In 2001, there was only one type of Hang instrument from PANArt. You could just visit them and buy the instrument. However, over the years, it became more and more difficult to get this Hang instrument. In 2013, PANArt stopped producing the Hang, but many alternate makers started selling the handpan due to its increased demand. Still, people had to wait 2 to 3 years to receive the hang instrument. Today, you can find an incredible number of handpan makers worldwide.
Now, you don’t have to wait for years to receive it as it has become extremely popular and accessible. On the other hand, this has presented a new problem: finding good quality handpans from authentic makers. What qualities set them apart from lesser-quality handpan makers? This article will explain what makes top handpan makers the best and the characteristics of a great handpan.
What Makes a Good Hanpan?
The top makers of hand pan drum possess the following qualities. So keep an aye out for these when buying a handpan.
Price
A handpan is not exactly expensive, but it is far from cheap. Most handpans range from $1500 to 3,000 USD. However, the issue arises when, as the demand increases, many makers use this opportunity to make money. Therefore, you will come across manufacturers who sell expensive handpans that are not upto the mark at all. To put it simply, a higher price doesn’t always mean a good quality handpan.
Top handpan makers give the best price for their instruments. The handpan reflects the price, and with practice, your ear will help you make the right decision.
Tuning
This is especially important to check when you’re buying a second-hand instrument. To check, you can use a digital tuner, or you can have a professional with you to help you check out the handpan’s tuning. You don’t need to see if it is perfectly tuned to the nearest hundredth. Just check if it is playable or if it sounds a bit sketchy and requires re-tuning.
Quality
It’s difficult to determine the quality of a handpan, and comes in a very broad category. It is different for every person. Some like a warm sound, while others prefer a bright sound. Some prefer metallic sounds, while others prefer round and pure sounds. It entirely depends on your taste, and the top handpan makers will help you out when making the purchase.
Balance
A good handpan has notes with the same timbre and the same consistency, duration of sustain, stability, and sound projection. So, the best handpan makers will give you the best balance of notes on your handpan.
Crosstalk
This is a crucial requirement. Crosstalk is the interference between notes. A good handpan should have the least amount of crosstalk. A note must vibrate as little as possible in resonance with another note when being played. When certain notes also make other notes sound, this is referred to as “activation.” We want the notes to be well isolated from one another. Therefore, this point is crucial. Your playing will be hampered if, for instance, the C vibrating triggers the C #.
Stability of Notes
This is very critical to the handpan’s ability to hold pitch over the effects of heavy strikes, temperature shifts, or the passage of time. An unstable handpan is prone to detuning, which can turn out to be quite costly and time-consuming to repair. A well-crafted instrument retains its intonation integrity well through care and use.
Low Impedance
Impedance sets in when a handpan’s shell shapes its dimensions, depth, or diameter-holes pitches, such as a lower pitch not being hit or a dissonant pitch during actions internal to the shell because sound waves misaligned travel through the shell. Great builders use effective methods of reducing impedance. They strategically place notes, internal foams, or random baffling for sound effects in building clean and vibrant tones.
Enough Sustain
A smooth, prolonged voice-like resonance that distinguishes the sound of the pan. All high-quality instruments will have enough sustain for them to produce that distinctive and unmistakable tone, even though most of them differ in preference. Play around with various types of instruments to identify which level of sustain speaks to your taste.
Best Handpan Makers
1. Cosmos Handpan
Cosmos Handpan is a company that focuses on making and maintaining these beautiful handpan musical instruments. The company is best known for its original soundscapes, craftsmanship, and personalized tuning options. In addition, Cosmos Handpan has even provided various handpan makers with retuning and repairing services. Through partnerships, research and development, and consultancy services, the company continues nurturing the art forms of handpan and steel tongue drum.
2. Aura Handpan
Based in Denville, United States, it has been crafting beautiful handpans since 2011. True to their motto of quality and sound, Aura boasts of four product lines to cater to musicians and players at all levels. From the lower Beginner Series to the uppermost class of the Resonance Series, each offers well-crafted, nostalgic wishbones to facilitate your musical experience.
Aura’s pricing is transparent, catering to both entry-level enthusiasts and seasoned players. With customizable options available on select models, players can tailor their handpan to match their unique style and preferences. Aura Handpan continues to be a trusted name for musicians seeking beautifully resonant and expertly crafted instruments.
3. Xenith Handpans
Xenith Handpans has revolutionized the handpan market with high-quality instruments at an affordable price.
Unlike entry-level handpans, Xenith is a premium sound, rich in harmonics and a great deal of fine craftsmanship. It allows expert players and newbies alike to explore the dynamic voicing from very soft melodies to very powerful resonance while featuring portable, medium-sized, and classic-sounding scales.
The difference Xenith brings in is that it really addresses the market need for affordable but not cheap quality. This is, in fact, a bridge between cost and excellence for enthusiasts who cannot afford high-priced instruments. With its sleek design, careful production process, and community-first philosophy, Xenith Handpans keeps inspiring and uplifting musicians across the globe.
1. Dave’s island instruments
Dave’s Island Instruments is a name synonymous with the ages in the handpan and steel drum fraternity; it combines the richness of experience with instrumentation in and out of music.
Each handpan is made of high-quality materials like plain steel, nitrided steel, or stainless steel. Basically, these factors make the instrument so durable and rich in resonant sound. The musicians can choose from custom scale and bottom notes along with the size, which is approximately 20 inches up to 21 inches in diameter.
These hand pan drums are usually priced between $1800-$2400. Dave’s Island Instruments provides any kind of musical excellence with care and precision, from exploring handpans or buying your first one to searching for that beautifully tuned masterpiece.
Conclusion
Choosing the right handpan maker ensures you get an instrument that resonates with your musical style and offers lasting quality. With expert craftsmanship, innovative designs, and a focus on sound integrity, top makers deliver exceptional instruments for every musician.
