The handpan, also called the hang drum or handpan drum, is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind musical instrument that has become a hot new trend in the music world. When it comes to peaceful, otherworldly sounds, few things can rival it as a musician's, meditator's, or music lover's favorite. If you have ever tried to play any handpan instrument, you will know that they, among other things, can create some beautiful music. In this DIY guide I'll take you through the process (albeit very intricate in some ways) of finding the right parts to build it all out and tune your new instrument.
Handpan History
Although the creation of tuned steel instruments predates the handpan, the DIY movement to create these sorts of instruments began in 2011. Floridians, including builders, experimented with techniques, slowly building into what we know today. In the last decade, the craft has exploded, born of innovation in shaping, tuning, and heat treatment techniques.
While I get quite a kick out of studying handpan building and fully intend to give it a go, if you’re inspired to jump into building but like to start with browsing the work of experts, then collections like The Sound Artist are a great place to start.
How I Prepared to Build My Handpan
Choosing Your Steel
Of all the parts of a great handpan, the steel is the foundation. 53 cm diameter stainless steel shells 1.0 mm thick are used by most builders. The durability, corrosion resistance, and bright, clear tones it produces mean stainless steel gets the vote.
If you're crafting your own handpan drum, you’ll need to decide on your preferred method for shaping the steel:
Hand Sinking: This technique is traditional and hands-on and requires hammers and anvils.
Air Hammers: With these tools, outcomes are faster and more consistent.
Mechanical Presses: Professional builders that are seeking precision and repeatability will find this ideal.
Templating and Shaping
But its layout and shape are magic. With templates, you’ll carefully place the notes to perfect the sound and prevent dissonance. Then, dimples (small indentations) are added to further refine the tonal character of each note.
Borders are the next such important thing. These were raised edges, created with air hammers, that isolate notes, improve the timbral character of notes, and prevent unwanted interactions from happening.
Heat Treatments
Heat treatments greatly influence the sound of the handpan drum instrument. The steel's timbre, stability, and sustain are affected by how builders stabilize it: with torches, kilns, or furnaces.
That is important because of the idea of 'metal memory.' The metal is aided by heat and controlled cooling to remember its shape, and that can help builders get fine-tuned with the instrument’s sound.
The Art of Tuning
Handpan building has its heart in tuning. Hundreds of hammer strikes are carefully tuned into each note. Builders must be keenly aware that every note comes together harmoniously.
This is a doozy, a doozy that takes a lot of patience and precision. A handpan requires no less physical change of the metal than string instruments; unlike them, tuning can be done with simple adjustments. This is the most challenging, but also the most rewarding, for many.
Joining and Finishing Touches
Once tuned, the two halves of the handpan are bonded together using unique adhesives. The notes are then adjusted for final harmony once the glue sets.
The finishing touches involve:
Etching Logos: Creating a personal signature on your creation pad.
Trimming and Polishing: About improving visual appeal and playability.
Applying Protective Wax: Corrosion and Wear Protection.
These steps turn your creation into a professional-quality handpan drum instrument.
Aspiring Builder Resources
If you’re new to the world of handpan making, there are plenty of resources to guide you:
Books: Other good handpan resources are available, including one especially recommended by me—Handpan: Theory & Practice by Johannes Fischer.
Websites and Online Communities: There are tutorials, forums, and peer support via platforms such as Echo Harmonic, the Handpan School, and the Handpan Builders Guild.
Courses: And of course, there are online platforms such as Udemy and Skillshare that offer video tutorials on various topics or access to resources you can download.
Another good way is to join workshops or online groups to learn from experienced builders.
Challenges and Rewards
It’s not an easy task to build a handpan. It’s slow; it requires precision and the patience of a craftsman. But it is greatly rewarding. Plus, it deepens your understanding of the instrument, and you’re building a completely original handpan that is a reflection of your style and creativity.
For players struggling to understand the technicalities of producing the handpans but who are undeniably mesmerized by their distinctive voice, there are plenty of ready-made, professionally crafted handpans available. There are many builders selling handpans (each sounds different).
Why Build Your Own Handpan?
Building your own handpan is very much a DIY project, but it’s also a music journey of self-expression. It lets you get to know the instrument better, makes you feel you did something, and are proud about it.
In addition, handpan building is part of the ever-evolving terrain of this art form. Every builder contributes their own view to the handpan community, diversifying the sounds and styles.
Conclusion
This is an adventure of art, science, and music, building your own handpan. Whether you spend hours making a one-off or hours perfecting a note, it is always a beautiful thing to see.
But, for people willing to start this journey, there is no shortage of resources and communities out there to help you on this path. For those preferring to enjoy the music instead of the hammer strikes, beautiful handmade handpans for sale are but a click away.
So, why wait? Learn more about what it takes to make a handpan and let your creativity soar!
