Hang drum, space drum, handpan drum, and handpan are fascinating musical instruments that make a splash. This instrument is known for its magical, ethereal sound, and the UFO-like design of the instrument has almost as much to do with its sonically enchanting value as its sound does. There is confusion surrounding the terminology of this instrument: handpan, hang drum, space drum, just to name a few.
In this article, we attempt to clarify the ways in which a hang drum differs (or doesn’t differ) from a space drum and what makes these instruments special.
Handpan vs. Hang Drum: Is There a Difference?
Closest to the core and not different instruments at all, the hang drum, bantam, space drum, and metal drum all simply refer to the same instrument type as the handpan. Only the terminology differs, where it is a geo, cultural, and branded distinction.
Handpan: This term is mostly familiar in the United States, Europe, and Israel.
Hang Drum: This drum's name comes from its resemblance to a drum and from 'hang,' the name they gave to the first commercially produced handpan.
Space Drum: The meaning of this term is primarily inspired by the futuristic, UFO-like appearance of the instrument, making it sound distinct and even out of this world.
Whatever the name, all these terms mean 'melodic steel instruments of the idiophone family, played with the hands, producing harmonious, resonant tones.'
Origins of the Handpan and Hang Drum
The handpan story began in 2000 when Swiss inventors Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer invented the Hang (pronounced 'hung'), the first handpan to be made commercially. Its design and sound caught on, and a wave of handpan manufacturers and alternative names soon emerged.
The hang instrument is the ancestor of modern handpans, but today's handpans are fabricated with advanced fabrication techniques and can be far more durable, have a more excellent tonal range, and are customizable to a greater degree.
Key Features of Handpans
A modern handpan musical instrument crafted from steel, it resembles two overlapping hemispheres. The bottom side most often has a resonance hole, and its top side has a central dome (the "ding") surrounded by tuned tone fields.
Key features of the handpan include:
Material: Most handpans are built with nitrided steel, stainless steel, or ember steel, each with a sonic character.
Tuning: There are 7 or 30-note scales tuned in specific scales: diatonic or pentatonic.
Playing Style: The instrument is played with the hands, making soft, resonant sounds that are suitable for meditation and relaxation or for solo performance.
Portability: The handpan is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport. For this reason, it is a good choice for both beginners and professionals.
Budget: Handpans are priced differently from one another, with beginner ones running at $800; right at the other end of the scale are professional-grade instruments that can retail at $6,000.
Material: Nitrided steel is less likely to rust and is very colorful, whereas stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion and has a great deal of durability. That’s the mix that makes up Ember steel.
Tonal Range: Handpans with 7 or 9 notes are popular for beginners; 30 notes are best for advanced players.
Brand Reputation: Research other manufacturers and read reviews to ensure what you’ll get is quality craftsmanship.
How the Space Drum Fits In
Its definition infers the future and mystical sound of the space drum. Mechanically, it is no different than a handpan or hang drum, but some manufacturers will sell their unique design or innovation as a ‘space drum’; there is a bit of a distinction between the sounds of each drum. The reason for these instruments is that they should work for creative musicians who don't want to borrow preset scales, patterns, or materials.
You can look for models that focus on fresh and lush soundscapes if your cosmic space drum obsession is more interested in features rather than sound.
Why Handpans Are Unique
The handpan drum instrument is versatile, easy to learn, and meditative. Here are a few reasons why the handpan is a popular choice for musicians and enthusiasts:
Ease of Play: Handpan players do not require formal training, whether it be traditional drums. The best part about them is they are great for beginners; you can learn to create soothing melodies fast.
Rich Sound: For something so immersive, there is no other instrument with resonant tones like the tones of the handpan.
Customization: Custom scales and engraved designs are common on hand painting, as they are customizable.
Cultural Connection: For good reason, the handpan is a melodic instrument and is a favorite in yoga, mindfulness, and most spiritual practices.
Handpan for Beginners
Choosing the best handpan for beginners, when you're a newbie in the handpan world, means you’d be looking for the best bang for your buck. Playing scales and such and learning on entry-level models may not give you as many notes for recording, but you’re still getting excellent sound quality for much less extra complexity.
D minor handpans are also good for beginners as they are easy to play melodies in harmony.
Buying a Handpan, Space Drum or Hang Drum? Here’s how NOT to get taken for a fool.
When buying a handpan steel drum, consider the following tips:
Try Before You Buy: If you can’t watch video demonstrations or visit a store to hear the instrument sound, you can use an online instrument comparison site.
Check Tuning Stability: Make sure that the handpan stays tuned.
Look for Sales: Online stores, however, also tend to offer discounts on hang drums, so you won’t have any problem looking for a cheap one.
Seek Recommendations: Read reviews, get advice on trusted brands, and find trusted brands for questions. Consult experienced players.
Conclusion
This great instrument can be interchangeably referred to as a handpan, hang drum, or space drum. We do not have differences in function; we have differences in name. It is a good thing to travel into the domain of melodic percussion with the handpan, whether a professional or a starter.
Material and budget will be important in choosing the right instrument for your purposes, plus what tonal range you desire will be another factor. You can’t pass this magical instrument, known as a handpan or hang drum, that inspires an entrance with its esoteric sound.
