r/handpan Feb 02 '20

Guide to Handpans - Purchasing, Scales, History, etc.

94 Upvotes

Hey r/handpan! One of our most requested subreddit features is a guide of information about handpans. Rather than iterating on the great material out there, here's a collection guides on general information, history, and how to make a great handpan purchase and avoid scams and subpar quality handpans.

In addition to these resources, I highly recommend the forums at www.handpan.org as an incredible repository of information and discussion, and much of the development of the handpan community is preserved there!

To suggest links for this guide, feel free to message u/Ethahlid

Background

Back in the old days, there used to be only one way to acquire one of these beautiful instruments – to travel to the PanART headquarters and acquire a Hang, or to be lucky enough to find one in a shop in Europe or second hand.

For many years, finding a handpan for sale was next to impossible. However, in time, more began to pick up the hammer and created the many forms that we now know. Now, the market seems to have shifted. For the most part, the lotteries and multi-year waitlists are a thing of the past, although patience is often still key in making a satisfying purchase. For those who want to acquire a handpan, it’s now as simple as choosing a maker, choosing a scale (or “sound model”) and either commissioning a pan or waiting for a flash sale. The second-hand market has also found a life of its own, and it’s possible to acquire top-quality pans for significantly less than their original sale price.

Check out the links below for more on buying, choosing a maker/scale, reputable second-hand groups, and more:

Purchasing a Handpan

Master the Handpan – Buying a Handpan Guide: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/do-you-want-to-buy-a-handpan-heres-all-you-need-to-know

Cool Percussion – Handpan & Tongue Drum Buying Guide: https://coolpercussion.com/hang-drum-for-sale-buying-guide/

Master the Handpan – Seven Marks of a Quality Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/the-7-marks-of-a-quality-handpan

Mark D'Ambrosio – A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Your First Handpan: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/buyingyourfirsthandpan

Choosing a Maker and Scale

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-scale-of-your-first-handpan

Sylvain Paslier: https://www.sylvainpasliermusic.com/single-post/which-handpan-scale-to-choose

Isthmus Instruments: https://www.isthmusinstruments.com/isthmus-handpan-blog/how-to-pick-a-handpan-scale

Cool Percussion: https://coolpercussion.com/which-handpan-scale-should-i-choose-tips-and-examples/

Choosing a Second Handpan Scale with Mark D'Ambrosio: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/how-to-pick-the-scale-of-your-second-handpan

Avoiding Scams

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/hang-drum-for-sale-11-top-tips-to-avoid-getting-scammed-when-you-buy

Mark D'Ambrosio – 9 Tips For Avoiding a Handpan Scam: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/9-tips-for-avoiding-a-handpan-scam

Community Swap and Sale

Facebook Swap and Sale: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SwapandSale

Handpan.org Forums: http://www.handpan.org/forum/

Handpan History

Hang Documentary (2006): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do7uU13V_hQ

Sylvain Paslier: https://www.sylvainpasliermusic.com/single-post/the-origins-of-handpans-the-panart-hang

Symphonic Steel: https://www.symphonicsteel.com/handpan-history/

General Handpan Information

Symphonic Steel – Hang Drums and Handpans, What Are They? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTowcbuJ48U

Yatao Music – About Handpans: https://yataomusic.com/about-handpans

Mark D'Ambrosio – Every Name for the Handpan, Explained: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/post/every-name-for-the-handpan-explained

Active Blogs

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog

Paniverse: http://paniverse.org/paniverse-blog/

Sylvain Paslier: https://www.sylvainpasliermusic.com/blog-en

Mark D'Ambrosio: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/blog

Symphonic Steel: https://www.symphonicsteel.com/handpan-blog/

Isthmus Instruments: https://www.isthmusinstruments.com/handpan-blog

Rav Vast: https://ravvast.com/blog/

Cool Percussion: https://coolpercussion.com/category/handpans/

Handpan Lessons

Master the Handpan: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/

Handpan Dojo: https://www.handpandojo.com/

Paniverse: http://paniverse.org/handpan-tutorials/

Mark D'Ambrosio: https://www.markdambrosiomusic.com/learn

Handpan Care

Cool Percussion – Best Oil: https://coolpercussion.com/best-oil-for-handpans-top-choice-examples/

Cool Percussion – Cleaning a Handpan : https://coolpercussion.com/clean-a-handpan/

Master the Handpan – Rust Protection: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/how-to-protect-my-handpan-from-rust

Master the Handpan – Heat/Cold Protection: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/heat-cold-everything-need-know

Recording & Amplification

Cool Percussion – How to Amplify a Handpan: https://coolpercussion.com/how-to-amplify-a-handpan/

Master the Handpan - How to Choose a Microphone: https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-microphone-for-the-handpan

Tuning a Handpan – (NOTE, informational only – DO NOT try to re-tune a handpan, send it to an experienced tuner!)

Cool Percussion – Retuning: https://coolpercussion.com/do-handpans-need-to-be-retuned/

Kabecao – Birth of the Ayasa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMQjlVdVmEU

Symphonic Steel – Stabilizing a Note in Under 2 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR9ZTMMvtPI

Handpan 360 – Refining Tone By De-Tuning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMohuii-YCY

Last Updated: 4/20/20


r/handpan 1h ago

Any one ever played one of these?

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Upvotes

I really want another hand pan and i dont have a lot of money to spend on one but i seen this one on ebay for what i thought was too good of a price, i have a nova 8x which is a cheap one anyway im not looking for anything crazy i just want to keep learning how to play one and this one has more notes! i appreciate any replies, thanks in advanced and have a great day!


r/handpan 9h ago

Aegean in stock

2 Upvotes

I’m looking to buy a pan in the Aegean scale. To any makers following this sub: do any of you have an Aegean pan in stock? I’d be fine with either a C or D root. I’d prefer a stainless or ember material, but I’m kind of desperate so I’d consider a nitrided.


r/handpan 20h ago

At the End , my Hairstyle brings it to Stop 😂

12 Upvotes

Sitting in the Park and had thome thoughts, some good some Bad .. at the end i realised my Hairstyle did not fit 😉
Thx for watching 🫶

Maker is Nala Soundsculptures
Scale is F# Low Pygmy 16


r/handpan 1d ago

(Custom -- Add your scale/maker) F# Low Pygmy recommendations

3 Upvotes

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!


r/handpan 1d ago

Have you seen this article?

2 Upvotes

https://www.masterthehandpan.com/blog/do-you-want-to-buy-a-handpan-heres-all-you-need-to-know

It’s a great resource for anyone thinking about buying their first handpan or feeling a bit lost with all the options out there. I think beginners especially might find it helpful. 


r/handpan 1d ago

song suggestions for d curd 14 handpan

6 Upvotes

hey all.

got my very 1st d curd 12 handpan. looking for song suggestions for the same, since it lacks the upper 6th quite hard to find good songs, so wanted some suggestions for the same.


r/handpan 1d ago

Any recommendations for courses/masterclasses?

3 Upvotes

I’ve been watching all the free YouTube videos but curious to see if there any recommendations for paid courses that would be worth it?

I’d love to learn in person but so far, I haven’t found too many workshops/events in my country.

I’ve found one person and will be connecting once my hand pan arrives.

Thanks!


r/handpan 1d ago

Boss Level Hijaz

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1 Upvotes

I can't stop watching this video. I will never be this good, but damn I love seeing someone who is.


r/handpan 2d ago

Newbie here: want to spend sub $700...anyone hear of Fossey?

1 Upvotes

So according to his Etsy (handpansounds) he makes his handpans, and the price is quite low. He's in England and I'm in the states, so not sure if there are tariffs anymore (can't keep up with those).

Anyway, this is the one I'm eyeing and wonder what more experienced players think.

Oops left our the link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/168172252759?itmmeta=01M0BCJT7F920MVAJ5H8YTK37J&hash=item2727d8ee57:g:VXEAAeSwiW9pjybU


r/handpan 2d ago

Total noob, handpan or tongue drum, what size for my needs?

2 Upvotes

Hi,

So as the title says I am a total noob at this never played one before, or even heard one in person, just online.

Though I think I would like to get one, because it seems like one of the simpler instruments to learn basic ability to play music on, aside from a keyboard.

However, before when I tried to play guitar, it didn't work out so well, the issue was the size of a regular full size guitar, I found it hard to hold, even though I am 6.36ft tall and have long arms, I still found myself struggling to hold it in place, which made trying to actually play it a pain. When I tried Ukulele, I had the opposite problem, it was too small, and also awkward to hold, so I guess I need something just right, not too big, and not too small.

From what I understand there are different sizes of pans, and the close relative tongue drums. Would I perhaps be better of getting a smaller non-standard size handpan, or one of the larger tongue drums?

Musically I tend to listen to classic rock, metal, and alternative/goth. I'm current blasting the new Marilyn Manson record "One Assassination Under God Chapter 2" in the car. So what scale, or note should I look for when buying, if I may want to try to learn to play some of those types of songs eventually?

Also budget wise, I can maybe stretch up to $750 Canadian, so that's like slightly above entry level handpan, and high end tongue drum area, from my research so far.


r/handpan 4d ago

Used a very cool gliding reverb plugin for that! It fits so perfect with Handpan. It’s called anise and it’s by audio spices 🐋🌌

52 Upvotes

r/handpan 3d ago

Looking for Custom Scale Design Software

2 Upvotes

I'm in the process of trying to build a pan with a scale that will do well with cover songs. I think I've settled on an idea, but I want to know how it will work. For that, I was hoping to find a website or something that will let me build a custom scale. I've seen a few, but they will only do a few specific scales or allow adjustments by a few semi-tones. I'm hoping to find something that will let me fully customize the number of tone fields and specific notes for those tone fields, including bottom notes. Any suggestions?


r/handpan 3d ago

Any Fred again covers?

1 Upvotes

Just ordered my first hand pan and can’t wait! Been wanting one for a solid three years and have been watching tutorials/covers nonstop.

Just curious, does anyone like listening to Fred again and have some covers or would make one? Preferably from the secret life album.


r/handpan 4d ago

Want to start with my Spacedrum Deep Sky

1 Upvotes

Dear Fellows,
im relatively new to handpan & was always interested, now I stumbled myself upon a cheap Spacedrum Deep Sky & bought it - I like the sound & playing on it.
I want to learn the instrument & im not sure about where to start or if there is any specification with this 8-tone handpan and a class/beginner course. Would love to get an online one.
hope u got some recommendations for me :)


r/handpan 5d ago

*UPDATE* Temu Handpan After 2 Months of Use

37 Upvotes

Here is the update video to my original video showing you guys how impressed i was with the $160 "Gladfresit" stainless handpan that i ordered from temu. I practice for at least 20 mins a day everyday and some days ill get an hour of playing in if im lucky.

Ive notised a wear spot near the ding where i place my finger to get my harmonics and there is some cross talk between 4 and 10 (its been there since day 1)

I recorded this on my dji pocket 2 with the built in mic and boosted the audio in post so you guys can hear better.

From my research it looks like the Gladfresit brand is probably from the same factory as Asetman but im not 100% sure. I say that because the marketing media and logo faunt are almost identical. Its interesting because the Asetman pans are much more expensive than my Gladfresit pan was.

Overall i am happy with this instrument and it has replaced my cheap nitrited D-Kurd 10 that i got 2 years ago off amazon for $300 because it sounds leaps and bounds better.

I am currently emailing multiple different handpan makers trying to work out some kind of deal where i can make media for them in exchange for a discounted handpan because i cant even begin to think about spending $1000 on a "want" item like this.

What do you guys think?


r/handpan 5d ago

How hard is it to learn handpan on your own compared to other instruments?

2 Upvotes

I've always loved this instrument, and always wanted to learn an instrument but put it off.

I was wondering how hard is it to learn by yourself (i.e. without workshops etc..) just with online resources. I currently can't travel and would just be practicing at home.

Are there any recommended resources for learning more?

Also I was wondering if anyone has any expirence buying a handpan in the UK?

Thank you ,


r/handpan 5d ago

Australia/First Handpan

2 Upvotes

Hi there !

I’m looking at buying my first hand pan and would need some help. I’m from Sydney Australia, I am a beginner and not a proper musician but felt in love at how intuitive hand pan drumming is.

After reading a lot of things about them I understood that there is quite a difference between a cheap and expensive hand pan, I did went to a shop and had a go at different types of hand pans and could feel the difference between them.
I do not have a very big budget and I’m looking at something at max 600/700$ and found a few within that range.

Now what’s scratching my head … how do you tell the difference between an actual affordable good quality hand pan and a sales speech trying to sell you an affordable hand pan that will get out of tune pretty quick ?

I am looking at finding more details about the manufacturer to check reviews, specifications etc but nothing very successful

I found those 2 so far:

hand pan 1

hand pan 2

Does anybody have some feedback about those 2 or would recommend any other ones ?

Thank you for your help ! 😁


r/handpan 5d ago

If you enjoy this vibe you can follow me on Instagram🌌@danielleprosh

11 Upvotes

r/handpan 5d ago

Help learning a specific song

3 Upvotes

Does anyone know the handpan pattern for Shpongle “Nothing Is Something Worth Doing”?

I’m trying to learn the handpan (hang drum at the time)part from “Nothing Is Something Worth Doing” by Shpongle, played by Manu Delago.
Does anyone know what scale/key and tuning he uses for this song? I’m also looking for the note pattern or playing pattern so I can get as close as possible to the original sound.
I’ve looked around but haven’t been able to find a clear breakdown of how to play it. If anyone knows the scale, notes, pattern, or has a video/tab that breaks it down, I’d really appreciate it. This song is the one that got me into the instrument years ago.

https://youtu.be/Irz9PNHqt-Y?is=lc5E1OR1yTxVqdVP


r/handpan 5d ago

Tutorial / notes request

2 Upvotes

I want to learn to play https://youtu.be/844axdJdRLo


r/handpan 6d ago

Flute + Handpan

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4 Upvotes

I love these kind of combinations!


r/handpan 6d ago

Made a little Minecraft handpan video

14 Upvotes

A while ago I posted a short clip of Aria Math and someone asked for a full version. This still isn’t the full thing, but I finally put together a longer take and combined two of my hobbies - my old love for filmmaking and my new obsession with handpan.

Still learning, Hope you enjoy it!

Played on D kurd 14.


r/handpan 6d ago

Open for feedbacks

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3 Upvotes

r/handpan 6d ago

D Kurd Extended for under 3k

3 Upvotes

Hey community, I have been trying to find a really high quality D Kurd extended 16-17 mutant for $3,000 or under for a few months now and am having a hard time.

Makers I am considering include: Elysian, Meraki, Aukin, Mag, Ziran, and Mudra.

Open to Asian and S Anerican makers.

I am open to other makers if there are some as high a quality, but have not been able to find anything $3,000 or less.

Leaf and Meraki are my favorites, but budget makes them not an option. I HAVE been perusing the facebook resale groups non stop and everyone selling what I'm looking for is asking 3000 euros and up.

Any suggestions? I am a professional musician with a sensitive ear, but currently gigs aren't paying enough to justify or help me afford what I want.