Your First Handpan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Handpans have become a fascination for musicians and music enthusiasts alike. With their ethereal tones and captivating resonance, these instruments offer a unique opportunity for creative expression. This guide is tailored for music lovers stepping into the world of Handpans who want to elevate their musical journey with this intriguing instrument. In this article, we first review different types of Handpans and then provide a detailed guide to buying this musical instrument.

 

What is a Handpan?

A handpan is a modern percussion instrument made from two hemispherical shells of metal, meticulously crafted to produce a variety of harmonic tones. It is similar in concept to steel drums but differs in shape and sound, offering a unique and mesmerizing sonic experience. The top shell, known as the “ding” side, features a central dome surrounded by carefully tuned note fields, each capable of producing a specific pitch when struck. The handpan’s sound is characterized by its warm, resonant tones, often described as both meditative and ethereal, making it popular in various musical genres and therapeutic settings.

Which Handpan model to choose?

Selecting the right Handpan model depends on your experience level, playing style, and the specific needs you have as a musician. Whether you are a beginner with a playful approach or a seasoned player with precise compositional requirements, your ideal Handpan model may vary. To guide you through the selection process, here is an overview of the different handpan models available:

 

Handpans with 8, 9, and 10 Notes

Panart established a standard with the creation of the HANG in 1999, featuring seven notes plus one central “Ding” note, which together made up eight notes. Since then, Handpan models with eight notes plus 1 Ding (9 notes) have also become popular, thanks to innovations by Felix Rohner, the founder of Panart. Today, most manufacturers offer Handpans with 8 or 9 notes, which is considered the standard. Recently, models with nine notes plus 1 Ding (10 notes) have also become available. These models are highly suitable for both beginners and professional musicians. The notes are arranged in a classic alternating pattern, making them easier to play and more accessible for those starting or seeking a straightforward playing experience.

 

Handpans with 11 to 15 Notes on the Dome

Some manufacturers offer Handpans with more complex note arrangements depending on the scale. These Handpans can feature up to 15 notes, with configurations such as two Dings, additional high notes in the center, or off-center Dings to incorporate more notes between the edge and the Ding. Customer requests or manufacturer innovations often drive these variants. These instruments are generally more complex to play and better suited for musicians with specific artistic goals or technical needs.

 

“Mutant” or “Masterpiece” Handpans

A more recent innovation in the Handpan world is the introduction of models with notes positioned on the bottom of the instrument. This design allows musicians to expand their range without needing multiple Handpans, providing a wider melodic universe appealing to professional or experienced musicians. However, these “Masterpiece” models of Handpans come with certain challenges. Acoustic constraints such as note interference or coupling are more common, making achieving a perfectly balanced sound difficult. Additionally, playing these Handpans can be more demanding, requiring the player to rotate the instrument while playing or dealing with difficulty accessing notes when the Handpan is placed on a stand.

The price of these advanced models reflects their complexity and craftsmanship, ranging from €2,500 to €5,000 depending on the brand. While they offer incredible musical possibilities, their technical demands and higher costs make them not a good option for beginners. However, if you have the budget and the determination to master such an instrument, investing in a 14-note or even a 20-note handpan could be a rewarding choice.

 

Best Handpans for Beginners 

If you’re playing the Handpans for the first time, choosing an instrument with 8 to 10 notes, simple tuning, and a budget-friendly price is the best. Handpans come in various sizes, from 8 to 24 inches, but for beginners, a size between 10 to 12 inches is ideal. Popular scales for beginners include D, E, and G minor. The scale refers to the collection of notes available on the handpan. You can explore more complex and specialized scales as you advance in your playing skills. Here we provide some suggestions that can potentially be a good choice for beginners:

• The Prensa Pan Basic Series Handpans are popular among beginners and intermediate players, offering an excellent balance of quality and affordability. Made from durable nitrided steel, these Handpans provide a rich, balanced sound thanks to their 1mm sheet thickness. Available in various colors, they feature nine notes tuned to the D minor or D Kurd scale, which is widely used in Iran and has many educational resources. This series is ideal for those starting their handpan journey or looking to upgrade from a basic model.

• The Arsha Titanium handpan, crafted by Iran’s first domestic manufacturer, is renowned for its high-quality construction and premium materials. Ideal for beginners and intermediate players, this instrument offers a durable titanium build, a strong and clear sound, and precise tuning, making it easy to play your favorite songs. Tuned to the commonly used D minor scale, it is user-friendly and musically versatile. Its unique seven-color finish also gives it a visually striking and distinct appearance.

• The Vira handpan, tuned to the popular D minor scale with nine notes, offers a soothing and emotional musical experience, making it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals. Crafted from 1.2mm thick stainless steel, it boasts durability and resistance to impacts, scratches, moisture, and sweat, ensuring long-lasting quality. With its well-loved scale, high-quality material, and delightful sound, the Vira handpan is perfect for creating beautiful and calming music.

Conclusions

In summary, Handpans offer a unique blend of ethereal tones and captivating resonance, making them a fascinating choice for new and experienced musicians. This guide has outlined the different Handpan models available, from beginner-friendly options to advanced designs for seasoned players, helping you find the perfect fit for your musical journey. For a wide selection of Handpans at competitive prices and comprehensive educational materials to support your learning, visit Delarammusic’s online shop. Explore our range of Handpan models and start your musical adventure today!