The beautiful and amazingly artistic handpan, arising in the music world as a very special new instrument which conquers countless of music fans around the globe just by its wonderful tune. Created by Swiss visionaries Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in the early 2000s, it's a percussion instrument quite unlike anything else that offers an easy-to-tote melodicfolk experience altogether different to banging hand drums or 'playing' your desk mate with pre-allocated 'build-your-own-bottle-opener-'fingers'-for-all-life-has-handed-me-so-far-playing-guitar.
Origin Background (Trinidad & Tobago) The handpan actually comes from the unique steel drum which was invented in Trinidad and Tobago during 1930s. Taking inspiration from these steel pan drums, Rohner and Schärer set out to develop a smaller more manageable alternative that could be played with the hands free-moving.
First invented, it was known as the "Hang," derived from the Swiss-German word for "hand. Nonetheless, the instrument is frequently marketed as a handpan after trademark disagreements arose over the term Hang and side related legal arguments.
How to play the handpan
Playing the handpan is a meditative immersion. Serving as a medium between traditional drums and the subtle sounds of a percussion drum, handpan is played by striking its dimpled surfacer with the hands in order to create harmonics while also providing percussive beats.
HANDPAN Placemant: The typical positioning of the handpan is for it to be played on top side, with the dimples facing up.
Hand technique - Players use their fingers, palms and knuckles to hit the dimpled surface making a variety of tones and harmonies. A light touch produces sweet, airy music while harder strikes create sounds that ring true and linger in the air.
Both, Rhythm and melody: The handpan is ideal for fusing rhythmic patterns with melodic phrasing in order to produce complex and impressive compositions.
Perfect for Improvisation. The ability of the handpan to promote improvisation is one thing that many players agree on. This can provide a wealth of creative avenues for the players, who may choose to express themselves using different tones rhythms and melodies.
The Handpan Sound and Tones Explained
The sound produced by a handpan is as unique to the human ear, creating rich and comparing tones. From its unique shape to the perfect tuning, each handpan is delicately pounded not only ensures it delivers an out-of-this-world sound.
Bright:The above being mentioned, the surface design of the handpan generates more resonant tones thus producing a brighter sound.Melodic:Considered otherwise as one-of-a-kind instrument; this is because different added notes when played together with solo notes produce immediately harmonious melodies. Deep-tonedThe steel nature of the instrument and its concave shape result in a low-pitched, deep reinforcement tone. EtherealThe tones emanating from the handpan carry an almost supernatural resonance that can take you to a place of calm and peace. PercussiveThe handpan is a melodic instrument, but it does feature some percussive characteristics as well that tend to be used for rythmic patterns and beats.
What makes the handpan so versatile is its ability to marry these sound qualities together to deliver a one-of-a-kind compelling sonic experience.
Handpan Musicians and Artists Everyone Should Know
With the rise of people's interest over time, so too has grown an entire community of skilled musicians and artists who have ventured into playing this captivating musical instrument. Few popular global handpan players:
Handpan virtuoso David Charrier has received international praise for his work and is based in France. His performances offer a fusion of elegant melodies with intricate rhythmic patterns, demonstrating the versatile nature of the handpan.
Hang Massive: The innovative duo of Danny Cudd and Markus Offbeat have pioneered a new style in handpan music combining electronic influences with live looping giving rise to hypnotic mixtures of global genres.
Sasha Bogoslawski: Pioneering the handpan landscape, Bogoslawski brings enormous depth to his compositions making it a pensive and highly introspective experience for listeners who want more than just music - they are looking for understanding.
Here are some composers that beautifully integrate the handpand with other sounds, creating rich harmonies: The Austrian Manu Delago is a musician and composer as well who blends world music meticulously.
This list of artists (amongst others) have helped the handpan grow in popularity and bring this fascinating instrument to many more people.
Handpan for Sale and Buying Guide
With the increase in demand for handpans it has become essential to register a good source and choose logically which live instrument we would like to play. Below are a few tips to assist you in the process:
Find Trusted Sellers: Lastly, check for reputable handpan makers or companies. Most of the popular handpan makers can be found on their own websites with an online e-commerce shop to browse through.
Scale and tuning: There are different types of scale you can purchase your handpan in as well. When choosing one, you must keep in mind your taste for music and the tone that appeals to you.
These materials are chosen because they last longer and the sound will not be faded over time compared to a handpan made up of other material like copper. Note construction techniques and the quality of workmanship.
Ease Of Transport / Size & Portability: Some handpans are much smaller in size compared to others while the other ones have deeper notes. Think About What You Plan on Using it for and How Portable a Hand Warmer will be
Budget: Handpans can be expensive with handcrafted, top-end models commanding a high price. Take some time to figure out how much you are willing for it and if possible think quality before price.
Taking the time to find and select the right handpan for you will result in an enriching and even lifelong musical journey.
Handpan for beginners
Do not worry if you are new to the handpan. This magical instrument can actually be very easy to take up, and with regular practice and some direction you too could soon travel your musical journey. Handpan Beginners Tip
Hand techniques should be mastered before developing them, such as using fingers, palms and knuckles on the dimpled surface. Vary your pressure to create different sounds and tones.
Scales and patterns: a lot of handpan makers offer resources (scale charts or how-to videos) to guide you on where it is safe to play, plus melodies or basic playing ideas.
You will also need to play the handpan with mindfulness and patience. Be patient in your practice and surrender to the meditative nature of plucking those strings.
Community: Join others who love handpans, be it locally or online-sharing your journey and learning with one another can provide bursts of energy The handpan world is be an open and great community.
Touch tutorials, workshops & instructional videos: There are numerous online resources that offer advice from professional handpan players and teachers.
After all, the handpan is an adventure through personal expression and exploration.... Enjoy the process and use those sounds help to lead you into a world of music, mindfulness, presence.
In sum, surrender to the Spell of HandPantry
The handpan is a beautiful and enigmatic musical instrument that has won the hearts of musicians and listeners around the world. Now a worldwide symbol of peaceful, soulful vibes; the sweet sound and diversity in playing styles have made handpan music crossing borders thus uniting an array of individuals operating as both musicians and impassioned listeners.
If you are a seasoned musician looking for something different to play, or if you know very little about music and have always wanted to learn how to create your own songs - the handpan can change everything. It is such a unique instrument, with both melodic and percussive qualities; it can be played anytime or anywhere, while being meditative in nature.
Explore the beauty of this instrument as you step into more and more amazing handpans. Let its ethereal neons transmute you through the other side of traveling - with wonder and self-exploration as your guide, let words unfurl almost seamlessly across a string-like surface.
Take a captivating musical Journey with their hands in the pan. Check out our selection of premium handpans from master artisans that you can play right away and find the perfect instrument to unlock your musical creativity. This wonderful instrument is going to be mastered and you will open up a completely new world of fantastic melodies which are melodic along with harmonic rhythms because we provide the very best assistance that can help build yourself in it! Experience the magical sounds of this legendary instrument and play it as part of an energetic handpan forum. Try more with us to start your handpan journey by contacting.
