How to Choose Your Handpan Scale and Quality: Factors to Look For

Ever wondered what makes a handpan truly sing?

If yes, you're not alone. Many budding musicians have the same question, and that's exactly what this blog post will explore – the traits that make a handpan exceptional.

From the way it sounds to its overall quality, a great handpan can elevate your playing from ordinary to magical. Whether you're just starting out or you're already an experienced player, choosing the right handpan is essential for expressing your creativity and finding that perfect melodic sound.

In this blog, we’ll break down the essential factors to consider before buying a handpan so you can find one that resonates with your style and musical goals!

What are the Traits of a Great Handpan?

The scale and quality of a handpan play a significant role in shaping its sound and playability. A well-crafted handpan with a balanced scale produces harmonious tones and elevates your overall playing experience. High-quality materials and precise tuning ensure the instrument delivers clear, rich notes.

The scale, which refers to the arrangement of notes on the instrument, determines its musical range and the melodies it can produce. Quality encompasses the tuning precision, craftsmanship, and material used, all of which contribute to the instrument’s sound.

Understanding these traits is essential before buying a handpan to ensure you get the best sound quality and playing experience.

Five Important Traits of a Great Hanpdan

1. Note Stability: A good handpan produces a consistent and harmonious sound. Achieving this requires meticulous tuning, ensuring each note balances fundamental, octave, and fifth pitches.
2. Accurate Tuning: Accurate tuning avoids harsh sounds by ensuring each note resonates correctly. This creates a pleasing auditory experience with no metallic overtones.
3. Role of Fundamental, Octave, and Fifth Pitches: The fundamental, octave, and fifth pitches shape the handpan’s sound. When balanced, they produce a uniform timbre, clarity, and sustain across all notes.
4. Stability in Tuning Over Time: A quality handpan maintains tuning stability, even with environmental changes or heavy playing, ensuring long-lasting sound quality.
5. Consistent Tone: A well-balanced handpan ensures each note has a uniform tone, sustain, and clarity. If one note sounds off or differs from the others, it can disrupt your playing experience and affect the overall sound quality of the instrument.

These key traits contribute to the rich and beautiful sound of an exceptional handpan.

But how do you check for these qualities when buying one? Before purchasing, explore the essential factors to look for in a handpan to ensure the best sound and quality.

What Should You Consider When Selecting the Ideal Handpan Scale and Quality?

Choosing the right handpan scale and quality is one of the most important steps when buying a new instrument. While it might be tempting to pick a handpan similar to what your friends or favorite players have, remember that each musician has their own unique style and preferences. What works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

This is why it’s crucial to research thoroughly, consider your playing style, and identify the features that resonate most with your musical goals. Whether it’s the handpan’s scale, material, or tonal quality, understanding what suits you best will significantly enhance your playing experience.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of essential tips that will guide you through the process of selecting a handpan.

Choose Your Styles

The first step in choosing the right handpan scale is understanding your style. You’ll want a scale that aligns with your rhythm and expression, bringing out the best in your playing. Each scale has an emotional tone, adding a unique layer to your music.

Below are some common scales of handpan.

Major scales like Oxalis or Paradise create a bright, lively sound. Their cheerful and sunny tones are often used in meditative music for a calming effect, adding peace and positivity to your playing.

Minor scales, such as D Minor, D Celtic Minor, and D Kurd Minor, bring out deeper, more introspective emotions. They add a touch of melancholy and mystery, creating a reflective and moody atmosphere in your music.

Exotic scales like Hijaz produce unique, ethnic sounds that stand out from typical major and minor scales. They add rich, worldly tones to your melodies, making them ideal for meditation and relaxation music.

Ultimately, choose a scale that resonates with you by exploring different sounds online or in person.

Notes are important traits of a great handpan once aligned with your style.  Next, we will explain how to choose the right notes for your handpan

Select the Number of Notes

When starting with the handpan, choosing the number of notes is crucial. It's not just about how many notes you can hit but how they work together to create harmonious sounds.

Here’s how to choose the right notes while choosing a handpan.

• Start Simple for Beginners: A simpler setup, such as a 7+1, 8+1, or 9+1 layout, is often the best choice for beginners, offering an easier learning curve.
• Balance Variety and Simplicity: An 8 or 9-note handpan provides diverse options without overwhelming new players, aiding in developing musicality.
• Consider Future Growth: You may want a handpan with more notes to explore expanded musical possibilities while ensuring sound quality as you improve.

Therefore, choose your handpan based on your current skill level and musical goals, aiming for a balance that will make your musical journey rewarding.

Have you heard of 440 Hz and 432 Hz?

Let’s find out how these frequencies are a crucial trait of a great handpan that can impact your music!

Choosing Between 440 Hz and 432 Hz

When selecting a handpan, deciding between 440 Hz and 432 Hz tuning can significantly shape your musical experience. The 440 Hz is the standard tuning used globally, offering compatibility with other instruments. On the other hand, 432 Hz tuning is often praised for its warm, soothing sound, making it a popular choice for meditation and relaxation.

While personal preference plays a significant role, understanding the differences and implications of each frequency can help you make an informed decision, especially if you plan to play with other instruments.

440 Hz Tone

The 440 Hz tuning refers to the standard pitch used in Western music, where the note A4 (the A above middle C) is set to vibrate at 440 cycles per second (Hz). 

Most modern orchestras and bands tune their instruments to this frequency, making it the go-to choice for collective performances. Because of its prevalence, it allows musicians to easily collaborate without worrying about tuning discrepancies.

432 Hz Tone

On the other hand, the 432 Hz tuning is a less common alternative. In this tuning, the same note (A4) is tuned to 432 Hz. It produces a warmer, more harmonious sound and resonates better with the natural frequencies of the universe. Hence, it is also known as the universal frequency. 

Some claim that music tuned to 432 Hz can induce a calming effect, making it popular in meditation and relaxation settings. Although this tuning is not scientifically proven to have healing properties, many musicians and listeners believe it creates a more pleasant auditory experience.

Key Considerations for 440 Hz vs 432 Hz Handpans

• Compatibility with Other Instruments: The 440 Hz tuning is the industry standard, widely accepted since 1953. A 440 Hz handpan ensures compatibility with various instruments if you play in a band.
• Unique Tone of 432 Hz: The 432 Hz handpan is favored for its warmer, harmonious sound, often associated with calming experiences. However, claims about its spiritual properties lack scientific support.
• Potential Dissonance in Ensembles: While 432 Hz offers a unique tonal quality, it may clash with instruments tuned to 440 Hz, leading to dissonance in ensemble settings.
• Recording Considerations: Most studios are set up for 440 Hz. Using a 432 Hz handpan may require adjustments, complicating the recording process.
• Personal Preference and Experience: A 432 Hz handpan may appeal to those seeking relaxation and introspection. Conversely, musicians looking for versatility should consider the 440 Hz option. Listening to recordings of both can help inform your choice.

The above are key considerations you keep in mind while choosing the right frequency for your handpan.

Sound Quality and Timbre

When selecting the perfect handpan, sound quality and timbre are crucial factors that influence your overall playing experience. Each handpan's unique character can evoke various emotions, depending on whether you prefer warm, mellow tones or bright, resonant sounds. 

Understanding these elements will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your musical style. Below are some key considerations for sound quality and timbre.

• Material Influence: The material of a handpan greatly affects its sound. Stainless steel handpans offer bright, resonant tones and longer sustain, which is ideal for immersive soundscapes. Nitrided steel handpans provide clear overtones but less sustain, making them suitable for quick, percussive play.
• Warm vs. Bright Tones: Understanding the distinction between warm, mellow sounds and vibrant, metallic tones can help guide your choice. Quality craftsmanship ensures pure, round notes, avoiding harsh pings often humorously called the 'casserole' effect.
• Eliminating Harsh Noises: A quality handpan minimizes unwanted sounds like clanging, creating a smoother auditory experience. It should control the metal's natural sound, allowing for purity and roundness in each note.
• Consistency Across Notes: Listen for consistency in timbre and volume across all notes when trying out a handpan. A balanced experience enables a harmonious blend of melodic and percussive sounds, enriching your musical expression.
• Enriching Musical Experiences: Consistent sound quality enhances the handpan's resonance in various settings, allowing you to enjoy its musical capabilities fully and positively, contributing to your overall experience.

The above factors will help you choose a handpan with the best sound quality and timbre. As we have already discussed, material is another important trait of a great handpan and is crucial for sound quality.

How do you choose the right material for your handpan? Let’s discuss that!

Material and Build Quality

Choosing the right handpan involves more than picking a scale or design.  It’s about finding an instrument that resonates with your musical style and preferences. Factors like the handpan’s material, craftsmanship, and tuning all contribute to its overall sound and playability.

Understanding the handpan’s material and craftsmanship behind these instruments is crucial. Different materials, such as stainless steel, nitrided steel, and ember steel, each bring unique qualities to a handpan.

Here are some common types of steel handpans.

• Nitrided Steel Handpans: Nitrided steel handpans undergo a special treatment process, making them highly durable. They produce bright, vibrant tones with clear sound and great projection, making them ideal for outdoor performances.
• Ember Steel Handpans: Ember steel handpans are crafted with a mix of steel and other materials, resulting in a warm, rich sound. Their unique tone and visual appeal make them a favorite among musicians seeking an immersive playing experience.
• Stainless Steel Handpans: Stainless steel handpans are known for their long sustain, making them perfect for melodic play. However, the sound quality can vary depending on the maker's skill.

It is recommended to first try the instrument on your own and then opt for the right handpan that resonates with your playing style.

Final Note!

Hopefully, the aforementioned traits of a great handpan helped you gain more insight into choosing the right instrument for your musical journey! However, with so many details to consider, it can feel overwhelming. 

If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got you covered at Sound Artist. Our wide selection of high-quality handpans and knowledgeable mentors will guide you every step, ensuring you find the perfect instrument.

Ready to begin your journey with confidence? Schedule a free 30-minute session today, and let us help you discover the best handpan that suits your needs and creative goals. Join our community and elevate your musical experience!