History and Italic handpan making
Then the handpan started fascinating from 2000 in Switzerland. The instrument was created by one Felix Rohner and his whimsically competent colleague Sabina Schärer, because they wanted to bring something novel and enchanting into the world of music. That vision was brought to life by the Hang, a unique steel drum made carefully with tones and melodies.
The Hang became very popular and many people wanted to own this beautiful, enchanting instrument. However, the original creators could not produce fast enough to meet market demand because of legal challenges and restrictions. Subsequently, a generation of skilled artisans and manufacturers emerged to produce their own handpan designs — each with a unique flare.
Handpan making process
The fabrication of a handpan is an intricate, labor-intensive affair requiring precision and years of dedication to master. Handpans are handmade and through each stage, handpan makers have to meticulously pass care over every note.
The journey starts with material selection — Steel or Uddeholm tool steel and various other metal alloys are commonly used so as to not compromise on strength, resonance.
Carving: The material selected is cut and carved into a unique shape that can possess raised features or entire figures, designs not only are of beauty but influence the sound as well.
Tuning: Fine tunin of every single note is the most important and very crucial step in making a handpan, it takes years to be perfect tuned by Ear. Highly skilled artisans very subtly adjust the tension and thickness of its surface to tune it with a range of pitch and harmonics.
Aftermath: Added luster would be given through the final touch of polishing it, giving a nice finish to both sight and sound.
Models and Varieties of Handpans
It is a colorful mosaic of wide varieties with many styles and creative designs that are reflective for the inner soul in form of personal creativity. The number of options really is staggering, from the classic and minimalist to something much more ornate and intricate.
Style DescriptionTraditional These handpans are based on the original Hang design and have a simplistic look with clean tones. EtchedWith elegant etching and patterning, these make quite a nice display in addition to how well they sound. These handpans have sculpted and textured surfaces to create a one-of-a-kind tactile experience, while producing some really rich and complex tones. ColoredVibrant colors and amazing color mixtures change these handpans into eye-catching artwork to really make them an auditory delicacy using a aesthetic dimension.
The various individual takes on the pan by exclusive handpan makers
As the handpan community grows, numerous enigmatic artisans and makers have arisen seemingly out of nowhere in a long lineup that only continues to grow. Handpan Makers: Some of the Best and Most Exclusive Hand Drum Manufacturers With Their Special Unique Features
Cosmos Handpan: Known for their superb build quality and large tonal range, Cosmos creates handpans that are as beautiful to look at as they sound. Many of their distinctive designs are typically adorned with ornate engravings or scuplted surfaces that render each instrument a unique masterpiece.
Saraz Handpans: Known for its innovation and experimentation, Saraz pushes the boundaries of handpan design. Each comes from a different shape and material, as well tuning which has been made to create a handpan that evokes unique sounds when it's played.
Halo Handpan: Halo travels light and minimalistic, hovering planes of raw steel welded together harmoniously for a simplistic feeling. There instruments are famed for their superlative sonority and full uncolored tones, to the point where they attract traditionalist devotees and connoisseurs everywhere.
Symphonic Handpan: These handpans are made from recycled materials by an eco conscious company that is pioneering new techniques. They make their instruments accessible to virtually everyone, and are both musical as well as part of a green future for handpans.
Pro Tip when buying a handpan: The making ethics of the maker is crucial! Since every handpan is a unique masterpiece made by different artisans which gives birth to their creations based on how they see and feel the instrument.
Things to Look for When Buying a Handpan
Purchasing a handpan represents an important decision and there are different aspects to be taken into account when finding the perfect instrument that fits with your preferences, interests you in playing on it. Some important things to remember:
Typical of the handpan, scales are selected for their unique tonal quality — Akebono D Major: Universal Harmony Handpans allow music creators to be inspired anew.
Handpan size and weight: Handpans can be small-and-light to make them suitable for travel or just large enough so you get a bit more sound from the shell. When choosing the size, take into account your portability needs and how loud/sound quality you are looking for.
Materials and Construction: the materials that it is made out of will affect both tone, sustain, and overall sound (steel. nickel or any other alloys) Of course, the type of construction and workmanship is also very important if we are to enjoy a durable instrument for as long as possible.
Appearance and Design: While the most important use of a handpan is its sound, there are so many musicians who consider this musical instrument as an aesthetic one. Browse various shapes, inlays and finishes to find an instrument that speaks to you as a guitar player.
Price: While handpans can be costly, with some top-of-the-line instruments fetching thousands of dollars, lower-end models are also available. Of course, you will need your budget in order first and foremost as well like any wedding decision so now let's prioritize what is most important to the two of you are for this part too after all isn't general balancing game between getting something high quality all while keep costs low?
Pro Tip: Play handpans in person if you can, or at least hunt down some audio samples to get a sense of how the instrument sings and sustains. Having the chance to play them physically can really help you deciding on which is perfectly aligned with your musical goals or color preference.
If you're looking for an extraordinary handpan, definitely check out the masterpieces made by Cosmos Handpans Our handpans are works of art that produce sounds so beautiful, they will be kept with you for eternity. You can check out their website right away and find your perfect handpans for sale. Do not pass up the chance to get your musical hands on a piece that will change how you experience playing. Buy now!
Maintaning your handpan
The reality is, beautiful as handpans are they can be fairly significant investments that will need to be protected and maintained over time. When used in this way, your handpan will live with you throughout hiking trips and hangouts forever as the high-quality condition.
Storing well: When you stop playing, make sure that the handpan is in a safe and dry place; ideally it should be wrapped by some bag/padded case to avoid scratching, denting or both.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Wipe your handpan with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust or deposits regularly. Do not use chemicals or abrasives, as it may damage the surface of the instrument.
Some of the things you must pay attention to are:Temperature and Humidity Control – Extreme temperatures or humidity levels can affect negatively on the tuning and overall condition of your handpan. For your part, try to keep the instrument in a controlled environment where it will be stored and played so that you can play your best music.
Gentle Handling: Handpans are delicate pieces and rough playing can cause dents, scratching or in the worst case even structural damage. Never ever drop your handpan or treat it roughly.
Professional Servicing: If you happen to notice something amiss with the tuning or sound quality of your handpan, it is advisable to get in touch with a professional pan technician or reach out directly to your manufacturer for care and maintenance as deemed necessary
Through the use of these basic but efficient hacks, you can keep your handpan as a purposeful partner in crime throughout your audio experience for years to come.
Below are some Handpan accessories and more.
The handpan is an extraordinary instrument but there are a whole host of accessories and extra equipment that can spice up your playing experience, gifting you with the freedom to find new avenues on musical journeys. Things to ponder over before setting up your permanent seating arrangement:
Handpan Cases and Bags : A good quality handpan case or bag where the instrument fits perfect while being transported, allowing your to take it with you wherever you go and store away afterwards ensuring delivering total protection.
Handpan Stands: Handpan stands provide a secure and ergonomic playing environment, allowing you to concentrate on your performance rather than the stability or angles of the hand pans.
Mallets and Beaters: Categorized by mallet type, explore how each brings a new tone to your repertoire. Choosing the right beater to play on your handpan, from soft yarn mallets to harder rubber or wood beaters – can have a significant effect on how your version of this wonderful instrument will sound like.
If you are looking to record your handpan performances or amplify them (which is a great idea because they sound awesome amplified), then invest in some good microphones and an audio interface, which will capture the dynamic range well.
Books, Videos or Online Courses: Handpan instructional materials can help people who want to start playing handpan for the first time as well as experienced players looking at advanced techniques etc.
This allows you to further enhance the handpan playing experience, extend new creative opportunities – and of course make sure that your instrument will be in great shape many years ahead.
Conclusion
The manufacturing of handpan is a world apart, an exciting universe where artistry and craftsmanship combine together along with passion to create some of the most beautiful sounding instruments. With the careful tuning and shaping process, to all kinds of different styles and builds, every handpan is an individual work of art representing the dreamwork and experience from its creator.
While you look for the right handpan, keep in mind: the own way of each exclusive maker and its characteristic tune sound; every issues that can concern to quality and playability; how much proper care will be provided. From the moment you have that handpan in your hands, a whole new world of beautiful tunes and endless musical journey awaits.
Therefore, be it that you are an experienced musician or a fan of recent handpan enthusiast leave no stone unturned with the magic powers in these extraordinary instruments and let their beautiful notes guide your journey through creative exploration and self-expression.
