Since its creation in 2001, the handpan (a beautiful and captivating instrument) has exponentially gained popularity. Finding "handpan for sale" at any time in the past includes online and from specialized makers. But this abundance leads to an overwhelming process to sift through and choose from, especially for the "handpan beginner." The variety in choices for size, scale, material, and price of what we like to call the 'handpan drum' can make choosing the right one a tricky business.
The Evolution of Handpan Availability
Today, these instruments have reached enormous popularity, and nearly every hour, a new manufacturer is born. This increased availability has reduced waiting times but introduced a new challenge: With a sea of options, help determine the best handpan for your needs.
Consider Your Budget
Handpans are handmade tools, so the price is about the skills and time spent crafting them. Handpans within the $1,500 to $3,000 range are the norm. But not all premium instruments are good, and often, cheap ones turn out to be better than all. That's why you must rely on your ears and do your homework.
Before purchasing, listen to the handpan videos online and learn the tonal differences between the handpans. If you're in the market to try one IRL, pay attention to the tuning, balance, and harmonics. The clean, resonant tones should have little or no vibration or uneven tones.
Choose the Right Material
Raw Steel: They are susceptible to rust and require constant maintenance but are cost-effective. They are not suitable for humid climates or those with coastal areas.
Steel-coated: This type is less responsive, with a limited dynamic range, but it is lightweight and affordable. If the coating is broken, it is susceptible to rust.
Nitrided Steel: Ideal for percussive players, it produces shorter sustain and is rust resistant.
Stainless Steel: Long sustain, highly rust resistant, and perfect for melodic and slower playing. However, it is harder to work with and more expensive, so they are prone to inconsistencies.
Ember Steel: Various stainless steel variants provide excellent rust resistance and balanced tonal characteristics.
The material you choose should fit your playing style and environment (at home, at small or large club events, etc.). Nitrided steel may be best if you like to play fast, rhythmic music. Stainless steel is better for sustaining and resonance of melodic compositions.
Understand Scales and Tuning
The musical range and expressive tone of a handpan are determined by the scale of the handpan. Major, minor, or more exotic scales can be used, and all call to mind a different mood. Good starting scales for a beginner are the D minor or Celtic Scales; they set a broad, harmonious scale of notes.
Listen to live handpan performance videos and listen for the scale that resonates with you. Pay attention to scales that will induce the strongest emotional response. Just like with the other instruments, remember that each handpan has a single scale, so pick one that will correspond with your musical needs and play either for jamming, composing, or meditative playing.
Consider the number and size of Notes
8–10 notes are typical around the Ding on handpans, but some instruments have as many as 20 or more. Larger instruments with more notes give you more range, but they're also harder to play and to keep in tune. But also they are bulkier and hard to transport.
The best thing to start with is an easier instrument with 8–9 notes for the "handpan beginner." It lets you concentrate on learning the basics and not worry about so much. The more you know, the more you can create with other instruments with other notes or related scales.
Test the Instrument Before You Buy
Try a handpan in person whenever possible. Get a hands-on experience with visits to handpan festivals, workshops, or local sellers. As you play, you'll feel the instrument's responsiveness, comfort, and sound. A beginner should think with a good handpan – intuitive and satisfying.
When buying online, be sure to read through videos, audio samples, and customer testimonials. Reputable sellers usually offer a detailed sound test of each instrument.
Choose a Trusted Manufacturer
There are too many handpan for sale options out there, so you should buy from a reputable maker. Example: https://www.cosmoshandpan.com/ The handpan community recommends and reviews each other constantly, so platforms like forums or social media forums are of great importance. The trick here is to look for makers with a good reputation for excellent craftsmanship, precision, and after-sales service.
They also make sure reputable makers offer returning services, maintenance advice, and safe shipping options. If a deal does not pass the sound of money test, heed your instincts and walk away. After a long time and thorough search, these handpans are worth the investment.
Consider Long Term Maintenance
As with any instrument, handpans need attention if you want them to have quality. Low-maintenance stainless steel options are a good option for humid climates. Other materials can be oiled regularly or have a protective treatment applied to them in order to prevent rust. Then, get specific care instructions from the maker before you buy to ensure your handpan will last you for years.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a desired handpan is a personal experience that interlaces research, intuition, and trial and error while only playing. When looking at a handpan for the first time, "handpan beginners" find it overwhelming, but if you are thinking about your budget, scale preferences, material, and the maker, you will find yourself capable of picking the right instrument. Besides being an instrument, a handpan is a lifetime companion that evokes emotions and enables one to express oneself creatively. Whether you already have your heart set on a handpan or just getting started, take your time, browse your options, and let the magic of handpans help you find the best one.
