Handpans and Sticks Don’t Mix: Here’s Why!

Have you ever wondered why handpans are traditionally played with hands, not sticks?

Handpans are crafted to produce enchanting tones through human hands' soft and precise touch. Playing with mallet sticks may seem tempting, but it can damage the delicate surface and disrupt the instrument's intricate tuning. Unlike tongue drums, handpans thrive on the nuanced interaction between hands and metal, creating their harmonious resonance.

In this guide, we’ll uncover why experts discourage using sticks on handpans, emphasizing the importance of preserving their integrity and sound quality. Dive in to learn the art of proper handpan playing!

What Makes the Handpan’s Construction and Playing Technique Unique?

The handpan is an incredible instrument known for its soothing, melodic tones, produced by its carefully crafted steel body and specifically tuned sound bowls. The player’s fingers or palms create a delicate touch that interacts with the instrument's surface, enabling the creation of intricate rhythms and expressive melodies. 

The unique construction allows for a deep connection between the player and the instrument, essential to preserving the handpan’s rich sound and resonance. 

Here are some key features of the handpan’s construction and playing technique.

• Material and Shape: Handpans are typically made of steel with a convex, UFO-like shape. 

• Tuning and Notes: Handpans are often tuned to a specific scale or mode. The notes are carefully placed around the instrument, providing many harmonic possibilities.

• Hand Interaction: The instrument’s sound is created through gentle taps, presses, and gliding motions of the hands. This interaction helps produce the distinctive tonal quality and resonance.

• Dynamic Expression: Handpans allow for both soft, meditative sounds and louder, more energetic rhythms, with dynamics being controlled entirely by the player’s touch.

• Fragility of the Surface: The handpan’s delicate surface is vulnerable to deformation. Any forceful strike with a mallet or hard object can damage the instrument, which is why it is meant to be played with bare hands.

The handpan’s unique craftsmanship and playing technique form the foundation of its mesmerizing sound, and preserving this delicate interaction between hand and instrument is crucial to its beauty.

Now, let's dive into how your hands play a crucial role in bringing out the unique and mesmerizing sounds of the handpan.

Touch and Tone: A Handpan Player's Guide 

The handpan is an instrument that relies heavily on the player's touch. The hands provide a delicate balance of precision and expression, bringing the instrument’s harmonic tones to life. Understanding the role of your hands is essential to playing the handpan properly and effectively. 

Here’s how hands contribute to its unique sound production.

• Importance of Touch in Handpan Playing: The sensation of striking the handpan with your hands allows for a direct connection with the instrument, offering control over the nuances of each note.

• Creating Harmonic Resonance and Tonal Clarity: The pressure and angle at which you strike the handpan impact how the metal resonates, ensuring clear, rich tones that vary depending on the force and placement of your hands.

The above are a few reasons why handpans are traditionally played with hands. While it's fascinating to experiment with mallets to explore new sounds, doing so could damage your handpan. 

Before you pick up a mallet, it’s important to understand how this can affect your instrument and why it's best to stick with the traditional hand technique.

Why You Should Not Play Handpan with Sticks? 

When it comes to handpans, playing with mallets or sticks can be tempting to experiment with, but it’s not recommended. To understand why, let’s first look at what mallets are and why they work for other instruments.

What Is a Mallet?

A mallet is a specialized stick used to play percussion instruments. It is typically made of rubber or wood, and its soft head is designed to produce clear, resonant tones without damaging the instrument.

Why do Professionals Discourage Using Sticks on Handpans?

Handpans are metal and have a delicate surface designed to produce harmonic tones when struck with the hands. Unlike other percussion instruments like tongue drums, the handpan’s unique construction requires careful handling to maintain its integrity. When struck with mallets, the surface can get deformed, causing the instrument to lose its delicate resonance and tonal quality.

Playing a handpan with mallets alters its design and compromises the sound it’s meant to create. Preserving the original, hand-played technique for optimal sound quality is essential.

Now let's take a closer look at how handpans differ from other percussion instruments, like tongue drums and steel drums, when it comes to using mallets.

Why are Handpans Different from Other Percussion Instruments and Unsuitable for Mallets?

Handpans are designed with a specific purpose— to be played using the hands. This distinguishes them from other percussion instruments such as tongue drums or steel drums, built to withstand being played with mallets. Here’s why!

• Other Percussion Instruments: Instruments like tongue drums and steel drums have a more rigid and durable construction designed to handle the force from mallets. The materials used allow for controlled striking, making mallet use a viable option for these instruments.

• Distinct Handpan Design: The handpan’s unique, carefully crafted metal surface requires a gentle touch. The touch creates a harmonic resonance key to its ethereal sound when played with the hands. Mallets, on the other hand, can damage the delicate surface, distorting the tone and reducing the clarity of the sound.

The handpan's sensitive structure and the need for precise hand-striking techniques make it incompatible with mallets, ensuring the best sound quality when played as intended.

How to Preserve the Quality of Your Handpan?

Handpans are beautifully crafted instruments that produce a unique sound, but their delicate design requires careful maintenance to ensure their longevity and tonal integrity. Proper handling, cleaning, and storage are crucial to maintaining their beautiful sound, as these instruments are designed to be played with the hands. 

In this section, we'll cover best practices for preserving your handpan's shape and resonance, along with expert advice on properly caring for your instrument, ensuring it stays in optimal condition for years of musical enjoyment.

Here are some tips for maintaining your handpan's quality.

• Handle with Care: Always play with your hands, using gentle taps. Avoid using mallets or sticks to preserve the delicate surface and tonal clarity.

• Keep It Clean: Use a soft cloth to clean your handpan. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage its surface.

• Regular Tuning: Have your handpan professionally tuned to maintain its pitch and sound quality over time.

By following these practices, you can ensure that your handpan remains in top condition for years.

Final Note!

The handpan is specifically designed for hand playing, with the natural touch creating the signature ethereal resonance. Mallets can distort this delicate balance and compromise the sound quality over time.

At Sound Artist Handpan and Creative Music School, we emphasize proper handpan care and technique to preserve your instrument’s longevity and musical clarity. Our expert instructors can guide you on “how to play” with precision and provide the best practices for maintaining your handpan.

Curious to learn more about handpan techniques and maintenance? Schedule your free 30-minute session today and begin your musical journey with expert guidance!