If you are someone who is intrigued by the melodious sound of a handpan, you have come to the right place. Handpans or hang drums have been winning people’s hearts worldwide as their soothing tunes are perfect for meditation and mental wellness. If you are looking for a good handpan, and this is your first time buying one, follow this guide to know everything about it!
Origin Of Handpans
The hang drum became an inspiration for the creation of handpans. In 2000, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer developed the hang instrument in Switzerland. Hang drums are traditional instruments with roots from the gong and the ghatam. The hang drums with beautiful melodies evolved, and a saucer-shaped instrument came into being that felt like magic to the ears.
Price Of a Handpan
Handpans are crafted with care and a lot of skill. Their prices vary depending on their quality and the manufacturer. Setting up a budget is the first thing you should do as it is not that cheap. Around 90% of the instruments fall in the price range of $1500 to $3000. You should always research first and then look for the manufacturers that match your budget before investing.
For newbies, you can find basic handpans for $500-$1500 from lesser-known brands and the quality might not be amazing but you can just start with it. You can find better craftsmanship at $1500-$3000 and from good manufacturers. You can also find high-end handpans with $3000 above prices, and they are perfect for pro musicians looking for great tuning and sound quality.
Material For The Handpan
The hand pan drum is made up of steel. It might look the same but the quality of the material plays a crucial role in its tone and durability. It is your personal choice and the environment around you that defines which material best suits your playing while purchasing. There are four different types available that have their pros and cons and characteristics making them unique.
Raw Steel Handpan
These are the most cost-efficient handpans. If you are a lazy person and live in humid environments, this is not the right choice for you. They are mostly untreated so they are highly prone to getting rust increasing tuning and stability issues as you keep playing them.
Steel-Coated Handpan
Steel-coated handpans are lighter in weight and do not feel a burden when you are travelling all year round. They are economical and easy to handle but susceptible to corrosion on their surface if any part is damaged. Their dynamic range is not up to the mark either.
Nitrided Steel Handpan
These handpans are the most popular ones out there as the original Hang® is also made up of nitrided steel. They undergo a heat treatment process to ensure they stay rust-free and enhance the tone and sound quality. Its crisp sound is great for fast and percussive players.
Stainless Steel Handpan
For all the slow and melodic players, stainless steel handpans are their saviours. They are the most rust-resistant instruments and require minimal maintenance. They have a rich sustain, variable quality and are quite hard to work with, so it's a good choice for percussive musicians.
Scales For Your Handpan
An important aspect to ponder when purchasing a handpan drum is the selection of the right scales and tuning. Each tune gives a different flavor of music and a distinct sound. Choosing the scale according to your liking is important because, unlike pianos, handpans are not chromatic and you will be bound to play your instrument within the limits of your chosen scale.
Major Scales
Major scales in handpans resonate with bright and uplifting music. They are mostly used in Western music and anthems as they express a state of joy and good mood. If you choose the types of scales like SaByeD, Golden Gate, or Oxalis, you will mostly be playing happy music.
Minor Scales
They are widely popular due to their mysterious and melancholic vibes. Minor scales are mostly used in films to express dark and intense emotions. People preferring deep and reflective tunes are more inclined towards handpan models having Kurd, Celtic Minor, and Integral scales.
Oriental scales
The oriental ranges offer unique and exotic sounds. They have an attractive aura and are ideal for meditation and for people looking for relaxation. The exotic scale models include Hijaz, Onoleo, and Saladin which can add an interesting element to your playing and music.
Size & Weight Considerations
Depending on the travel and the way you play music, it is important to consider the size and weight of your handpan. Larger handpans do give a deep and full tune but can be heavier to carry around. If you are looking for a wider range of notes, the handpan size is going to be bigger. The weight might not even be a problem if you are playing in a comfortable setting.
For musicians or people who travel around, smaller and portable handpans are necessary for them. Although the sound may be a little high-pitched, their portability makes them an efficient choice. It is important to try out the instrument before you purchase as one can not be completely sure until they get their hands on it and then choose the one that feels right for them.
Where To Buy
There are various manufacturers you can find online. Just make sure to thoroughly research the original ones so as not to get scammed. Several handpan festivals are also arranged where you can listen to soothing music and also find a handpan for sale. We recommend not rushing your decision and looking for the right instrument that resonates with the feelings you want to share.
Conclusion
Choosing the right instrument which can express your feelings is important. Always remember to look for a handpan that resonates with you. Keeping in mind the scales and the characteristics of the material are going to help you find one. Your musical creativity is all that you need to make the correct choice, so keep exploring your options and enjoy playing!
