Handpans: History and roots from handpan history publications
Discover the handpan, a unique percussion instrument invented by PANArt in Switzerland in the 2000s. Learn about its rich, harmonious tones created by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer.
The original handpan was the Hang, which first appeared in 2000 and is made from two half-shells of deep-drawn nitrided steel. The tunings of the shells were meticulously engineered in order to produce a unique combination of notes when struck by hand. The groundbreaking design of this mystical hybrid between melodious and percussion made it an attraction the combined musicians around, viz.
With handpan popularity growing, so did the number of other companies who have been producing their own variants which usually come with varying designs and tonal qualities. Today they are built by individual artisans and each handpan is a unique piece of art.
How handpans are made
Building a handpan are is an exceptionally laborious and skillful aspect. Often, here is the steps that process takes:
Through careful selection of materials (most often high-quality steel or other alloys with desirable properties),
Forming: Deep-drawing or spinning the metal into two half-shells, which will be subsequently formed as top and bottom of the handpan.
Tuning: The edge on the shells are perfect and evened out hammered to create tone fields with their own note and pitches.
The process of fusing the two half-shells, typically in combination with a central ring or additional reinforcement, to form final structure.
Finishing: After it has been hung, economists or decorative processes that improve its appearance and playability may be placed such as lathing (polish with soft abrasive), engraving or some form of pattern.
The sound and quality of a handpan is determined to an extent at every stage in this manufacturing process. The instrument is tunned and made just by the experienced artisans, to give it a perfect sound color which mix with tones and overtoned.
Different types of handpans
The first generation of handpans were developed based off the original Hang drum but now with several manufacturers and their own proprietary designs. And these are the most used handpans types;
Hang Drum: The first handpan invented by PANArt, with its iconic "UFO" shape and a seven to nine note range.
Tongue Drum - This version has fewer and longer tongues with a more mellow/deeper sound.
Scale Handpan: A handpan that provides more notes, often across a couple of octaves, enabling musicians to play melodies or combine different tones.
Chromatic Handpan: An alternative to a more common Diatonic scale, the range of a Chromatic handpan allows for complex melodic play and additional harmonic possibilities.
Pan Art Dual-Tone Handpan: Each of these pans consist of two separate tone fields, with each field including its own notes.
While each handpan tonal properties may differ, designed for the type of music you like to play.
Handpans Playing Tips For Beginners
The way to play a handpan can be rewarding and meditative, but it does take some practice and skill. If you are starting into the Catalyst Acquisition world, here is some tips for beginners to get started.
Posture and Hand Placement - Ensuring you have good posture for playing the guitar, along with placement of your hands on the fretboard are key ways to making sure that notes sound crisp and clear. You can sit with the handpan on your lap or a stand, and have your hands very slightly curved (not too much) but RELAXED.
Striking: Play around with all the different strikes of your hands, even incorporate those mallets or use only he heel of you hand to get variations in hi hat overtone frequencies. Every method has a unique timbral quality and tonal palette.
Tone Fields: Learn to recognize the various tone fields on your handpan and its corresponding notes. Again, play simple melodies and scales to get a sense of what the instrument can do.
Dance to the Beat: All handpans are melodic instruments, but with rhythms you can give your music an additional dimension. Practice easy rhythms first and then work up to harder ones, as you get better.
Play and Learn: The handpan is a joy to play because you can compose music out of thin air. Hear the sounds you give and let it flow naturally with the music.
Regular Practice: Similar to any instrument, practicing the handpan will help you get better at it. Be sure to spend time practicing and learning the guitar, transitioning as slowly or quickly as you need it with your own setup of music.
What to Look for In a Handpan
Buying a whole handpan is not an easy choice as they often cost several thousands of dollars and quality differs considerably between different drums with each having its own unique sound characteristics. Things to Consider When Buying a Handpan.
Brand and Manufacturer: Look up handpans crafted by well known manufacturers in the community. Some of the famous brands are PANArt, Saraz and Cosmos Handpan.
Material and Building: The material (Eg: Steel, Nickel etc) used is a huge factor as well as the building methods given that both elements to within this instrument design can heavily affect sound quality. Materials are of better quality and construction is typically more accurate, which in theory helps the instrument sound better.
Numeral of Tone Field and Scale - the number of tone fields, storage battery or Tuning system (eg major-minor-pentatonic) & range on notes needed. A variety of scales and tonal things can be better suited to different styles, genres or simply your personal taste.
Handpan Size and Weight: Handpans come in different sizes as well as weights that makes a lot of difference on how the handpan can be carried around, or played comfortably. Size-wise, the deeper and stronger tones of larger models are preferred but smaller ones TYis no less appreciated for being more portable.
The Aesthetic Design: It may not have anything to do with how the handpan sounds, but a lot of buyers out there likes their handpans engraved and made in some sort artwork form.
Handpan Cost: Handpans start around a few hundred dollars and go up into the thousands for handcrafted fine instruments. Decide how much you will spend and what features matter to you.
We suggest to recommend if you can - Play some different handpans before make a decision of purchase.
Where to buy handpans
Handpans can be purchased from a variety of different places, online and offline Some of the choices for you to choose are as follows:-
Manufacturer Websites: Many manufacturers like PANArt, Saraz, and Cosmos Handpans sell their instruments directly from their sites. This gives you the ability to buy straight from the supplier in many cases with detailed product information.
Online Shops: There are many online shops where you can purchase a handpan or other percussion instruments. These sites typically have a large array of brands and model types to allow you full control over which product best fits your needs, along with customer reviews help lines.
Local: Local music stores or ones that specialize in percussion may sell handpans, and also would be able to order one for you. This is the only way you can get your hands on it in person before buying.
Many small handpan makers and artisans sell their DIY Handpans directly to clients. It can be a wonderful opportunity to help local artists and buy one-of-a-kind handpans.
Online Marketplaces - Online platforms like eBay, Reverb and Facebook Marketplace will have handpans listed for sale by individual sellers or resellers.
Its important when buying handpan to know something about the seller and read or find some customer reviews as well it is good idea if you check could that instrument come with warranty of return.
Wrap Up: A World of Handpans In converters
The handpan is a mesmerizing and extremely unique musical instrument that touches both the musicians as well as its listeners. Easy on the ear and not terribly demanding to play, either alone or with a small group, this one provides you both relaxations as well as meditation!
Handpans have been around for over a decade and as their popularity soars, musicians are discovering new potential on the rather peculiar instrument of Russian origin. The handpan can fill roles, from creating calming ambient soundscapes to detailed complex melodious pieces, showcasing the versatility of this expressive musical device.
It is an exciting world that once unlocked by you may begin your journey to a euphoric musical one, if so visit us at our online store today. Buy Handpan From Cosmos handpan We Specialize In Beginner and Pro Quality We offer varying levels of handpans that are suitable for beginner to expert players, best-in-class brands only. We are here to help with our expert staff that can provide you the best handpan for your needs helping on choosing one based on what music tones or scales you want. Dive into the enchanting tones and rhythms of this fascinating instrument, let your musical imagination run wild. Check our library now and learn more about handpan music!
