered with PayPal Credit, which provides interest-free financing for the first six months on purchases of $99 or more. Please let us know how we can assist you in any stage of your purchase.
9. Should I Buy One Secondhand?
Now that we’ve addressed pricing a little, you may be wondering about buying your instrument secondhand. In a world where so many things can be bought on websites like Craigslist, eBay, Facebook and Amazon, it could be enticing to start your search there.
While it’s true that you may find some worthy handpan options on sites like these, we’d like to caution you against it for a number of reasons.
You can’t be certain of the quality or care of the handpan. Buying directly from the manufacturer is much safer since you know exactly where it came from and how it was made.
The handpan may need significant repairs or retuning, which is an added cost.
You may have to pre-pay for the item, and then receive a subpar product in return (or no product at all).
You could receive an inferior knock-off. (If the price is too good to be true, be wary.)
If you’re new to handpans, you may not know the right questions to ask or qualities to look for, and therefore, purchase an instrument that doesn’t meet your needs.
Additionally, because handpans are still a relatively new instrument to the market, you won’t find as many good secondhand options as you might think. This means that even a previously-owned instrument may not save you that much money as compared to a new one. And handpans from reputable manufacturers also retain a lot of their inherent value. (Think Samsung and Honda.) Therefore, investing in one from a preferred manufacturer like Isthmus Instruments is still a better option.
10. Handpan Comparison: How to Choose One?
We understand that there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a handpan, so let us help point you in the right direction.
First, examine which scale suits you. That is, what type of sound do you prefer:
Light and airy?
Deep and sonorous?
Uplifting?
Mysterious?
If you aren’t sure, we developed 3 tools to help, including a handpan scale randomizer to take the player out of the equation and let you hear the notes alone to help you decide about the scale in an unbiased manner.
Second, think about your musical background. Beginner handpan scales are more intuitive, thereby giving you an easier path to creating the music you desire. We highly recommend the D minor celtic handpan ! Intermediate scales are primarily best for those who already play an instrument or have some musical background.
Next, if you are a small person or plan to tote your handpan from one place to another, consider a smaller instrument.
Finally, when possible, test out multiple handpans in person. The above advice serves as a good set of guidelines, but you may find your best fit once you’ve touched, heard, and played a particular instrument. We even offer visits to our shop in Madison, Wisconsin if you like.
Who knows? It could be love at first sight!
11. Who Are the Handpan Manufacturers/Makers & How Do Yours Compare to Others?
The list of handpan manufacturers grows each year, as time passes and the instrument becomes more and more popular to a mass audience. Each company will have its own preferred materials and processes, so it’s important to find one that aligns with your needs and helps you find the perfect handpan for your lifestyle.
Especially if you’re new to handpans, we also recommend choosing a maker that provides transparency in their process (so that you can ensure quality), has great customer service in case you need assistance now or later, and can educate you as you seek to improve your skills and understanding of this elegant instrument.
That said, here are a few of today’s popular handpan makers:
Pantheon Steel
Symphonic Steel
Saraz
Aura
Dave’s Island Instruments
We firmly believe that our team here at Isthmus Instruments can help you find a handpan that you’ll love for years to come. As the first woman-owned handpan manufacturer here in the USA, we strive to meet and exceed your expectations.
EXPERT SKILL + REFINED ARTISANSHIP = SUPERIOR QUALITY & SOUND
But you don’t have to take our word for it—our customers have told us again and again that they made a great decision when choosing us!
12. What’s the Best Handpan Book?
Released in January 2020, we are thrilled to publish the first book for handpans in the USA! The Hal Leonard Handpan Book was written by Isthmus Instruments owner, Jenny Robinson, and our friend Mark D’Ambrosio, a handpan player and educator
Designed to be a terrific resource for both beginner and advanced handpan musicians, the book includes a glossary with helpful terminology, an introduction to a variety of methods and techniques for play, and even video access to make the sounds come to life.
13. Other Handpan FAQs?
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate guide to handpans, but you may still have questions. We’ll answer a few more below, but please reach out so we can provide you with any other information to help you find the instrument of your dreams
Is the handpan hard to learn?
Can a beginner still make these sound lovely? Yes, with a light and quick touch, you will be able to produce the warm tones that you hear in our videos. Beginners will be able to make these sound lovely as we use the best building practices possible, which helps for enjoyment and instrument playability.
What are your shipping and delivery policies?
We are proud to be located in Madison, Wisconsin, shipping worldwide. All instruments are shipped using FedEx, and require a delivery signature. But if you happen to be nearby, we’d love to meet you in person!
Why are your handpans so expensive?
Our price guarantees a quality product. Although we could produce pieces that might look like a handpan on the outside more cheaply, we continue to choose a “quality over quantity” approach to offering our products and services. Our attentiveness to detail is what makes our instruments sound superb and look impressive. We believe this is part of the magic of playing our handpans and think your experience should surpass that of one just tapping on a shaped steel vessel. Your experience with a handpan should open your heart, allow you to listen, feel, create and express what is inside. We want to bring you that experience. Our price is a reflection of our process (we form all of our own steel), our material sourcing (we source and form our steel in the USA), ongoing R&D (to make our products better and better), our community involvement (we host annual handpan gatherings to introduce new players to handpans for free), our commitment to support our team (so we can best support you and your needs), and our commitment to only offer the best products and services (not all instruments make the cut). Your investment in an Isthmus helps support the art of tuning steel and keeps our presence in the instrument marketplace a reality.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to own the handpan you have your eye on, so we’ve partnered with PayPal Credit for financing. Simply check that option during checkout, and you’ll receive no interest for six months on all orders over $99.
How do I regularly maintain my handpan?
We talked about tuning your handpan above, and if you are a hobbyist or infrequent player, you may not seek a retuning for many years. Those who play their handpan much more regularly may wish to have it done more often. For ongoing maintenance, and to keep your handpan in the best possible condition, please use a light touch and remove jewelry when playing. You should also oil it regularly to ensure the best possible protection.
What are the right storage conditions for handpans?
Keep your handpan in a cool, dry place, and avoid direct sunlight. Additionally, we recommend storing it outside of its case to allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
Do you sell cases or stands?
Yes, we want you to be able to store, display, and take your handpan with you as you please. We offer multiple types of handpan cases, as well as our own handpan stand and wall mount. We know you’ll treasure your handpan well into the future, and these items will help you do just that.
You’ll find more FAQs right here.
What’s the Next Step on Your Handpan Journey?
Now that we’ve discussed handpan history, how they’re constructed, how to maintain them, the pricing, where you can buy them, and more, what’s next for you?
Where are you on your handpan journey?
Are you ready to buy?
Do you need yours tuned?
Are you still gathering information?
Do you want to become a better musician?
This exquisite instrument has brought so much joy to people over the past two decades, and we hope that it will have the same effect on you. No matter what stage of the process you’re in, we think you’ll enjoy it.
And if you’re just getting started, welcome! We are excited to introduce to the handpan community. It’s a wonderful place!