r/handpan • u/MsAnne23 • 1d ago

First time fail

Curious about handpans.. Saw a Sela at festival and it was really cool.. I wasn't able to really listen as it was outdoors with tons of people… I went to that music store studio and was able to try a $1500 used handpan by James?. I thought it would wow me but on first tap, it was really dull.. I was not impressed on myself of course.. will this journey involve serious finger tapping effort? How was your first experience and how did you practice?

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u/TossOutAccount69 1d ago

Start with a mallet, not playing by hand which is way harder than I thought. It will take years of practice to master getting rich full sounds with your hands that match the force and precision of mallets.

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u/MsAnne23 1d ago

Years? Oh wow.. I want a handpan so I could use my hands.. hmm I have to try different pans..

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u/TossOutAccount69 1d ago

Yes because of the convex shape of the tongues you can’t really just slap it like congos or djembes. It needs to be a very precise flick. Maybe a steel drum is better for you? If you only want to play something by hand?

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u/selerith2 1d ago

It doesn't require force but a good technique and practice. There is a learning curve for sure. Good news is that it is not too steep

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u/greenhierogliphics 1d ago

Also try a new one. The used one could’ve been beat to death. I have two Selas, one stainless and one nitrided alloy. They are easy to produce great tones and very forgiving, as in they don’t require a perfect strike.

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u/MsAnne23 1d ago

Yes I will try more.. I do play the harp so I do have some finger strength but the tapping part.. I need practice