Good Options for Handpan Alternatives

Are you eager to explore the world of handpan music but can't find one nearby market? 

There is no need to let this obstacle halt your musical adventure! Fantastic alternatives and resources are available to help you begin your journey, no matter your location.

Whether you're looking for a similar instrument to enrich your music or searching for an affordable option to get started, these alternatives can bring that same melodious charm to your musical journey.

Ready to explore these amazing instruments and take your creativity to new heights? Let’s get started!

Why One Look for Handpan Alternatives?

Handpans have become incredibly popular recently due to their mesmerizing, otherworldly sound and ease of play. Their distinct design features hammered indentations, known as "tone fields," which create a beautiful, resonant tone that has captivated both musicians and listeners.

However, handpans can be quite expensive and difficult to find, leading many to explore alternative instruments like steel tongue drums, RAV drums, etc., that provide a similar sound and playing experience.  

In the following sections, we’ll discuss various handpan alternatives available in the market, helping you choose the instrument that best fits your musical style and budget. 

Handpan Alternative: RAV Drum

The RAV Drum, also known as the RAV Vast, is a musical instrument that combines the handpan (hang drum) and the tongue drum. Invented in 2013 by Russian engineer Andrey Remyannikov, it has quickly gained popularity worldwide for its unique sound and ease of play.

Unlike the handpan, which is created through hammering, the RAV Drum utilizes precisely cut steel tongues that vibrate harmoniously to produce an ethereal, meditative sound. 

Let’s learn some amazing features of the RAV drum that make the instrument popular.

What are the Features of the RAV Drum?

The RAV Drum is available in various scales, with over 20 different sound models. This diversity allows players to select an instrument that resonates with their style and musical preferences. 

Additionally, the RAV Drum is designed to be played with the fingers, making it an accessible instrument for beginners and experienced musicians. Below is the list of features of the RAV Drum.

• Advanced Tuning System: Each tongue is tuned with 4-5 harmonics, creating a rich and complex sound profile that enhances the listening experience.
• Variety of Scales: Available in over 20 different sound models, allowing players to choose an instrument that resonates with their musical style and preferences.
• Durable Construction: Made from high-quality steel, the RAV Drum is designed to withstand regular use while maintaining its beautiful sound.
• Intuitive Playability: Designed to be played with fingers, making it accessible for beginners and experienced musicians alike.
• Lightweight and Portable: The RAV Drum is easy to transport, making it suitable for travel, outdoor performances, and music therapy sessions.
• Versatile Sound: Capable of producing soothing, meditative tones and lively, rhythmic patterns, making it suitable for various musical genres.
• Unique Design: The instrument features a visually appealing aesthetic, often with intricate designs and finishes that add to its charm.

After understanding the specific features of the RAV drum, one might wonder why it is an excellent handpan alternative.

What are the Benefits of Learning the RAV Drum?

The RAV Drum offers a unique and rewarding musical experience for players of all skill levels. Its soothing tones and user-friendly design make it easy to start playing and creating beautiful music. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner, the RAV Drum provides endless opportunities for creativity, improvisation, and self-expression.

Here are some benefits of the RAV drum.

• Quick Learning Curve: Beginners can produce pleasing sounds within minutes, making it an encouraging instrument for new players.
• Promotes Relaxation: The RAV drum's calming sounds make it an excellent tool for meditation, yoga, and stress relief.
• Encourages Creativity: The instrument's design encourages improvisation and experimentation, allowing players to express themselves musically.
• Enhances Rhythmic Skills: Playing the RAV Drum helps develop a sense of timing, rhythm, and melody, benefiting musicians of all skill levels.
• Therapeutic Applications: The soothing sounds can be used in sound healing practices and therapy sessions, promoting emotional well-being.
• Community and Collaboration: The growing popularity of the RAV Drum has led to a vibrant community of players, providing opportunities for collaboration and shared learning experiences.
• Affordable Alternative: Compared to handpans, the RAV Drum is more budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wider audience without compromising sound quality.

The RAV drum has so many benefits, but is it pocket-friendly as well? 

What is the Price Range of the RAV Drum?

The RAV Drum is priced at a fraction of the cost of a handpan, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The price of an RAV Drum ranges from approximately $1,115 to $1,250, depending on the specific model and scale.

While still a significant investment, the RAV Drum's price point is more attainable than the high-end handpans, which can cost several thousand dollars. This affordability, combined with the instrument's ease of play and unique sound, has increased popularity among musicians and music enthusiasts.

The RAV Drum is a great relaxation, therapy, or musical exploration option. Its wide range of scales and easy-to-play design make it accessible to everyone, while its affordable price makes it a popular choice. This instrument is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy handpan-style music and inspire creativity.

Handpand Alternative: The Tongue Drum

The tongue drum, also known as a steel tongue drum, tank drum, or hank drum, is a percussion instrument that has gained popularity for its soothing sounds and ease of play. 

The modern tongue drum was developed in the early 2000s, with American inventor Dennis Havlena credited for its creation. Inspired by the principles of the hang drum and traditional slit drums, Havlena crafted the tongue drum from a propane tank, cutting tongues of varying lengths to produce different pitches. 

The tongue drum is classified as an idiophone, meaning it produces sound primarily through the vibration of the material itself. Its distinct appearance resembles a flying saucer, typically played with either mallets or the player’s hands.

Ready to discover what makes the tongue drum so special? In the below section, we will discuss some incredible features that have made this instrument a favorite handpan alternative among musicians and beginners!

What are the Features of the Tongue Drum?

The tongue drum is a captivating and easy-to-play instrument that has become popular for its soothing, melodic tones. Its simple design and gentle sound make it perfect for beginners and experienced musicians. 

Below are some key features that make the tongue drum stand out.

• Construction: Tongue drums are often made from steel or metal alloys, with tongues cut into the top surface to create different notes. Some models are crafted from wood, but metal versions are more common.
• Variety of Scales: Tongue drums come in various scales, including pentatonic, diatonic, and chromatic. Many manufacturers offer multi-scale models, allowing players to explore different musical styles without needing multiple instruments.
• Ease of Play: The intuitive design of the tongue drum makes it easy for anyone to play. There is no need for extensive musical training, and it is nearly impossible to hit a "wrong" note, making it perfect for beginners.
• Portability: Tongue drums are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport for performances, therapy sessions, or personal practice.
• Versatile Sound: The instrument produces a warm, resonant tone pleasing to the ear. It can be used in various musical genres, from meditation and relaxation to contemporary and world music.

After learning about various features of the tongue drum, let’s find out why it is a fantastic choice for musicians.

What are the Benefits of Learning the Tongue Drum?

The tongue drum opens up musical possibilities with its enchanting tones and accessible design. It is nown for its versatile sound and user-friendly approach, the tongue drum is more than just a musical instrument. It's a gateway to creativity and relaxation.

Here are some benefits of learning the tongue drum.

• Accessible to All Skill Levels: The tongue drum suits beginners and experienced musicians. Its simple playing technique encourages exploration and creativity.
• Promotes Relaxation and Mindfulness: The soothing sounds of the tongue drum make it an excellent tool for meditation, yoga, and sound therapy, helping to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
• Enhances Musical Creativity: Learning to play the tongue drum allows individuals to experiment with melody and rhythm, fostering creativity and self-expression.
• Improves Motor Skills: Regular practice can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as players learn to strike their tongues accurately.
• Encourages Social Interaction: The tongue drum can be played in groups, making it a great instrument for collaboration and community music-making.

With so many perks, you might wonder—does the Tongue Drum fit your budget too?

What is the Price Range?

The price of tongue drums in the United States varies based on the brand, materials, and features. Generally, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for a quality tongue drum. Entry-level models may start around $150, while more advanced or multi-scale instruments can reach prices closer to $1,000.

The affordability of tongue drums compared to similar instruments, such as handpans, makes them an attractive option for those looking to explore melodic percussion without a significant financial investment. 

Additionally, the growing popularity of tongue drums has led to a wider selection of models available in various price ranges, ensuring that there is something for every budget.

The tongue drum is a fascinating instrument known for its easy playability, versatility, and calming sound. Its simple design and focus on accessibility have made it popular with musicians and wellness practitioners. Whether you're new to music or an experienced player, the tongue drum offers a great way to create beautiful melodies and explore new musical possibilities.

Handpan Alternative: Gubal

The Gubal is a musical instrument developed by the Swiss company PANArt Hang Manufacturing Ltd. It was introduced in 2013, shortly after the Hang was invented. The Gubal is a vessel made of PANArt's patented Pang, a deep-drawn sheet steel permeated by iron nitride needles.

Are you eager to learn what makes the Gubal so popular? Below, we have discussed some amazing features to check out!

What are the Specific Features of the Gubal?

The Gubal is a unique and innovative percussion instrument designed to produce rich, resonant sounds with a distinct bass tone. Its carefully crafted structure offers a wide range of musical possibilities, making it a favorite among musicians looking for melodic and rhythmic versatility. 

Here are the key features of the Gubal.

• Gu Resonance Opening: Located in the center, it generates a strong 78 Hz bass sound (E♭2).
• Ringding: It is the elastic area around the Gu, tuned to four partial tones: E♭3, B♭3, E♭4, and G5.
• Gugel Extension: A hemispherical extension that lowers the pitch of the Gu by increasing the vessel’s volume.
• Tone Fields: Seven tone fields arranged around the Ringding, tuned to B♭3, C4, D♭4, E♭4, F4, G4, and B♭4.
• Hand-played: Like the Hang, the Gubal is played using the hands.

Having explored its features, let’s now discover why the Gubal is a go-to instrument for creative musicians.

What are the Benefits of Learning the Gubal?

The Gubal is not considered another version of the Hang but rather a new instrument with unique features and playing style. While the Hang was designed for personal use by a single player, the Gubal is suitable for playing with other instruments in an ensemble.

It's clear that Gubal has plenty to offer, but can it also be an affordable choice?

What is the Price Range of the Gubal?

The Gubal is a high-end musical instrument, and its price in the US is not readily available. As a product of PANArt, a Swiss company known for its quality craftsmanship, the Gubal is likely to be priced similarly to the Hang, which can cost several thousand dollars.

Handpand Alternative: Electronic Handpan

The electronic handpan is a modern adaptation of the traditional handpan, designed to replicate its unique sound and playing style using electronic technology. The concept emerged in the early 21st century as musicians sought to combine the ethereal tones of the handpan with the versatility of digital instruments. 

One notable example is the digital handpan developed using the Teensy microcontroller. This innovation allows polyphonic notes to be produced when capacitive touch pads are activated, making it possible to create a lightweight, portable version of the handpan that can be played in various musical settings.

Want to know why the Electronic Handpan is loved by so many? Let’s explore its standout features!

What are the Specific Features of the Electronic Handpan?

The electronic handpan offers a modern twist on the traditional handpan, blending its captivating sound with cutting-edge technology. This innovative instrument allows players to explore various tones and customize them, opening up new possibilities for both live performances and studio recordings.

Here are some of the key features that set the electronic handpan apart.

• Capacitive Touch Technology: This technology utilizes touch-sensitive pads to trigger sounds, allowing for a responsive playing experience without the need for physical mallets or hands on the surface.
• Polyphonic Sound: Capable of producing multiple notes simultaneously, replicating the harmonic richness of traditional handpans.
• Customizable Sound Profiles: Many electronic handpans allow users to modify sound settings, including pitch, reverb, and effects, providing many sonic possibilities.
• Lightweight and Portable: Typically more lightweight than traditional handpans, making them easy to transport for performances or practice.
• Integration with MIDI: Many electronic handpans can connect to MIDI devices, allowing for integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other electronic instruments.
• Variety of Scales: Electronic handpans often come with multiple scale options, enabling players to explore different musical styles and genres.

Now that you're familiar with the unique features of the electronic handpan, let’s explore why it’s a top pick for musicians everywhere.

What are the Benefits of Learning the Electronic Handpan?

Electronic handpan is an incredible choice if you are looking for a handpan alternative. The blend of technology and mesmerizing sound of the handpan makes it popular among music enthusiasts. Below is a list of some benefits of learning to use an electronic handpan. 

• Accessibility for Beginners: The electronic handpan is easy to learn, making it suitable for musicians of all skill levels, including those new to music.
• Versatile Application: Ideal for various musical genres, from ambient and meditative music to contemporary and experimental sounds.
• Encourages Creativity: The ability to customize sounds and effects fosters experimentation and creativity in composition and performance.
• No Need for Physical Maintenance: Unlike traditional handpans, electronic versions do not require tuning or physical maintenance, making them user-friendly.
• Suitable for Collaboration: The electronic handpan can easily integrate with other electronic instruments and setups, making it a great choice for collaborative performances.
• Sound Therapy and Relaxation: The soothing sounds produced by electronic handpans can be used in sound healing practices and relaxation sessions.

The electronic handpan offers many incredible benefits, but is it also easy on your wallet?

What is the Price Range of the Electronic Handpan?

The price of electronic handpans in the United States varies widely based on features, brand, and technology. Generally, you can pay between $300 and $1,500 for a quality electronic handpan. Entry-level models may start around $300, while more advanced versions with extensive features and customization options can reach prices closer to $1,500 or more.

This price range makes electronic handpans more accessible than traditional handpans, which can often cost several thousand dollars. The affordability and versatility of electronic handpans have contributed to their growing popularity among musicians and music enthusiasts.

The electronic handpan represents a fascinating fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Its unique features and benefits make it an appealing choice for musicians exploring new sounds and creative possibilities. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the electronic handpan offers a versatile and accessible way to engage with music, making it a valuable addition to any musician's toolkit.

Handpan Alternative: Hamgam Drum

The Hamgam is a percussion instrument developed by Majid Drums, a drum manufacturer based in Cologne, Germany.

Unlike traditional handpans made of metal, the Hamgam is entirely constructed from wood, offering a distinct sound and appearance. Inspired by the concept of the handpan, the Hamgam aims to provide a different approach to creating ethereal and soothing tones. 

Are you excited to know what features it offers that differentiate it from handpan?

What are the Specific Features of the Hamgam Drum?

Although the traditional handpan inspires the design of the Hamgam drum, its features bring a unique twist, making it an intriguing instrument to explore. Understanding these features is essential for appreciating what makes the Hamgam drum a solid handpan alternative. Here are some key features that set it apart.

• Wooden Construction: The Hamgam features a wooden corpus and seven playing surfaces made from 1mm thick wood composites, giving it a unique visual appeal and sound compared to metal handpans.
• Tunable Playing Surfaces: Six of the seven playing surfaces can be tuned to different pitches using a magnetic system, allowing for a wide range of sound variations and musical possibilities.
• Bass Sound and Snare: The largest surface in the middle of the corpus produces a bass sound, while another surface on the side offers a snare. The snares can be easily tensed or removed using a nut accessible from the sound hole.
• Portability: The Hamgam comes with a padded nylon bag with backpack straps, making it comfortable to transport.

After learning about its features, it's time to explore why the Hamgam drum is a top choice for creative musicians.

What are the Benefits of Learning the Hamgam Drum?

Since the Hamgam is a relatively new instrument, no direct benefits are listed for learning it. However, as the Hamgam is based on the handpan concept, some potential benefits are listed below.

• Accessibility for Beginners: The Hamgam's intuitive design suits musicians of all skill levels, including those new to percussion instruments.
• Encourages Creativity: The ability to tune the playing surfaces and experiment with different techniques fosters creativity in composition and performance.
• Promotes Relaxation: The soothing and meditative tones produced by the Hamgam can benefit relaxation, mindfulness, and sound therapy practices.
• Versatility: The Hamgam's unique sound can be incorporated into various musical genres, from ambient and world music to contemporary compositions.

The Hamgam Drum offers impressive quality, but is it also budget-friendly?

What is the Price Range of the Hamgam Drum?

As a product of Majid Drums, a high-quality drum manufacturer, the Hamgam will likely be priced competitively with other premium percussion instruments. Prices for handpan-style drums can range from around $1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending on the brand, materials, and features.

The Takeaway!

With various handpan alternatives available, we’ve highlighted some of the best options to help you find the perfect fit for your musical journey.  Hopefully, this will help you choose the right instrument to kickstart your musical journey.

But if you are near Centerport Long Island, Hoboken NJ, Costa Rica, or Greece, you're in luck! Sound Artist Handpan School has an incredible selection of handpans waiting for you.  With every purchase, we offer a free 14-day session where you can connect with artists and unleash your creativity.