Discover everything you need to know about purchasing a hang drum, including where to shop and what to look for to prevent being let down.
Hang drums are captivating musical instruments. Its distinct, calming sound enthrals. This hand drum, which comes from Switzerland, is becoming more and more well-known around the world. Its mesmerizing tones are ideal for live performances, music therapy, and meditation.
However, what precisely is a hang drum? A handpan craftsman shapes steel into a UFO-like instrument. It creates rich, harmonic tones when struck. Because each drum is finely tuned, it may produce a magnificent range of blended notes.
Purchasing a hang drum may be intimidating. Choosing wisely is essential for many different kinds of materials and brands. The goal of this article is to make things easier. Our mission is to assist you in selecting the ideal hang drum, regardless of your experience as a musician. We will examine the various hang drum varieties and what makes them unique. Moreover, you will learn how to assess their quality and the best maintenance and care practices.
Are you ready to jump right in? Let’s go on this adventure to explore the hang drum's charm together.
Considerations Before Purchasing a Hang Drum
There are a few essential things to be mindful about while buying a hang drum:
Budget
Ascertain your spending limit at the beginning. The cost of hang drums varies significantly based on brand, materials, and level of craftsmanship. Establishing a budget makes it easier to focus your search and guarantees that you will locate a drum that satisfies your musical and economic requirements.
Scale
Handpans are available in several scales, each with a distinct range of notes and tonal qualities. D Major, Pygmy, and Minor Pentatonic are standard scales. A simpler scale, such as a Minor Pentatonic, could be more straightforward to master if you start learning.
Tuning
A handpan’s playability and sound quality greatly depend on its tuning. A properly adjusted handpan can produce harmonious tones. Investing in a handpan from a renowned manufacturer that provides top-notch tuning is a sensible decision.
Customization Options
Think about your preferences for standard models versus highly customized models. Custom scales, tunings, and even unique designs are possibilities that some manufacturers provide, so you can customize the instrument to fit your playing style and preferences.
Brand and Reputation
Look up respectable, well-known manufacturers and brands that make hang drums of the highest caliber. Examining the opinions and assessments of fellow musicians can offer significant perspectives on various instruments’ dependability and auditory characteristics.
Size
The usual diameter of a handpan is between 8 and 22 inches. The range, playability, and sound of the instrument are influenced by its size. Though they may contain fewer notes and a higher pitch, smaller handpans are more portable. Though less portable, larger handpans provide a more excellent range and deeper tones.
Types of Metal Used to Make Handpan Drums
You might decide which metal you prefer for constructing the hang drum from the following options:
Stainless Steel Handpans
Because stainless steel is sturdy and rarely rusts, it is long-lasting. Stainless steel reverberates longer and has a brighter tone. It produces a dazzling noise. Because of this, this metal is especially well-suited to performing slower-paced environments and peaceful vibes.
Ember Steel Handpans
This metal produced a lovely sound and was created especially for handpans. This material works well for synchronized, medium-tempo playing and slower, more atmospheric performance.
Nitrated Steel Handpans
The unique treatment (nitration) applied to the steel produces a distinct sound that leans more toward the bass range. A pleasing, deep, and grounded sound is made as a result. Medium reverberation characterizes nitrated steel. Enough to generate gentle noises without becoming overly intrusive.
Blue Steel or Raw Steel Handpans
The most basic metal used to make a handpan is blue steel. After construction, the handpan is cooked in an oven or over an open flame. Consequently, these pans have a gorgeous blue color and a lovely glow. Thus, blue steel is pleasing to the ear and the sight. Blue steel has a somewhat more percussion-heavy tone. As a result, the reverberation is ideal for faster, more rhythmic playing styles because of its short to medium duration. However, blue steel can also be played slowly because of its richer tones.
Where to Buy Hang Drum
Hang drums or handpans are becoming increasingly popular, and you can get them everywhere. The following are some options:
Hang Drum Makers
Buying a hang drum straight from a trustworthy manufacturer is frequently the best action. When you purchase a hang drum from a maker, you may often choose the scales, tunings, and design details that best fit your tastes. Reputable manufacturers also usually provide warranties and customer service, which eases your mind. While it could cost more than widely available models, the investment is justified for a finely made, one-of-a-kind instrument.
Music Stores
Handpans can be found at some music stores, especially those specializing in world music or percussion instruments. This enables you to test-play an instrument before purchasing it. Though there are few specialty stores in France yet, things are changing.
Depending on the area, several percussion groups exist: Percussions du Monde in Paris, La Baguetterie, and Djoliba Percussions in Toulouse. More general stores are beginning to carry handpans as well. Still, you should be cautious about the brands available, the quality of the goods, and the advice of salespeople who need to be more knowledgeable about them. You will typically be able to try handpans like any other musical instrument sold in stores.
Online Marketplaces
Various hang drums from different merchants are available on online marketplaces. When making an internet purchase, exercise caution and ensure the vendor is reputable and offers return policies. If you want to purchase a handpan online, be practical and visit a specialized vendor. Examine the feedback left by previous customers to see whether the vendor honors deadlines, takes good care of clients in the event of an issue, replies to messages promptly, and produces high-quality goods.
Private Person
The market for used goods is growing significantly. One way to purchase a hang drum at a reduced price is to buy a used one from a private individual. There are Facebook groups where handpan buyers and sellers can interact. It functions pretty effectively for those who search for the ideal handpan. Another excellent source for a decent deal on a handpan is a reliable friend selling theirs.
