Musical instruments such as handpans are widely loved because of the unique and spectacular sounds that they produce. These instruments, however, are sensitive and need to be well maintained, besides being accompanied by proper accessories to add to the durability and the quality of the sound produced. Regardless of the experience level of the player, understanding and having the right accessories can have a big impact. This article outlines the most suitable stations, mostly where one can find handpans, the types of accessories, and their importance.
Handpan Stands
Isthmus Instruments
Isthmus Instruments has created quite a reputation as the manufacturer of high-quality handpan stands. Their stands are not only practical, but they are also artistic for the enhancement of the beauty of the handpan. The stands are made of hard materials, which produce attractive designs that can also be used to complement other home decor when the handpan is not being played. The Isthmus handpan stand, handmade in Wisconsin, has more stability in construction than any other stand. It delivers full mobility to the musician, which is essential for the dynamic players.
Sounds Inspiring
Sounds Inspiring brings slim and portable stands which are hand made and collapsible and would go well with musicians who ferry from one place to the other. These stands are produced in both sitting and standing forms. In the standing height with the legs in locking position, it has stability, but it wobbles a bit when a lot of force is applied during playing.
Yamaha SS-740A Snare Stand
Another available and recommended snare stand for handpan players can be purchased on Amazon with the Yamaha SS-740A Snare Stand. One is it is highly portable and durable. They are made of steel, thus firmly holding the handpan due to the adjustable straps. This stand is highly flexible in such a way that one can adjust the arms to fit the depth of the handpan, which lies on the rubber tips.
Protective Cases
HandpanCare
HandpanCare provides cases intended for the transportation of handpans to various places. Hence, their soft shell luggage designs have extra lids, while their hard ones can stand the test of the road. These cases keep the handpan free from scratches, dents, and any other forms of damage.
HandpanUni
Carry-bags and hard cases that HandpanUni offers range from simple fabric bags to transparent hard cases with display purposes. These padded cases are created to protect the handpan from shock, thus suitable for any musician who is a traveler.
Contact Microphones and Amplification
Isthmus Instruments
Triumphing as an Isthmus Instruments, this firm deals mainly with contact microphones, which are ideal for enhancing the amplification of the handpans during the performance. Their Ensoul pickups are magnetic and this makes it possible to place anywhere on the instrument so as to obtain the desired sound. Apart from that, they also give guidance on how to apply your ears and how to use EQ and effects pedals on stage. The Ensoul pickups can be located in any area of the handpan to pick unique tones, as well as connect with numerous kinds of FX pedals to enrich the tonalities of the music.
HandpanUni
In HandpanUni, there is a special accessory, and this is the H1 Handpan Pickup, which can find all the sounds that a handpan may produce and amplify them without distortion. This accessory comes in handy for performers who desire to make sure the music they create gets to as many people as possible without necessarily draining the quality of the music produced.
Decorative Accessories
Note the handpan care macrame rope braids; they actually incorporate personality into your handpan. These braids are available in different colors, and this makes it possible for one to choose the required style while at the same time enhancing the grip and safety of the hollows. Many people opt for them for improving the looks of the handpan, and can be an excellent way of making your handpan unique.
HandpanUni
Besides that, HandpanUni sells utility items such as handpan necklaces and fashion accessories that help to depict the love for the handpan even when not playing. These are probably the cutest and most elegant accessories that will make your travel musical journey unique and special.
Maintenance Products
HandpanCare
There are also washing products, for example, microfiber clothes for washing handpan, and ceramic materials that will help to coat the surface of the handpan. Maintenance is an important thing to do so that the handpan can be played in the best condition with the best voice.
Isthmus Instruments
Besides selling stand and microphone-related products, Isthmus Instruments also provides solutions on how you can preserve the resonance of your handpan. Some of the suggested essential steps include cleaning and proper storage in order to retain the resonance and the appearance of the instrument.
Additional Accessories
HandpanCare
HandpanCare has solutions for storing your handpan when not in use, and one of them is a wall mount. This keeps the instrument clean and safe without incurring the risk of damage from the different groups of people in society. Handpan wall stands to aid in hanging your handpan for display and, at the same time, are safe.
HandpanUni
HandpanUni also offers different accessories, including handpan ropes, which add extra decoration and use to the entire handpan. These ropes can add to the appearance of your handpan and add security while enjoying the instrument or even while moving it from one place to another.
Map of Approaches to Handpan Accessories
Stands and Their Importance
A handpan stand is not just there for holding the handpan but it plays a crucial function in how the handpan sounds and also how applicable it is to play. In this case, stands from the Isthmus Instruments brand are highly developed to provide support and improve the sound of the handpan. A stand supports the instrument off the ground or from your lap and lets it ring fully and louder as compared to a handpan without a stand. Also, stands let the players travel around the instrument without stabilizing it, which is certainly applicable during motioned plays.
Protective Cases: Protecting Your Money
Due to the construction, handpans are fragile instruments, which further underlines the importance of protective cases. Soft cases are also suitable for short travels and frequent use as they offer good protection to the instrument but are not very bulky like hard cases; HandpanCare, for example, offers such cases. For longer journeys and particularly when one is traveling by air, hard cases are pretty mandatory. Apart from protection, HandpanCare’s hard cases are very sturdy enough to absorb all the impacts that you may subject your handpan through. Finally, these sleek handpan cases provide additional convenience due to the fact that depending on the design, HandpanUni’s transparent hard cases allow you to show off your handpan while protecting it at the same time.
Amplification: Sharing Your Music to the Whole New Audience
Yet, there is a need to amplify the handpan for the performers. There are also contact microphones, for instance, the Ensoul pickup from Isthmus Instruments, which will effectively amplify the sound of the handpan and distribute it to other people. These pickups are very simple to install, and the player can permanently relocate them around the instrument to get the best sounds. Some other aspects of the amplified sound can also be altered with effects pedals and EQ, which can add richness to music making; it often changes the overall picture of the concert.
Decorative Accessories
Some of the ornaments include macrame rope braids which are from HandpanCare, which enables players to make modifications to their handpans. Though these braids serve mainly a cosmetic purpose, as the make the instrument look more aesthetically pleasing, they do also serve a functional purpose of giving the player more traction when holding the instrument while playing. The necklaces are also available in HandpanUni’s store, and as a handpan player, one would love to have a piece that reminds him or her of the instrument each time he or she is away from the stage; thus, handpan necklaces make good gifts for any dedicated player.
Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity
Take proper care of the handpan by washing it and also ensuring to protect it. Microfiber clothes found in the HandpanCare store are efficient in wiping out fingerprints and dirt on the surface without causing any damage. Painting them in a non-corrosive, nonconductive ceramic coating will help to prevent the pans from rusting for several years. Besides, it does not only maintain the appearance of the instruments but also protects the sound quality of the handpans, which makes these products necessary for the users.
Storage Solutions
Storing is another critical factor that should be put into consideration with the aim of enhancing the durability of your handpan. The handpan is one of the significant pieces of percussion instruments that you can use in music production or learning, and wall mounts from HandpanCare can help you store your handpan when not in use conveniently yet safely. These mounts prevent the handpan from direct contact with the floor, thus shielding it from impact by other objects or traffic; this also makes it easier to display your instrument as art décor in your home.
Conclusion
Choosing a bag or carrying case for your handpan goes a long way in improving the sound quality, as well as offering you portability and customization. When deciding on accessories, one may require a stand for a heavy Handpan, a case for protecting the instrument, mics, and amplifiers, or even decorative pieces; these and many more can be purchased from Isthmus Instruments for Handpans, HandpanCare, or HandpanUni. If you pay attention to the choice of accessories, then your handpan will not deteriorate, and the sound will remain clear and pleasant.
