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Get to Know Some of Sound Artist’s Recommended Brands

Choosing and buying a handpan is a very personal experience. Whether you are looking to purchase your first instrument, replace an existing one, or simply explore different options before making a decision, getting to know different handpan makers can be an important part of the process. Beyond the scale and tuning, each maker has its own approach to materials, craftsmanship, sound, and instrument design. At Sound Artist, we work with a selection of makers whose instruments we appreciate and confidently recommend to players looking for high-quality handpans.

Here are four handpan brands worth getting to know, plus a fifth one that brings something a little different to the world of handpans.

Yishama

Founded in 2014 by Yhonatan Ale-Yahav in Israel, Yishama began in a small house in the Carmel Mountains, where Yhonatan spent years researching steel, frequencies, shaping, and tuning. After two years of research, the first Yishama Pantams were released. In 2017, Ido Siri joined the team, bringing his experience and contributing to the continued development of the instruments.

Research and continuous development are central to Yishama's philosophy. The maker describes its work as an ongoing exploration of steel, sound, materials, shaping, scales, and tuning, with a constant focus on accuracy and precision.

Yishama offers instruments in different sizes and registers, with a wide range of tonal possibilities. The maker also offers custom scales, allowing players to request instruments tailored to their musical preferences.

Tacta

Tacta Handpans began its journey in 2015, founded by Brazilian maker Rafael D'Arco. His fascination with the handpan began in 2009, when, after struggling to find an instrument to purchase, he started trying to build his own. After receiving his first handpan in 2014, he continued studying and refining his approach to handpan making.

One of Tacta's defining characteristics is its use of stainless steel. Since 2017, the maker has focused on developing stainless steel instruments, which Tacta describes as offering a delicate vibration and a soft, distinctive tone, while also providing durability and ease of maintenance.

Tacta offers a diverse selection of instruments and also allows some degree of customization within its production standards, giving players the opportunity to explore instruments that fit their individual musical preferences.

Mudra

Mudra Handpan was founded by Rafael Ortega, whose musical journey began as a drummer and later expanded into guitar, piano, didgeridoo, composition, production, acoustics, psychoacoustics, soundscape, and 3D sound. After discovering the handpan and eventually acquiring his first instrument, Rafael became deeply involved in studying its construction and sound.

Research and refinement are an important part of Mudra's approach. The maker intentionally focuses on producing a limited number of high-quality instruments, combining handmade craftsmanship with careful tuning and attention to tonal balance.

Mudra offers a wide variety of instruments and also produces custom models, allowing players to explore different combinations of scales, registers, and tonal characteristics.

Aura

Aura Handpan crafts its instruments in Denville, New Jersey, USA, and offers several series exploring different materials and sonic characteristics.

The maker works with a variety of steels and finishes. Its instruments include hand-shaped low-carbon steel models, stainless steel instruments, and nitrided steel options, with each material chosen to provide different characteristics in terms of tone, sustain, durability, and feel.

One particularly distinctive option is the Traveler Series, a more compact stainless steel handpan designed to retain professional sound quality and sustain. Aura also offers custom instruments, allowing players to request scales beyond the examples shown in its catalogue.

RAV

RAV takes a slightly different approach from the other makers on this list. While the brand is best known for its steel tongue instruments, particularly the RAV Vast, its development was strongly inspired by the handpan and Hang tradition. RAV has also produced handpans, making the brand an interesting addition to a list focused primarily on handpan makers.

The story began in 2013, when engineer Andrey Remyannikov, inspired by steel pan instruments, began experimenting with the idea of creating a tongue instrument that could offer different musical possibilities from the handpan. After hundreds of prototypes, the distinctive RAV Vast design was developed.

The RAV Vast features patented V-tip tongue geometry and an internal rib system, contributing to its deep, resonant sound, clear note separation, and rich overtones. The RAV family has since expanded to include instruments such as the more compact RAV Moon and the RAV Anima, designed for harmonic and chordal playing.

Finding the Right Instrument for You

These five makers take quite different approaches to materials, construction, design, and sound. And that is exactly what makes exploring different handpans so interesting.

At Sound Artist, we recommend taking the time to listen to different instruments, explore different scales and materials, and consider what kind of sound and playing experience you are looking for before you buy. Whether you are purchasing a new handpan, looking for a particular maker, or simply comparing your options before making a decision, there is no single handpan that is right for everyone. The best choice is the instrument that connects with your musical preferences, your playing style, and your budget.

The makers featured here are some of the brands we appreciate and recommend at Sound Artist. Each offers its own personality and approach to the instrument, giving players more possibilities when choosing, buying, or exploring a handpan that feels right for them.

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LIFETIME SUPPORT

At Sound Artist, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional support to our customers long after their purchase. Our support policy for the handpans we sell ensures that you have peace of mind and assistance whenever you need it. Whether you have questions about tuning, maintenance, or playing techniques, our knowledgeable team is here to help. We offer prompt responses to inquiries via email, phone, or live chat, ensuring that you receive the assistance you need in a timely manner. Additionally, if you encounter any issues with your handpan, we provide troubleshooting guidance and repair services to ensure that your instrument remains in optimal condition. With Sound Artist, you can trust that you'll receive ongoing support and guidance on your musical journey.

EASY RETURNS

Easy returns mean that if you change your mind, receive a damaged or incorrect item, or simply don't like your purchase, you can send it back without a lot of hassle. This convenience is particularly important when shopping online, where you can't physically inspect the product before buying. Knowing that a retailer offers an easy return process can boost your confidence when making a purchase. It reduces the fear of making a wrong decision, which can lead to more online shopping and trying out new products. Easy returns essentially eliminate the risk of a bad purchase. You can try a product, and if it doesn't meet your expectations, you can return it without losing your money. Retailers who offer easy returns tend to have more loyal customers. Knowing that they can return items if necessary builds trust, which can lead to repeat business and positive reviews. A straightforward return process saves you time. You don't have to jump through hoops, making the overall shopping experience more efficient.

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