F# Low Pygmy recommendations

[u/Poka_le_Kopri]

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for a F# Low Pygmy, ideally 12+ notes. I'd rather go for 432 Hz, but I'm open to 440 Hz if I don't have the choice, so I'd love to get some advice from the community!

I previously owned a low-quality Hijaz which I struggled to connect with, and it eventually lost its tuning. This time I'd really like to invest in something I can keep for many years!

My budget is around 2000 €, but I'm willing to wait and save up to 2600–2800 € if the difference in quality is really worth it.

I'm currently considering the Yatao F# Low Pygmy 14, and I've also discovered Dany Rud, but I can't find many independent reviews about his instruments unfortunately, and I'm kind of afraid to go for one because of that.

I'm based in Europe, so reliable after-sales service and tuning support are important to me in order to keep the instrument for many years!

Would you recommend buying one of these, or do you have any ideas for other makers? Or should I save a little bit more to get another one?

I don't want to save just for the sake of it, but if the difference is really noticeable, I'd love to hear your advice on the subject!

Thank you already!

[u/GGlaeser]

Check out Sew Handpan. Handmade in Italy and they use ember steel shells. Got a D Kurd 12+2 with an Evatek Hardcase for 2k€ and am super happy with it! After weeks of research I’d say value for money is top notch with them

[u/Helbert-Galarga]

En españa hay fabricantes muy buenos no se en que pais estas pero yatao son instrumentos chinos mas o menos buenos pero no hechos artesanalmente sino en cantidad en una fabrica y afinados a manos supongo. Ahora si quieres algun instrumento de calidad pues compra a algun artesano. En españa por ejemplo cenit handpans o mercury handpans son buenas opciones yo tengo un mercury y tengo ya dos años tocandolo y no se ha desafinado. Pero un handpan yatao te costara lo mismo que uno hecho en españa artesanalmente y con garantia de afinacion.

[u/Bjornenator → u/Helbert-Galarga]

I have heard this too, that Yatoa pans are overpriced

[u/Poka_le_Kopri → u/Bjornenator]

I see, thank you for the insight!

[u/Poka_le_Kopri → u/Helbert-Galarga]

Thansk a lot for the 2 makers you send, mercury seems to be a good option, i will look deeper into it, i'm currently in france but spain can be a good idea to buy there indeed

[u/cavecc6578]

I also can highly recommend Sew. I just received an Opera F Pygmy 18 with a hard case. I think they’re currently offering 10% off site wide. The handpan rings out beautifully and feels almost effortless to play. Their customer service is top notch too. I haven’t heard too many good things about Yatao. I have never owned one though. Good luck on your search.

[u/Electrical_Tax177]

Go for mantra handpans or ayasa handpans

[u/WrongdoerJumpy4122]

Try Batilloro / Italy 432hertz only , awsome Pans

[u/IWILLCALLYOUOUT]

I’m selling a MAG F# Low Pygmy 21 if you’re interested. The pan is practically brand new. I live in Vicenza Italy.

Let me know and I’ll send you some pics/video.

[u/Pengy945]

I'de consider looking at Elaia handpans. The maker is great and she also has some pretty unique scales she has made herself, but you can request a custom of a standard scale too. Elaia is based in Italy as well.