How are handpans made? Why they sound so amazing and unique

Indulge me a moment, for I am utterly captivated by the physics of handpans – those mesmerizing instruments that weave a tapestry of sounds through their meticulously crafted steel shells. In this journey, we'll unravel the secrets of their creation, exploring the resonance, dynamics, and harmonics that give each handpan its unique soul. Welcome to the geeky side of the handpan world; let's embark on a journey of discovery!

Veil of Secrecy:

Traditionally shrouded in mystery, the world of handpans has gradually unveiled its intricacies. From the patented Hang® to the guarded methods of contemporary craftsmen, a community of experts and co-operatives has shared insights, illuminating the once-elusive details of these captivating instruments.

How long does it take to make a handpan?

Handpans are unique and captivating instruments that produce a distinctive sound, thanks to their meticulous design and craftsmanship. Discover the process of handpan creation, from raw materials to the final product, and learn about the factors that contribute to their exceptional sound quality.

Handpan creation involves several key steps:

Material selection: Handpans are made from raw or regular steel, nitrided steel, or stainless steel, with varying thicknesses

1. Shell shaping: The shells start as flat sheets that can be hand-sunk, spun, rolled, deep-drawn, or hydroformed into shape.
2. Hand-sunk shells are crafted using a manual hammer, requiring thousands of strikes to create the desired half-shell
3. Tone fields: The top shell has several tone fields or notes, which are carefully crafted and tuned to produce a specific pitch

The bottom shell is left open to allow the sound to resonate.

1. Hammering: The steel is carefully shaped and tuned using a process known as hammering, which involves striking the material to create the desired form
2. Tuning: This step requires an experienced tuner and can take several weeks or even months. The tuning process allows the instrument to "settle" slightly, and when re-tuned, it holds the new tuning better each time
3. Cleaning and polishing: This step is not required, but many makers want their handpan to be beautiful and ready to be played. Handpans can be cleaned using a microfiber cloth, and some makers choose to polish the material by buffing it or using a little lubricant

Crafting the Shells:

The heart of a handpan lies in its shells – the convex wonders that cradle the notes within. Craftsmen employ various methods to shape these shells, each contributing to the instrument's unique character.

• Hand Sunk Shells:
• Meticulously crafted with manual or pneumatic hammers, invoking a labor-intensive process.
• Thousands of strikes are required to mold a single half-shell, resulting in a distinctive sound and appearance.
• Spun Shells:
• Securing a metal disc on a lathe, a spinning process shapes the shell using a buck tool.
• A cousin to Rolled shells, this method offers variations in rotation speed, creating unique sonic profiles.
• Deep Drawn Shells:
• Initiated by European makers like Shellopan and Ayasa, this method employs custom molds and an industrial press.
• Ensures even thickness distribution and consistent quality, with Ayasa Instruments leading in production.
• Hydroformed Shells:
• Utilizing water under pressure, this method, pioneered by Sunpan, is especially notable for stainless steel shells.
• Colin Foulke's innovative approach, using a household pressure-washer, has brought hydroforming into the limelight.

Harmonizing the Notes:

With the shells in place, the alchemy of creating musical notes begins. Achieving clarity, stability, and depth of tone, along with distinctive harmonics, is the meticulous art of tuning. The 'holy grails' for makers encompass rich resonance and zero crosstalk, ensuring each note sings in harmony without interference.

The Anatomy of a Handpan:

• The Ding:
• The central note on the top shell, resonant and often convex, akin to the 'innie' or 'outie' styles.
• Techniques like dry hands, rosin, or a violin bow can make the Ding resonate like a singing bowl.
• The Shoulder:
• Surrounding the Ding, the flat part capable of producing percussive sounds and higher harmonics with practice.
• Concave Notes:
• Circling the Ding, these dimple-like notes on the top shell create a scale when played from largest to smallest.
• Tone Fields:
• The flat areas around the notes, akin to the Ding's shoulder, offering percussive qualities.
• The Gu:
• The tuned sound-hole on the bottom shell, producing a bassy note via cupping techniques for 'Helmholtz resonance.'
• Percussive Possibilities:
• Handpan edges, shoulder, and spaces between notes offer an array of percussive sounds, enriching the instrument's versatility.

Conclusion:

While not technically a drum, the handpan's rhythmic potential is undeniable. As we unveil the secrets of its crafting and playing, we find an instrument that transcends mere notes – a captivating fusion of artistry, physics, and magic. The handpan is not just played; it is a vessel for expression, a rhythmic companion, and a journey into the ethereal realm of sound. The handpan, in all its enigmatic glory, beckons us to explore and embrace the extraordinary world it unveils.