The handpan, also known as the steel drum, has attracted a lot of attention due to its ability to produce a harmonious ringing sound in a distinctive outlook. As you consider adding this instrument to your collection, whether you are a beginner or a professional, you must consider the following factors.
Understanding the Handpan
The handpans or the hang drums originated in the year 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabrina Schärer in Switzerland. These characteristics have made it a preferred choice amongst musicians, therapists, among other personnel. Handpans are two half-domes of metal that are connected by a special glue and, therefore, are tuned to specific musical notes; the sound produced by handpans is calming and soothing.
According to the sellers of the handpan, there are certain things that every buyer ought to take into consideration before purchasing a handpan.
Price and Budget
Handpans are not cheap to buy; they are relatively pricey musical devices. The general cost is an average of $1,500 – $3,000, although there are models that may cost much more than those amounts. Some of the aspects that affect the price include the standard of the rare metals, the level of detailing in the manufacture of the copy, and the name of the manufacturer. The issue of timing might cause specific problems, which is why it is critical to be ready for investment and to establish a confident budget.
Maker and Quality
The quality of a handpan depends on the manufacturer, although this may not be well obvious to people. Some of the reputed makers include Yishama, Ayasa, Cosmoshandpan, and Pantheon Steel, and they are recognized for their exactness. Thus, it becomes advisable to compare different makers, listen to sound samples, and even read some reviews. If you need to judge a particular piece of music, then do not listen solely with your eyes, but trust your ears as to the subject of tonalities, sustains, and harmonics.
Scales and Tuning
There are pans in different scales, and each of those pans produces sounds and music in different moods. Some of the known scales are D sharp minor, Kurdish, Integal, and so on. Which scale one selects depends on one’s preferred musical taste and specific uses. One can listen to different scales on such channels as YouTube in order to determine the scale that impresses the most.
Number of Notes
Usually, handpans are equipped with 8-10 notes. However, high-end models can have up to twenty notes. Being able to play more notes gives more range and flexibility; however, the added keys add to the difficulty and the possibility for the guitar to be out of tune. Sometimes, it is recommended to start with the 9 or 8-note pan as it is easier to start playing with as a beginner.
Trying Before Buying
If this is possible, it would be even better if one could have a feel of the handpan before buying it. This live and up close experience will help in determining how the instrument feels as well as sounds. Play with as many handpans as you can, follow handpan festivals, go to local players, or directly write to the makers for a trial. This makes one very familiar with the instrument as well as content with the sound of the instrument being played.
Maintenance and Care
Handpans must be maintained often for them to be in good condition. They easily get rusty and thus require to be kept in a dry area, and should be wiped with a soft cloth occasionally. Certain makers may advise the use of other types of oil to keep the instruments’ finish on and minimize oxidation.
Case and Protection
One crucial factor that you should consider is to get a good quality case to cover your handpan in order to avoid it being either damaged or corroded. Most makers offer a soft-shell case to a buyer; however, a hard-shell case is advisable as it helps protect the instrument, especially when one is traveling. Firm cases from the likes of Hard Case Technologies (HCT) protect in this regard with a lot of ease, especially during tough conditions.
Avoiding Scams
Handpan sellers, similarly to any other popular item, need to be careful to avoid falling victim to cons. In every case, it is better to purchase only from reputable makers or sellers or at least from sellers that are known to be reliable. Do not fall for unbelievably low prices for the instrument, and make sure that the seller gives you good samples or a video of the actual item. Another source of information is the experience of other handpan users, which can be received by joining the handpan communities on social network websites and following relevant hashtags and recommendations.
Learning Resources
Speaking of resources for the handpan novices, there are quite many to help to learn the instrument. Interactive lessons available on the Internet, as well as the presence of online forums and workshops, provide a lot of advice on the proper techniques of playing instruments and understanding musical theory. Proceeding with these resources can assist you in receiving even more from your handpan and advancing the musical experience.
Conclusion
A handpan can be considered a very serious purchase, which means that one should learn a lot of information on this topic. By keeping the price, reputation of the maker, scale preferences, and maintenance in mind th,e buyer will be able to arrive at an informed decision that will help them get the best out of the piano in the shortest time possible. So always listen and try to find the sources that inform the buyers then go for the handpan as responsible and engaging with the handpan community.
