The enchanting sounds and one-of-a-kind design of the handpan, also known as a hang instrument, have brought musicians and handpan lovers from all over the world together. This originally hand percussion, contemporary handpan steel drum, handpan was once called the handpan steel drum or Hang drum and has been evolving into a versatile handpan musical instrument for both novices and experienced handpan players. This post is your guide to handpan history, style, makers, and what to look out for when getting your first.
Origins: The Birth of the Hang Drum
This story begins in Bern, Switzerland, at the end of the 1990s. Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, themselves experts in creating steel pans, had the idea to innovate past the antique bulky design. Their creation of the hang drum in 2000 is what made an impact. The word ‘Hang’ means ‘hand’ in the dialect of Bernese German, which describes exactly how you play the instrument.
But the hang wasn’t new because of its UFO-like shape or futuristic aesthetic—it was its deeply resonant, melodic tone that set it apart. With its relaxing and exhilarating sounds, the hang drum quickly caught on throughout the world, and listeners and musicians found themselves wondering how to get one.
Nevertheless, the original maker, PANart, was not much interested in mass production. They handmade each hang drum and hand-tuned them. Intent was explained in a letter by aspiring owners who waited years before their turn. But its exclusivity has turned resale prices into true astronomical heights for some original Hangs, selling for over $10,000.
When the hang drum became trendy, it sparked a whole new category of instruments called handpans. Today, instruments range in style, scale, and note configuration, giving something for everyone.
How Handpans Are Made
Making a handpan is complex and requires a great deal of precision and engineering; some artistic hand craftsmanship also plays into the process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how these fascinating instruments are made:
- Selecting the Steel Sheet
Made from high-quality steel, handpans can be treated in some cases by nitration, improving durability, preventing rust, and adding duration. Corrosion resistance clears sales of stainless steel.
- Shaping the Dome
Traditional hammering or heavy equipment, or innovative hydroforming methods (heavy water pressure), transform the steel sheet into a dome shape.
- Marking and Shaping Notes
The next step is to mark the tone fields, where the position of each note is to appear. Areas where there was too much wood were carefully hammered or pressed to produce convex (“outie”) or concave (‘innie’) shapes, the basis for the instrument’s unique sound.
- Tuning
The most critical, and time-consuming, step is tuning. All tone fields are hammered with meticulous care for the note, and the harmonic and octave blow is stable. The outcome is an instrument whose sound quality is just unmatched.
- Assembling and Finishing
Glued together on the two shells, where the bottom shell has a vibrational chamber called the Gu. Then, after one final tuning and polishing, it gets a protective oil coating that makes it both more durable and nicer looking.
Anatomy of a Handpan
Understanding the handpan’s anatomy helps players appreciate its unique construction:
The Ding: Note, which serves as the central note on the top shell (held in the heart chakra) and which resonates with surrounding notes.
The Gu: The resonating hole on the bottom shell is to make the volume and projection of sound.
Note Fields: These are concave or convex areas surrounding the Ding, each producing a specific pitch.
Popular Handpan Scales
- Minor Scale (Amara): An emotional and versatile beginner-friendly scale. Notes:
C, D, D, A, C, D, E, F, G, A
- Kurd Scale: Delivers an uplifting, yet melancholic tone perfect for folk melodies. Notes:
D, D, A, Bb, C, D, E, F, A.
- Hijaz Scale: The sound is mysterious, intriguing, and is borrowed from Middle Eastern music. Notes:
Choosing the Best Handpan for Beginners
Choosing the best handpan for beginners is very important for those who just start with this instrument. Here are some factors to consider:
Scale: Choose a beginner scale such as Amara or Kurd, which is all around simpler to ace.
Material: The benefit of stainless steel is that they are durable, rust resistant, and produce clear tones, making them a nice choice for beginning players.
Maker: Pick a solid maker whose work you can trust all the way.
Price: Handpans have a wide range in prices, so beginning models can run you $600 up to $1,000; however, you can run into over $2,000 for high-end handpans. Be careful with overly cheap options, as you might end up with poorly tuned and/or not durable axles.
Notable Handpan Makers
Since the Hang drum’s creation, the handpan community has grown to be made up of many talented makers who create amazing instruments. Here are some notable names:
PANart (Switzerland): PANart continues to be a respected name in the business because they are the original artists of the Hang drum.
Halo by Pantheon Steel (USA): Sought after for their deep, resonant tones and exquisite handcrafted qualities.
Ayasa (Russia): They are popular for being available in a wide range of scales, and they have models for a beginner.
Symphonic Steel (USA): Supplier of high-sustain handpans with unique tonal qualities.
Tips for Buying a Handpan
Test Before You Buy: In the case that you can, play the instrument and see if you vibe with it.
Look for Hand-Tuning Marks: Hand-tuned instruments usually sound better, and visible hammer marks indicate a hammer instrument.
Research Makers: You can read reviews, listen to sound samples, and find what maker you prefer.
Protect Your Investment: Handpans are delicate. If you can’t afford to buy a case, you can’t afford to buy a horn; invest in a quality case to protect your instrument from damage.
The Future of Handpans
Musicians from all over the world have, in turn, fallen in love with handpans, as this innovative instrument continues to capture musical hearts, and this looks to be very much a future still to be played out. Thanks to advances in materials and manufacturing techniques, and an increasing availability of instruments themselves, those with an instinctive aptitude for music are finding it easier than ever to get into the handpan groove.
Whether you’re new to handpan and searching for your first instrument or a seasoned player looking to work on new styles, the path that lies ahead fronts the same mellifluous promise as their sounds. The handpan has its roots in Switzerland and has since touched every corner of the world; it continues to represent innovation, artistry, and musical language.
