Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Handpan: Tips and Info You Need to Know

Are you mesmerized by the therapeutic sound of the handpan and thinking about getting one for yourself? The excitement of owning this unique instrument is undeniable, but if it’s your first purchase, you must be careful.

With so many stores offering a wide range of handpans, finding the right one that suits your needs can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, not every instrument out there will meet your expectations and might even be poorly made, affecting your overall playing experience.

So, what are the signs that you’re about to buy a terrible handpan that doesn’t live up to its promise? If this is your question, too – we’ve got you covered.

This blog post has a list of signs you need to pay attention to when making your purchase and some valuable tips to help you choose the best handpan for your practice and ensure your investment is worth it.

12 Signs that You're About to Buy a Terrible Handpan

Buying a handpan is a thrilling experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. Whether it’s falling for a low-quality instrument or missing crucial details like tuning, a hasty purchase can lead to regret.

Awareness of common pitfalls can help you make an informed decision and find a handpan that matches your needs. Take a look at 12 signs that you're about to buy a terrible handpan.

Sign 1: You’re Skipping Research

Not doing your homework is a common pitfall. Take time to read reviews, compare manufacturers, and understand the market. High-quality handpans typically range from $900 to $3,000, while cheaper options often compromise quality. If budget is an issue, consider reputable second-hand options.

• Join handpan communities to gain insights on the best stores to purchase your instrument from.
• Ask sellers for recent videos of the handpans in their collection to accurately gauge the sound quality of each instrument.
• Use tools like Google’s reverse image search to verify the authenticity of pictures and detect any potential scams.
• Opt for sellers who provide warranties or support, as these are strong indicators of quality and reliability.

Investing time in research helps ensure you choose an instrument that suits your needs and lasts for years.

Have you ever come across an unbelievable deal? The next sign to watch out for is unrealistic discounts.

Sign 2: The Deal is Too Good to be True

If you’re finding deals on handpans that seem almost too good to be true — hold on! It might just be a red flag.

Handpans are crafted with precision and care, making them naturally more expensive. So, if someone’s offering a “brand new” handpan at a suspiciously low price, the seller could be cutting corners on quality or, worse, trying to scam you.

While looking for discounts is okay, be cautious of deals where the price difference is too drastic. It’s always better to pay a fair price for a high-quality instrument than to save a few bucks and end up with a terrible handpan. Trust your instincts and always do your research!

Sign 3: You’re Buying Without Hands-On Experience

One clear sign that you're about to buy a terrible handpan is skipping testing it first. This mistake often happens with online buys, where you can’t assess the instrument’s true sound quality or feel. A video may show you the basics, but it’s no substitute for holding and playing the instrument yourself.

Without trying it in person, you can’t completely understand whether the handpan suits your style and preferences. From tone to comfort, every handpan is unique, and playing it beforehand ensures you’re investing in the right instrument for your musical journey.

Here’s why you must play a handpan before buying.

• Establishing Connection and Comfort: Playing the handpan helps you feel connected to the instrument, ensuring it’s comfortable for your playing style and travel needs.
• Evaluating Sound Quality: Hearing the handpan in person lets you assess its tuning, resonance, and sound quality to ensure it meets your expectations.
• Examining Craftsmanship and Material: Testing the instrument helps you gauge its build quality and material, such as stainless steel for durability or raw steel for unique tones.
• Alternatives to In-Person Visits: If you can’t visit in person, buy from a seller with a solid return policy and ask for recent videos to evaluate the sound.
• Participating in Live Demonstrations and Events: Attend workshops, festivals, or virtual demos to test different handpans. Ask questions and make an informed choice.

While trying out the handpan before purchasing is crucial, you should also be cautious about settling for a cheap handpan.

Sign 4: You’re Choosing Affordability Over Quality in Handpans

Opting for a cheap handpan may seem budget-friendly, but it often results in poor sound quality and manufacturing defects. These models lack the harmonic richness and precision that captivates handpans, leading to a frustrating playing experience.

Below is the list of how cheap handpan can affect your practice.

• Sound Quality: Cheaper models often need the more harmonic richness of high-quality handpans, leading to a disappointing musical experience.
• Durability and Tuning: Low-cost handpans usually suffer from poor construction and inferior materials, making tuning issues more common.
• Resale Value: Cheap handpans don’t retain their value, making them hard to resell if you upgrade to a better instrument later.

In essence, while the allure of a cheap handpan is strong, it often compromises sound quality, durability, and overall musical enjoyment. Whenever possible, investing in a reputable, high-quality handpan is the best way to ensure a fulfilling experience with this unique instrument.

Sign 5: You’re Ignoring the Handpan Scale

When you’re looking to buy a handpan, one of the critical aspects to consider is the instrument's scale. The scale determines the type of music you can create and how well the handpan fits your musical setup. This is especially important if you plan to play with other instruments.

Here’s how to choose the right handpan scale.

• Understanding Scale and Compatibility: The scale directly impacts musical harmony. So, ensure your handpan's notes align with other instruments, especially in group settings.
• Choosing Beginner-Friendly Scales: Beginners should consider scales like D Kurd or D Celtic for their simplicity and versatility, allowing skill growth.
• Exploring Advanced Scales: Seasoned players may enjoy the complexity of chromatic scales, which offer a wider range of notes but require more skill.
• Ensuring Instrument Compatibility: If your guitar is tuned to a diatonic scale, select a handpan in a similar scale to avoid dissonance and create harmonious sounds.
• Mood and Emotional Texture: Different scales evoke distinct moods. The minor scales are melancholy, while pentatonic scales offer a brighter tone.

Remember, what sounds harmonious to one person may not appeal to another. Music is personal, so trust your ears and instincts.

Ever seen a store referring to handpans as drums? That’s a clear sign you’re about to buy a terrible handpan. Explore a constellation of such red flags below.

Sign 6: Red Flags in Product Descriptions

One common misconception about handpans is that they are simply called "drums." While handpans and drums belong to the percussion family, they are distinct instruments with unique characteristics. A reliable handpan store would never refer to a handpan as a drum. 

When searching for a handpan, be cautious of any store that uses misleading terminology. If you come across a site that refers to handpans as drums, it’s a red flag. A reputable retailer will understand and appreciate the nuances of the handpan, ensuring that you find an instrument that meets your musical needs.

Sign 7: You’re Overlooking Size and Weight

When purchasing a handpan, overlooking its weight and size can lead to several issues. Handpans come in various dimensions, generally with diameters ranging from 45cm to 65cm and heights between 15cm and 30cm, weighing anywhere between 2.5 kg and 4.5 kg. 

These factors considerably impact its portability, storage, and overall experience. Here are some pointers that will help you choose the right size of your handpan.

• Bulk vs Functionality: Larger handpans offer more notes but can be cumbersome, so ensure it fits your storage space.
• Comfort in Playing: Larger handpans may require a stand for comfortable playing due to their weight and size.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Compact handpans work well in smaller settings, while larger handpans are better for outdoor performances where sound projection is essential.

Always choose a handpan that suits your playing style. Otherwise, it can ruin your entire playing experience. With that said, let’s move on to the next sign you’re about to buy a terrible handpan.

Sign 8: You’re Buying from an Unknown Online Seller

Buying a handpan is an investment, and finding one at a bargain price can be tempting. However, it's crucial to exercise caution, especially when purchasing from unknown online sellers. The handpan market is well-known for its nuanced craftsmanship, and prices that seem too good to be true are often red flags.

Follow these simple metrics so you don’t end up in the trap of buying a poor quality handpan.

• Verify Seller Credibility: Verify the seller’s credibility by checking for a legitimate business registration and an online presence with proper legal notices.
• Research Reviews: Look for reviews from multiple sources and be cautious of listings with no reviews or only overly positive feedback, as these may be fake.
• Image Authenticity: Use tools like Google’s reverse image search to ensure that the photos in listings are genuine and not stolen from other sellers.
• Secure Payment Options: Reputable sellers accept secure payment methods like PayPal or credit cards. Be wary of those insisting on wire transfers or Western Union payments.

Sign 9. You’re Choosing an Untuned Handpan

When it comes to handpans, tuning is vital. Imagine investing in this beautiful, magical instrument, only to find that its sound falls flat because it wasn’t tuned correctly.

Handpans' ethereal sounds come from hammering steel sheets to produce specific notes and overtones. If this process isn’t done correctly, the handpan becomes a dissonant mess rather than a musical marvel.

Here are some tips for ensuring quality and managing costs.

• Use Tuner Apps: Smartphone tuner apps are a quick way to check the pitch of each note individually, ensuring your handpan is properly tuned before making a purchase.
• Consider Long-Term Costs: Untuned or cheaper models may require more frequent maintenance and may not be returnable, increasing your expenses over time.

What’s next on the list of warning signs? Overlooking the details, including a poorly written product description, discussed below. 

Sign 10: Description Written in Poor English

The rise in handpan production globally, especially in non-English speaking countries, is exciting. While many of these instruments impress, broken or unclear English advertisements should raise immediate concerns. This isn't merely about language barriers. It reflects a lack of attention to detail in the company's presentation.

If you struggle to understand the content or chuckle at mistranslations, it's wise to consider other handpan builders. Quality craftsmanship often goes hand-in-hand with effective communication.

Sign 11: Beware of Gimmicky Add-Ons

High-quality handpans usually come with the basics — the instrument, a carrying case, and possibly a cleaning cloth. 

Suppose you spot offers that include odd extras like camping stools (dubbed as "handpan stands"), gloves, or finger covers. In that case, it’s often a sign of a lower-quality instrument trying to add perceived value with unnecessary accessories.

Sign 12: Avoid Handpans with Flashy Color Options

The color of a handpan typically results from its material, heat treatment, and finishing processes, all of which are meant to optimize sound quality. Offering multiple color options can suggest that the builder prioritized appearance over sound integrity. 

Painted or unusually colored handpans may look appealing but often compromise the instrument’s sound. Choose quality over looks!

Final Note!

Hopefully, the above blog has helped you to understand some common signs that you’re about to buy a terrible handpan. These signs will help you choose the right instrument and make more informed decisions.

Need help with where to buy the best quality handpan? Visit the Sound Artist store or website to find top-quality instruments in various scales. Check out our handpan collection today and take a step closer to your creative journey!