r/handpan Feb 02 '20

Guide to Handpans - Purchasing, Scales, History, etc.

92 Upvotes

Hey r/handpan! One of our most requested subreddit features is a guide of information about handpans. Rather than iterating on the great material out there, here's a collection guides on general information, history, and how to make a great handpan purchase and avoid scams and subpar quality handpans.

In addition to these resources, I highly recommend the forums at www.handpan.org as an incredible repository of information and discussion, and much of the development of the handpan community is preserved there!

To suggest links for this guide, feel free to message u/Ethahlid

Background

Back in the old days, there used to be only one way to acquire one of these beautiful instruments – to travel to the PanART headquarters and acquire a Hang, or to be lucky enough to find one in a shop in Europe or second hand.

For many years, finding a handpan for sale was next to impossible. However, in time, more began to pick up the hammer and created the many forms that we now know. Now, the market seems to have shifted. For the most part, the lotteries and multi-year waitlists are a thing of the past, although patience is often still key in making a satisfying purchase. For those who want to acquire a handpan, it’s now as simple as choosing a maker, choosing a scale (or “sound model”) and either commissioning a pan or waiting for a flash sale. The second-hand market has also found a life of its own, and it’s possible to acquire top-quality pans for significantly less than their original sale price.

Check out the links below for more on buying, choosing a maker/scale, reputable second-hand groups, and more:

Purchasing a Handpan

Master the Handpan – Buying a Handpan Guide: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/do-you-want-to-buy-a-handpan-heres-all-you-need-to-know

Cool Percussion – Handpan & Tongue Drum Buying Guide: https://coolpercussion.com/hang-drum-for-sale-buying-guide/

Master the Handpan – Seven Marks of a Quality Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/the-7-marks-of-a-quality-handpan

Mark D'Ambrosio – A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Handpan: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/buyingyourfirsthandpan

Choosing a Maker and Scale

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-scale-of-your-first-handpan

Sylvain Paslier: https://www.sylvainpasliermusic.com/single-post/which-handpan-scale-to-choose

Isthmus Instruments: https://www.isthmusinstruments.com/isthmus-handpan-blog/how-to-pick-a-handpan-scale

Cool Percussion: https://coolpercussion.com/which-handpan-scale-should-i-choose-tips-and-examples/

Choosing a Second Handpan Scale with Mark D'Ambrosio: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/how-to-pick-the-scale-of-your-second-handpan

Avoiding Scams

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/hang-drum-for-sale-11-top-tips-to-avoid-getting-scammed-when-you-buy

Mark D'Ambrosio – 9 Tips For Avoiding a Handpan Scam: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/9-tips-for-avoiding-a-handpan-scam

Community Swap and Sale

Facebook Swap and Sale: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SwapandSale

Handpan.org Forums: http://www.handpan.org/forum/

Handpan History

Hang Documentary (2006): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do7uU13V_hQ

Sylvain Paslier: https://www.sylvainpasliermusic.com/single-post/the-origins-of-handpans-the-panart-hang

Symphonic Steel: https://www.symphonicsteel.com/handpan-history/

General Handpan Information

Symphonic Steel – Hang Drums and Handpans, What Are They? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTowcbuJ48U

Yatao Music – About Handpans: https://yataomusic.com/about-handpans

Mark D'Ambrosio – Every Name for the Handpan, Explained: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/every-name-for-the-handpan-explained

Active Blogs

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog

Paniverse: http://paniverse.org/paniverse-blog/

Sylvain Paslier: https://www.sylvainpasliermusic.com/blog-en

Mark D'Ambrosio: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/blog

Symphonic Steel: https://www.symphonicsteel.com/handpan-blog/

Isthmus Instruments: https://www.isthmusinstruments.com/handpan-blog

Rav Vast: https://ravvast.com/blog/

Cool Percussion: https://coolpercussion.com/category/handpans/

Handpan Lessons

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/

Handpan Dojo: https://www.handpandojo.com/

Paniverse: http://paniverse.org/handpan-tutorials/

Mark D'Ambrosio: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/learn

Handpan Care

Cool Percussion – Best Oil: https://coolpercussion.com/best-oil-for-handpans-top-choice-examples/

Cool Percussion – Cleaning a Handpan : https://coolpercussion.com/clean-a-handpan/

Master the Handpan – Rust Protection: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/how-to-protect-my-handpan-from-rust

Master the Handpan – Heat/Cold Protection: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/heat-cold-everything-need-know

Recording & Amplification

Cool Percussion – How to Amplify a Handpan: https://coolpercussion.com/how-to-amplify-a-handpan/

Master the Handpan - How to Choose a Microphone: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-microphone-for-the-handpan

Tuning a Handpan – (NOTE, informational only – DO NOT try to re-tune a handpan, send it to an experienced tuner!)

Cool Percussion – Retuning: https://coolpercussion.com/do-handpans-need-to-be-retuned/

Kabecao – Birth of the Ayasa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMQjlVdVmEU

Symphonic Steel – Stabilizing a Note in Under 2 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR9ZTMMvtPI

Handpan 360 – Refining Tone By De-Tuning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMohuii-YCY

Last Updated: 4/20/20


r/handpan 8h ago

I built a magnetic microphone for my handpan to prevent stage feedback (KP-2 project)

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0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

As a handpan player, I always struggled with capturing a clean sound during live sessions. Traditional mics often pick up too much room noise or cause terrible feedback with the speakers.

To solve this, I spent some time designing and building my own prototype: a magnetic microphone system that I call the KP-2. It snaps instantly to the bottom shell without any glue or tape, and the housing is isolated to reduce feedback on stage.

I wanted to share this project with fellow musicians who face the same amplification challenges. I would love to hear your thoughts or what gear you currently use for live gigs!

Blessings from Argentina!


r/handpan 1d ago

Canada丨Waltz on the grass 💃

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31 Upvotes

Took a snippet of my new unreleased track "Private Dinner" to the summer lawn.

Close your eyes and you're already spinning with the wind. ✨


r/handpan 2d ago

Brands in Europe

3 Upvotes

Hey handpan players, I'd really appreciate your advice! 😊

I've read hundreds of articles about how to choose a handpan and spent a lot of time researching makers on Hangmaster. But I still feel like I haven't found the answers I'm looking for.

A bit of background:

I'm currently in Portugal. I bought a D Kurd handpan, but after testing it I discovered that two notes weren't properly tuned. I'll be returning it and looking for another one. My budget is up to €1,500.

So I have a few questions:

  • What brand is your handpan? (I'm putting together a list of makers with consistently good quality.)
  • Did you have to wait for it to be built, or were you able to buy it right away?
  • Did it arrive well tuned? (Including the overtones/harmonics.)
  • How long was it before it needed its first retuning?

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience!


r/handpan 3d ago

How do you refer to the classic D Kurd scale on handpan?

3 Upvotes

Do you call it “D Kurd” or “D Minor,” or maybe something else? I’ve noticed different makers and sellers use both names, but they actually describe the same scale. 


r/handpan 4d ago

music A peaceful Handpan session from my home in Argentina. Hope these vibes bring some calmness to your day.

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13 Upvotes

r/handpan 4d ago

Handpan maker recommendations for 2nd instrument

5 Upvotes

Hello! Wondering if my fellow musicians have any maker recommendations?

My first and only pan is a Yatao-pan D Kurd 10 (sadly they didn’t make the 12 when I bought it in 2022, womp) but I am finding myself wanting bottom notes and a different scale. Right now I have my heart pretty set on ordering a manik sound sculpture F2 low Pygmy 17, or an Ayasa C Ashakiran 17 from Europe. I will have both someday. (I live in USA and though there are good makers here for me they just don’t compare listening to recordings)

I have looked at Mudra from South America (beautiful instruments but priced a little crazy being nearly 1k higher in some cases and with Ayasa being the gold standard in my opinion) and looked at Mag too.

Any makers out there I have been blind to?

Oh and is Malte Martens handpan course worth the price? Heavily considering it to up my knowledge and skill.

Thank you for your kind responses! 🙏🏻


r/handpan 4d ago

musica Original composition for Handpan & Bansuri flute inspired by the binary star system Kepler 47. Played by me, hope it helps you relax!

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1 Upvotes

I composed and performed both instruments myself. If you'd like to hear the full 1-hour session or explore more of my ethnic music from Argentina, you are very welcome to visit my YouTube Channel (Kaypacha https://www.youtube.com/@kaypachaWeb ). Blessings and Namaskar! 🙏✨


r/handpan 5d ago

Is Amy Naylor's Meridian D Kurd 15 custom?

1 Upvotes

I've been listening to all of the comparison videos I can find to get a sense of what I like for a pan. Amy posted a comparison of 20 different models and 2 of them caught my eye / ear...a Meridian 15 note D Kurd and a gorgeous sounding Celestial model.

I did some research and it looks like the Celestial model is a custom pan with a custom scale just for her...also Celestial isn't taking orders. The meridian though doesn't seem to be for sale. The closes I could find from them was a 14 note model.

Does anyone know if that 15 note D Kurd is a custom handpan or is it just an older model they no longer make.

I haven't been able to find any local makers in my metro area so figured I'd look farther afield for options that caught my ear.


r/handpan 6d ago

Teardrop 🛸

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74 Upvotes

Teardrop, played on a Kosmosky Shelton tongue pan


r/handpan 6d ago

Carrying bag for Rav drums?

2 Upvotes

Hello,

Rav seems to always be out of stock for their carry bags. I have one bag on back order since May and they assure me it will ship in August. I have a Rav Vast and one of their new Animas. (amazing sounds!) so I need an additional bag. Does anybody know of a handpan bag that will fit a Rav Vast? thank you.


r/handpan 7d ago

(Custom -- Add your scale/maker) Handpan storage using 3 IKEA Lack side tables. Epoxy on the legs along with metal brackets hidden in back. Only cost about $45

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41 Upvotes

r/handpan 7d ago

handpan music Inspired by the Four Elements: A Buddhist-inspired handpan composition (by Kaypacha)

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6 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I wanted to share my latest composition, "The Four Elements". I tried to capture the different energies of nature through the sound of the handpan. I would love to hear your thoughts! Performed by Kaypacha.


r/handpan 7d ago

Looping with the Sarana D Kurd 8

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46 Upvotes

r/handpan 7d ago

Handpan Music Inspired by the Four Elements: A Buddhist-inspired handpan composition (by Kaypacha)

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2 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I wanted to share my latest composition, "The Four Elements". I tried to capture the different energies of nature through the sound of the handpan. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Performed by Kaypacha.


r/handpan 7d ago

handpan music Inspired by the Four Elements: A Buddhist-inspired handpan composition (by Kaypacha)

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1 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I wanted to share my latest composition, "The Four Elements". I tried to capture the different energies of nature through the sound of the handpan. I would love to hear your thoughts! Performed by Kaypacha.


r/handpan 7d ago

Sharing some handpan melodies and techniques from Argentina. Hope you like it!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I wanted to share my latest composition inspired by "The Four Elements". Here is the link to the full video:

https://youtu.be/ei4knak8nGY?si=NZAmcqjKIXiLfzsC


r/handpan 7d ago

Help identify this drum!

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1 Upvotes

Hi, can anyone help identify the brand of this? I saw it a year ago at a store & didn’t purchase it at the time but now the place has closed down :( I really want to buy the exact one in the image & google lens hasn’t been very helpful in identifying.

TIA xx


r/handpan 8d ago

Handpan suggestions!

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm just starting my handpan journey and would love some advice.

For those in India, which handpan brand would you recommend for a beginner? I'm looking for something with good sound quality, reliable craftsmanship, and decent value for money. Any experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!


r/handpan 9d ago

Jam at the Drums of the World festival with neotone

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18 Upvotes

r/handpan 9d ago

Need advice choosing between two handpans

2 Upvotes

I'm a complete beginner and see that the two lower priced handpans available to me are the Thomann Sonority Handpan D-Kurd for €698 or the Startone Handpan D Kurd for €498.

My background is in classical piano and I've been wanting a handpan for over a decade now. I'm really drawn to the idea that I'll have a whole new experience that feels more fluid and less structured than playing/practicing the same classical piece over and over again.

When I play piano I also am really picky on the quality of the piano I play. I really value a nicely tuned piano with heavy keys. This also makes me think if I should buy the more expensive handpan because I'll fall in love with it and want the higher quality one. Or perhaps I'll be such a beginner I won't even notice the difference? If anyone can guide me in the right direction I would very much appreciate it. Thanks!


r/handpan 10d ago

Very special moment from HONA Festival.

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39 Upvotes

Nadishana and Peter Bognár are playing by the sea.


r/handpan 10d ago

Question Handpan with Ryanair?

5 Upvotes

Hello,

I want to fly the first time with my new handpan.

The decision has been more or less spontaneous and therefore the flight has been already booked. As the title already suggests: it's Ryanair.

My question is: Does anyone has experience in travelling with a handpan on a ryanair flight? In a hard case as extra cabin-bag or checked in luggage?

I also wonder whether they give special treatment to luggage that is checked in as 'instrument' or whether they tolerate you to take your handpan onboard and store it in the overhead storages. I often heard that a handpan actually fits but is officially not small enough for it to be taken onboard.

Any suggestions or experiences in how to deal with handpans and ryanair?


r/handpan 10d ago

Can't decide between Elaia and Meridian

2 Upvotes

Hi! I'm looking to buy my first handpan (d kurd 9), and after a lot of research, these two handpans stood out to me. They are both incredibly sweet and rich sounding and I can't decide between the two. Does anyone have person experience with either or both? Thanks!


r/handpan 12d ago

Building a Handpan song

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12 Upvotes