Handpan Reviews: The Best Handpans for Beginners and Beyond
Though all variants of musical instruments are worth exploring, not many of them can get on one's emotional level, especially the handpan. Being melodic and striking, almost everyone loves the handpan, including both musicians and the target audience. However, for novices and even for those who want an improvement, the task of selecting the right handpan can become really challenging, considering the diversity of options that exist in the market. So, this guide is aimed at minimizing such pain and clarifying the best options on the market when it comes to handpans, either for the beginner or professional player. We will provide information on the basic elements one should look for, the best handpans in the market, depending on the skill level and the budget, and a lot more information in the guide. Prepare to ask yourself many questions regarding the choice you will make regarding handpans and find the one that suits you the best.
Understanding Handpans
When doing a Handpan Review, the most important criteria to look into are as follows:
- Quality of Materials: Go for handpans made from premium steel or nitrided steel for durability and improved sound.
- Tune and Scale: It is also advisable to check whether the instrument is appropriately tuned to the range about which you are informed when playing or wishing to play reviews. Some of the familiar ranges are the D Minor Scale and the Celtic Clearwater Polyphonic Ranges
- Experience Level: A new person may find a handpan with a less complicated scale more advantageous, while experienced users have the option of playing handpans with complicated arrangements.
- Cost: The cost of a good handpan is normally within the range of $1000 to $3,000. However, extra caution should be taken when considering very cheap products, as they are more likely to have poor sound clarity and low durability.
- Maker's reputation: Buy from trusted and famous handpan brands that people know much about and have had good experiences with before.
By keeping this in mind in your search for a handpan, I aim to help you match your expectations and choice of the best-reviewed handpan to the specific use criteria established at this point.
What is a Handpan?
Handpan Review music instruments are crafted with a steel percussion instrument that has ascension ethereal sound that sounds almost otherworldly. Similar to how a traditional spherical drum is concave in shape, a handpan produces music when flicked or tapped by the hands. It usually has a circle at the top, with other tone metals around it that are all tuned to different particular notes, enabling users to play certain which each pitch interval in harmony. The handpan is lauded by most because apart from its meditative music, its use cuts across various genres such including world and experimental music. The instrument is rising in the ranks due to its calming yet awe-inspiring features, making it a favourite amongst many music therapists as well as recreationalists who play the instrument for fun.
History and Evolution of the Hang Drum
The Handpan is more famously known as the Hang Drum because it does not have a pan. Despite the name of this musical instrument, it was invented by two enthusiasts of steelpans, Felix Rohner and Sabrina Schärer, in a company called PANArt based in Bern, Switzerland, in the year 2000. The objective was to make a completely new instrument that would encompass melody, rhythm, and harmony in one device, based on steelpan from Trinidad and Tobago, Indonesia's Gamelan, or South Indian Ghatam oral traditions.
Every aspect of this Hang had been designed and redesigned over a couple of years of research on steel technologies, and an object turned up in the shape of a musical instrument from the sheet of carbonitriding steel. The instrument had very efficient material in the form of an ultra-high-strength strength energetic steel, which provided resonance and also increased the strength and color of the sound. The earliest variety of the Hang, which is usually referred to as "Integral Hang", presented a central "Ding" surrounded by the "tone fields", which are all the other notes, enhancing the players' experience in terms of the possibilities to play many sounds with far greater ease.
The Hang has undergone several generations, each with marginal changes meant to enhance the sound quality and resonance. In 2014, PANArt slowed down production owing to a presumed supply-demand imbalance, and that led to the manufacture of similar instruments, designed and produced by different craftsmen across the globe, with an umbrella terminology of handpans. Consequently, instruments different in scales and tunings made out of different materials to suit different styles of music began to emerge.
The development of the handpan continues to this day, as with any object or phenomenon linked with tuning or sound generation. Its significance in the scope of music and ill health prevention is exceedingly important today as can be seen from the fact. Development of particular themes and variations of such themes – many different kinds of structures can be created with the hang drum in music. In the 21st century, it is not the practical flora and fauna, or even the increase in food self-sufficiency, that is making people excited.
How Handpans Differ from Tongue Drums
While both instruments delight listeners with their melodies and relaxing vibrations, handpans and tongue drums are shapely, sound, and play are dramatically different. A handpan is a convex metal instrument with a rounded center and distinctive indentations on the surface that are precisely adjusted in tune with tones. These areas are used by handpan player to switch or move through harmonic tones with their fingers or hands. But on the other hand, the tongue drum that happens to be made of steel and at times wood is capable of producing sounds thanks to the cuts in the surface which resemble a tongue. And this tongue drum sound is usually less deep, which lacks many rattles in more of a bass drumming.
The process of making each type of drum varies as well. It is important that while building handpans, as they have highly technical tones, craftspeople are employed to help tune every stave, but such tuning methods or processes are not required for the making of tongue drums. In most cases, retailers of musical instruments will charge more for their handpans than they would for the tongue drums, as the former are more complex to make and thus more costly. For Handpan Review purposes, before making a purchase, pay attention to whether a hard shell case is included, because many people buy handpans without the hard case, including a carry bag that is also sold separately, before realizing that such a thing will be of great use, especially when traveling with it.
Additionally, the two instruments have a different style of playing. The handpan requires the performer to manipulate their hand techniques, which should be fluent with rhythm, so a broader range of singing is possible. On the contrary, tongue drums are easier to use as they can be played comfortably with any mallets, for a beginner or even for someone who is a casual player. Because of these different characteristics, each instrument has various appealing traits for a musician, from professional players to experimental musicians who only seek to relax or self-enhance via sound in some way.
Top-Rated Handpans on the Market
PanArt Handpan
Despite being the most recent musical instrument, PanArt has gained much respect in terms of construction and, amazingly, the tone it produces. True to this fact, many professional players and collectors cherish it.
Halawan Ayasa Handpans
Halawan Ayasa handpans are appreciated because they give value for money. The notes that come out of it are wonderfully well-tempered and hence ideal for people from the beginner stage to the intermediate level.
Pantheon Steel Halo-Hêndpans
Pantheon Steel Hêdao handpans are very strong as theyichel as strøand and also deliver precision in toné, hence affording society musicians quality sound of the highest standard.
Istmus instruments handpans
Handpans from Isthmus Instruments offer plenty of customization and come in various lavishly crafted designs meant to satisfy individual desires for the flexibility of the rich sounds produced by them.
Lark sin handpans
Lark tongue instruments are made in such a way that beginners do not have a hard time playing them, yet most importantly as well the sound quality is excellent, making them best suited for novices learning how to play the handpan without sacrificing sound quality.
Best Handpan Brands Overview
When choosing a handpan, it is crucial to keep in mind those brands that have a reputation with respect to excellent craftsmanship, sound produced, and overall structure. To help you with your search, here are some of the best handpan brands widely accepted for their superior products:
PANArt Hang
This is the brand that is mostly believed to be the originator of the modern-day handpans, as it was the first one to introduce the Hang, which is known for its brilliant craftsmanship. Along with the ethereal tone that sounds from high-quality, hardened steel, heavy cold rolled, it has been acclaimed that PANArt has continued to lead the handpan industry in this manner.
HCT, Cases and Handpans
This is one of the leading brands when the focus is not only on the handpan but also on the durable shells and carrying cases. Their handpans, however, are quite nicely praised for the balance and the projection that they provide the players, together with masculine forms, which are also appreciated by most traveling musicians.
Ayasa Instruments is all about versatility and creativity. They make each handpan with high precision and accurate tuning, so the different available scales are best for any genre of music. Ayasa makes available impeccable instruments for amateurs and the hectic ones as well.
Meraki Handpans, also reputed for their artistry, involve a balance between aesthetics and the quality of sound. The instruments produced here are carefully hand-crafted to produce pleasing tonal sounds across different people's needs.
NovaPans caters to the varying pockets and musical needs of all handpan enthusiasts. Their handpans are sunny and doomy and pleasantly tuned, convenient for ambient playing as well as concerts.
These brands are some of the best in the handpan market, and they not only offer services to new users but also to veterans. Look at the sound of the handpan, the substance used, and not least the skills with which it has been made.
Comparative Review of High-Quality Handpans
In this Handpan Review, one should not rush the process of shopping for a good instrument simply because there are multiple factors to consider, such as the materials used, quality, sound, and comfort. It is achieved by several brands in the market like NovaPans, Ayasa, and SPB, so the neophyte as well as the veteran players will find the instruments of their tastes. However, brands have features that may be appealing to specific users and objectives.
Brand Comparison Overview
NovaPans
NovaPans handpan instruments are most famous for the homogeneous sound and flexible tuning to fit a wide variety of music. The strong structure of their builds is very effective in elongating the lifespan of the pan drums while ensuring that they remain lightweight for easy carrying. Another feature valued by their players is the wide range of harmonics and resonance, which gives the drum the capability to be played in a musical or as a percussion instrument.
Ayasa
The Ayasa model of handpans, on the other hand, is more concerning more of the inbuilt tone but rather the accuracy and smoothness that makes them more commercially lucrative. Such models form the basis of the instruments used by predominantly professional musicians who would be interested in instruments that maintain tunes vividly even after many hits. Structural integration of Ayasa resonant hubs is pursued by standards of best performance, which in turn supports the sound inside the chamber.
SPB
There is a specific focus on SPB handpans' deep, mesmerizing, or soul singing tones as their main aspect rather than the performance setting. It is common to find their handpans made out of nitrogen steel to increase their rusting resistance and durability in different weather conditions. Such precision would also be appreciated by an enthusiastic musician who plays in outdoor events with ease, any time, any weather.
These manufacturers strive to maintain and deliver the best to the end-user, with variations made to the Handpan in terms of portability and quality of tunes. In picking the handpan, the player always has to factor in aspects such as the price, the kind of music to play, and where to play the handpan. When any of these brands' handpan is purchased, one is assured of quality in terms of the build-up and a great sound.
Sound Quality and Tonal Characteristics
There are a number of factors that help in deciding which handpan to buy, and the emergent qualities of the sound produced are some of the most important things in this regard. As for me, the most important aspects of the instrument are its overall sound and its tonal range, as it directly influence the depth of the music and the emotions it can convey. A good instrument of this type has a rich and harmonic sound with clear and long-lasting notes that blend well together. It is always good to check the tuning of the instrument lest the tone fields around the ding and the ding itself do not sound in the intended way. Instruments that are not in tune easily produce noises that sound either mixed and muddy or out of tune, disturbing the enjoyment of music.
The depreciation of the noise and touch as it degrades is also observed on each handpan. The more expressive instruments are usually better-built and thus allow for much more musical dynamics, ranging from very quiet, ambient sounds to hard-hitting, beat-based phrases. Premium pans, most of which are made of stainless or nitro iron sheets, have high durability, which is vital when exposed to different playing conditions. In my understanding of the perfect pan can offer its own voice, consisting of warmth and purity, yet strangely hypnotic, which makes the player and even the listener want to hear more.
Various scale selections have, finally, helped me understand the particularity of the sound profile of each type of handpan's tone bay. Some scales, such as D Kurd, for instance, or the Celtic minor, can be rather calm and internalized in manner, while others, such as the Hijaz or the Pygmy scales, can be strenuous and expansive in nature. I often concern myself with the extent of my desire to use a particular range of notes within the handpan and the type of music serving as a justification for its application to the latter. The arrangement of all these tones – or rather, that these beats contain- lets the handpan exist as a natural extension of my art, enhancing the music in general.
Recommendations for Different Skill Levels
1 Beginners
If you are just beginning, practice the basics of the instrument and get to grips with the basic scales and rhythms. Select the handpans in the simple scales that are in a consonant manner with the D minor or Celtic scales. There is a wide allowance for mistakes, making it a lot easier to break into improvisation without being tense in your performance.
2 Intermediate Players
Now consider trying out the Integral or Kurd scales, which are relatively more complex, but they give more room for exploration and improvisation. Try to integrate the different rhythms and vary the dynamics in order to improve the skill. An engagement in well-organized practices will be more consistent and help to develop expression.
3 Advanced Musicians
More experienced players may enter the realm of complex and unusual scales, such as Hijaz or Pygmy, because those scales offer a larger sense of creative and technical challenges. Aim to develop a more personalized style by infusing more advanced methods of play, such as muting, rolls, or percussive sounds. You may even want to explore custom handpans or multi-scale handpans to enhance your creative process.
Best Handpan for Beginners
The process of choosing a suitable handpan for novices requires a consideration of ease, value, and cost. As such, it should be appreciated that beginners tune to the most common modes provided by handpans, such as D or C within a major scale, since these scales provide an easy and perfect sounding envelope to start out with. Do not forget that good handpans are made of materials such as Nitrated steel, which does not rust, also ensuring a clear, long ring that retains its clarity over time.
At that point, one should also evaluate the number of notes available within the instrument. Most beginners will do better with a handpan that is 8 to 9 notes based, as this will be enough for them to play with a lot of ideas, but not a very complex composition. Many of their beginner versions are also equipped with reliable modeling and good tonal details, with prices that are able to meet beginners' expectations. A good instrument that would accompany your study, such that while learning to play the handpan, the beginner attains a meaningful and pleasurable experience, is ensured in this case.
Options for Intermediate Players
When it comes to intermediate players, the selection of a handpan comes down to a perfect combination of the tonality, the craftsmanship, and the quality of the performance. Intermediate players, on the other hand, tend to use the instruments, which have different scales and allow a wide range of melodies with very little effort, as such players save themselves the trouble of having to tune and re-tune the instrument all the time. Among them are those handpans that are tuned to D Kurd scales, which are universal and can be used to play songs of various characters or moods. Moreover, the use of high-quality materials such as nitriding steel is also common because of its long-lasting performance as well as its resonance.
Handpans, which are of better quality and are meant for intermediate players, contain handpans that have improved dynamic controls to allow, for instance, some smooth modifications in settings, hence enhancing musical creativity. Notes tuned to precision and a wider harmonics range are some of the features that allow players to play around with their skills. Moreover, these installations also tend to include finishes that are better in quality and, thus, more resistant to weathering, and in practice or on stage.
Advanced Handpans for Experienced Musicians
For more musicians who have honed their craft for a longer period of time, some of those accomplishments in the field of handpan innovation have brought opportunities that could not even be fathomed in the past. Even more so in recent handpans that are constructed using high technology, enabling a wider range and/or rather longer sustenance that is possible on many occasions without using any other technique, except the enhanced performance of the various tuning tools. The best of them are characterised by devices allowing descarcation of the sound system to fit within particular keys of tones, increasing possibilities for music performance, whether alone or in a group.
Additionally, another development in material sciences has enabled the introduction of strong but light alloys, making the instruments more portable while sustaining their sound quality. This also ensures that the abuse of the instrument or its exposure to different conditions does not compromise its quality over time. The innovations, such as designing simple layouts and incorporating human anatomy-like dimples, help in reducing strain even during long hours of playing, thus removing distractions from musicians' work.
The efficiency of the structures increased in leaps in bounds due to these further augmentations. Thus, the developments instilled in the artistic modules allow for unrestricted expression as well as let musicians create timeless, ear-catching tunes for the public.
Caring for Your Handpan
A handpan is more than just a musical instrument—it's a carefully crafted work of art that produces mesmerizing tones capable of captivating any audience. Owning one comes with the rewarding responsibility of ensuring its longevity and maintaining its pristine sound quality. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, proper handpan care is essential to preserve its unique resonance and preventing damage over time. This article will guide you through the best practices for cleaning, storing, and handling your handpan, helping you keep it performing beautifully for years to come. Prepare to unlock the secrets of optimal care and give your instrument the attention it truly deserves!
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To ensure your handpan remains in peak condition and sustains its beautiful tone, proper maintenance is key. Here are five detailed tips to help you maximize the lifespan and performance of your instrument:
1 Regular Cleaning
The handpan should be cleaned after use to get rid of grime and sweat coupled with fingerprints, which may cause rusting sometime in the coming days. A soft cloth free of lint and a very light use of handpan cleaning oil, the one recommended for use, would suffice. With circular motions, the entire surface must be wiped carefully to ensure that the finish is not scratched and the sound remains deep.
2 Proper Storage
Ensure there is enough padding and ventilation inside the area or room where you put the handpan, and never expose it to changes in temperature. Do not subject it to extremely hot or cold weather or moisture, as these would inevitably lead to a distortion of the metal and a corresponding loss of sound. Scratches or bumps from other objects in storage can be avoided by using a soft-shelled case when the instrument is not played.
3 Avoid Abrasive Materials
Never use harsh or abrasive cleaning products on your handpan, as these can damage the protective coating and cause scratches. Instead, stick to products specifically designed for handpan maintenance, ensuring safe handling of its delicate finish.
4 Protect Against Rust
Rust is a common enemy of handpans, especially in humid climates. Apply a layer of rust-protectant oil at least once every few weeks to shield the instrument from moisture exposure. Make sure to thoroughly dry the handpan before putting it away to minimize the risk of rusting.
5 Mindful Transportation
When transporting your handpan, always use a durable case with proper padding to protect it from drops or sudden impacts. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of the case, and handle it with care to prevent accidental damage to the dome or tuning zones.
By following these five tips consistently, you can enjoy a long-lasting and beautifully sounding instrument that will continue to inspire your music for years to come.
Cleaning and Storage Best Practices
To preserve your handpan's quality and life span, there are a few maintenance best practices that should be observed, including cleaning and storage. First, it is always good to start by cleaning your handpan after playing every time to wipe away prints, dirt, or humidity that can cause this to develop. Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with either water or any other handpan review cleaning solvents, and moderate the amount of water to avoid dripping. Clean the body of the handpan lightly; do not press on the dome or tuning areas with the sticks, as it may influence the applied sounds.
When it comes to the storage of your handpan, avoid places with direct sunlight, very high or low temperatures, and dusty areas, as this could affect the quality of the material as well as the tuning stability of the instrument. You should store your handpan within a snugly fitting case to avoid dust, scratches, and any impact. If you intend to store the instrument for long periods of time, it might be advisable to drop some silica gel sachets inside the case to maintain the level of wetness and avoid rust. Employing such measures guarantees that your handpan will be in the best shape for producing enjoyable and crisp sounds for many years to come.
How to Keep Your Handpan in Tune
To ensure that I maintain the perfect tuning of my handpan, I am cautious with both its handling and upkeep. Firstly, I utilize my fingers to softly play without much force exerted. Hitting the handpan hard or using the wrong items to do so may damage the tuning of the instrument. Apart from that, I exercise caution when placing any weight on top of it, as it can end up causing the surface to dimple and negatively affect the tone.
With regards to the seasoning, proper conditions such as a climate are ensured. Weather changes, especially temperature drop or rise, tend to interfere with the tuning of the instrument; hence, never allow direct energy from the sun, cold breezes, or draining areas to touch the body of the handpan. They can be retained in their present shape and tuned conditions only if they are kept in a suitable temperature range and moisture level. Another precaution is to use a padded case to spare any injuries during transportation or when at home.
Lastly, taking care of one's health is very important, which is why we can't forget cleaning. So, after playing the musical instrument, I always wipe it out. For such purposes, I have a soft, clean cloth, and I regularly remove dust, sweat, and oil from the instrument after use. Once or twice a month I refresh the surface with a very thin coat of oil as coconut or Ballistol, to ease up on corrosion or rust treatment. My handpan still sounds the same each time I'm playing all this because of the aforementioned care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best handpan for beginners?
It is stressful and at the same time exciting to choose your very first handpan. Particularly as a newcomer to the industry, what you need to pay attention to is getting an instrument that is not only of high quality but has a musical sound and is easy to manage. Handpan Review makes this task even easier by offering a selection that includes such companies as Novapans and HAPI, which are the best in the industry. Remember that the variety of scales and the number of notes are considered as they influence the understanding of the instrument.
How do I choose a high-quality handpan?
A handpan review must include providing a guide to help one make the best selection of a quality handpan. This is best in the case of handpans made with stainless steel or nitrided surfaces since these help enhance the longevity and resonance of the instrument. The instrument's tuning is also very important – to be a successful handpan, a handpan must be tuned properly, as it is the tuning that determines whether a handpan has words or not. Readings from research made inside reviews should be compared to the best-reviewed handpan in order to make an appropriate selection.
What are the different types of handpans?
There are different types of handpans in the marketplace, and every type differs in tone and feel. The popular types comprise the conventional hang drum, the contemporary handpans, and the tongue drums. While searching for a handpan, different scales can be seen, such as Ake Bono, Kurd, each of which will bring certain 'music experiences' to you. These distinctions are important when choosing the right handpan that suits your music.
How can I clean my handpan?
A handpan should be maintained with regular cleaning. Clean the surface and use a dry and soft cloth without cleaners that are too strong, which would affect its finish. If stainless steel is used in the making of your handpan, mild soapy water is safe to use in a few instances. The instrument should be kept away from wet conditions and in a hard case, as that also helps extend and preserve the good sound quality of the instrument.
What is the sound of a handpan like?
The music made by a handpan has been characterized in most cases as pleasant and peaceful, as it involves the use of beautiful sounds that are easy on the ears. A handpan has a designed number of scale notes corresponding to its scale, and that is where you will hear the difference and endless possibilities. The light percussion and the mellow nature of this instrument are some of the reasons why musicians use it in composing emotional music. In regard to handpan music, trying different variations of it will help them recognize how diverse the sound and genres are.
Can I play the handpan with mallets?
Yes, the handpan can be played with the help of mallets, but users usually consider hands-on as more personal. Mallet playing produces a new dynamic of the instrument than hand playing, being procedural. In case of mallet use, the sound will improve only with Handpan Review mallets, and the instrument will not be at great risk. A different approach towards playing the instruments can sometimes help people express themselves musically in a better way.