Choosing Your First Handpan: A Simple Buying Guide

Choosing your initial handpan is an exciting step into a world of unique musical expression, but it can also be daunting, given the variety of options available. 

This handpan buying guide is designed to navigate you through the essentials of selecting a high-quality instrument, ensuring you make an informed choice that matches your musical goals and budget. 

We'll cover how to assess quality, pick the right scale for your needs, and steer clear of common pitfalls and scams in the handpan market. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with everything you need to make a choice that resonates with your musical soul.

Here's the first step. Let's dive in.

Step 1: Ensuring Quality

A quality handpan is an investment in your musical journey. Here's how to identify one:

Watch Online Videos

Before making a purchase, watch and listen to online videos of the handpan being played. This will give you a sense of the instrument's tuning quality, tone, and resonance. A good handpan will have a harmonious scale with balanced notes and minimal crosstalk.

Sites like YouTube have numerous handpan performances that showcase different scales and manufacturers.

Look for Reviews

Look for reviews and testimonials from other handpan players and customers. These reviews can provide insights into the quality and reliability of different brands and models, as well as the customer service experience. 

Seek Feedback

Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to handpan enthusiasts. Here, you can ask for feedback and recommendations based on personal experiences. 

Members often share detailed insights about their instruments, which can help you make an informed decision.

Avoid Low-Quality Instruments

When evaluating a handpan, check for:

• Harmonious Scale: Ensure the notes are well-tuned and the scale is harmonious, providing a pleasant and cohesive sound.
• Balanced Notes: Each note should sound clear and be free of any buzzing or unwanted overtones.
• Minimal Crosstalk: Good quality handpans have minimal crosstalk between notes, allowing for cleaner sound.
• Well-defined Tuned Harmonics: Check that the harmonics are tuned, which contributes to the richness of the sound.

Check for Physical Indicators

 Assess the surface condition of the handpan:

• Scratch Inspection: Look for any scratches or dents, which can affect the sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
• Profile Identification Marks: High-quality handpans often have identification marks from the maker, indicating authenticity and attention to detail.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Scale

Selecting the appropriate scale is crucial for a harmonious playing experience. Consider the following:

Major Scales

If you're drawn to bright, uplifting sounds, major scales like SaByeD, Golden Gate, or Oxalis might be your best choice. These scales tend to be popular among beginners due to their pleasant and familiar tonal quality.

Natural Minor Scales

For those who prefer a deeper, more reflective sound, natural minor scales like Kurd, Celtic Minor, or Integral are ideal. These scales evoke a sense of mystery and melancholy, making them perfect for emotional and meditative music.

Read: 3 Handpan Scales Perfect For Beginners (With Examples)

Exotic Scales

If you're after something truly unique, consider exotic scales such as Hijaz, Onoleo, or Saladin. These scales offer a foreign, unusual sound that can add an intriguing element to your music.

Personal preference is key here. It's crucial to listen to different scales before deciding. Many manufacturers offer sound samples on their websites, or you might find videos online of musicians playing various scales. Take your time to explore different sounds and notice how they make you feel. 

The right scale should not only sound pleasant but should also stir something within you, aligning with the emotions or moods you wish to explore through your music.

Read More: Handpan Scales and Their Unique Characteristics

Step 3: Selecting the Type of Steel

The type of steel used in a handpan significantly influences its sound and durability. Here's a breakdown:

To make an informed decision, listen to recordings of handpans made from different types of steel. Many manufacturers provide audio samples on their websites or on social media. 

Additionally, seeking advice from experienced handpan builders or sellers can provide insights into how each type of steel might suit your needs in terms of sound quality and maintenance.

Step 4: Deciding on the Number of Notes and Layout

The number of notes and the layout of your handpan will determine its complexity and the range of music you can play. Consider these factors:

Common Configurations

Most handpans come with 7, 8, or 9-tone fields, though some can have up to 24 notes. While more notes can offer a broader range of sounds, beginners are often advised to start with simpler configurations to ease into playing.

Choosing Layout

Most handpans are set up for right-handed players, but reverse layouts for left-handed players are also available. This choice depends on your dominant hand and how comfortable you feel playing each layout.

If you are new to the handpan, it's advisable to start with a simpler configuration, such as an 8-note handpan. This setup provides enough diversity for a wide range of music while being manageable for beginners to learn and master.

Additionally, for those who want a more personalized instrument, consulting with a handpan builder can be beneficial. Custom layouts can include additional features like bottom notes (notes placed on the bottom shell of the handpan), which provide more playing options and can enrich the instrument's sound. Discuss your playing style and musical goals with the builder to determine the best configuration for your needs.

Step 5: Avoiding Scams

Unfortunately, the rise in popularity of handpans has led to an increase in scams. It's essential to be cautious when purchasing your instrument to avoid falling victim to fraudulent sellers.

Here are some essential precautions:

Always Get a Recording

Always request a recording of the specific handpan you plan to purchase. This recording should clearly demonstrate the sound quality and condition of the instrument. It's a crucial step to verify that the handpan exists and meets your expectations in terms of tone and tuning.

Communicate Directly

Engage directly with the seller through verified communication channels. Ensure that all your questions are answered satisfactorily, and be wary of sellers who provide vague or inconsistent information about the handpan's origin, materials, or history.

Verify Legal Notices

Check the seller's website or business registration for legal notices and authentic company details. A legitimate handpan seller will have a professional online presence and proper contact information. You can also look for reviews or feedback on their services from other buyers.

Prefer Recognized Professionals

Opt for reputable and recognized professionals in the handpan community. These sellers often have a track record of quality and reliability, along with good after-sales service, which may include tuning services, educational resources, and customer support.

Too Good to Be True?

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Handpans are generally expensive due to the labor-intensive process required to make them. Extremely low prices can be a red flag for low quality or scams. Trust your instincts and conduct thorough research before committing to a purchase.

After navigating the complexities of choosing the perfect handpan, why not start your musical journey with a trusted provider? 

Sound Artist, based out of Long Island and servicing both local and global customers through their online channels, offers a selection of high-quality handpans complemented by expert guidance to ensure you make the right choice for your musical aspirations. 

Here’s why Sound Artist stands out:

• Diverse Learning Options: Sound Artist caters to all learning styles with one-on-one lessons, group sessions, and intensive workshops.
• Complimentary Handpan Course: With every handpan purchase, customers receive a free 14-day handpan course. 
• Secure Payment Options: Sound Artist prioritizes secure payment methods to protect your information and ensure a seamless purchasing experience.
• Lifetime Support: Sound Artist stands by their products and services with lifetime support for all customers.
• Easy Returns: If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, Sound Artist offers easy returns, making your investment risk-free. 

Conclusion

Choosing your first handpan is a significant step into a world filled with rich sounds and rhythmic possibilities. As you navigate through the process of selecting the right instrument, remember that the quality, scale, material, and layout all contribute to the unique experience of playing a handpan. 

With this comprehensive guide, you're well-prepared to make a choice that aligns with your musical aspirations and practical needs.

For expert guidance and high-quality handpans, consider exploring the offerings from Sound Artist. Servicing customers globally through their online and offline channels, Sound Artist sells not only top-notch handpans but also provides valuable learning resources. 

Connect with us today, and let your musical exploration take flight with the best resources at your fingertips.