What You Need to Know Before Buying a New or Used Handpan

It doesn't matter how your handpan comes to you: whether you buy a new instrument directly from a maker and have it custom-made for you, purchase one through a store or platform that offers different models and helps you find the right instrument, or choose a second-hand handpan sold by a store, friend, acquaintance, or another player who has enjoyed the instrument and decided to pass it on. What matters most is finding the right handpan for you. However, when choosing between a new and a used instrument, there are a few important things you should know to make an informed decision.

New vs. Used – Which Is Better?

The short answer: there is no right answer.

Without knowing the handpans available to you, it is impossible to say that a new instrument will be better simply because it is new, or that a used one will be a better fit for you. What really matters is understanding the price range you are comfortable with, what you are looking for in a handpan, and the condition of each instrument.

A new instrument has the benefit of coming fresh from the maker, with no signs of previous use, brand-new transportation and protection accessories, and a recent tuning. In many cases, buying directly from the maker also means having direct contact with them, which can be very useful if you have questions or specific needs. If the instrument is custom-made, this connection can be even closer, as you may be involved in choosing the scale, number of notes, layout, and other characteristics of the instrument.

If the instrument is new but purchased through a physical store or platform, your contact with the maker may be more limited. However, a good seller will provide support throughout your journey of choosing and purchasing your handpan, and after the purchase as well.

Prices for new instruments can vary considerably depending on the models available. Instruments with 10 or 12 notes, for example, tend to cost less than models with 18, 20, or 22 notes, while custom instruments may have different prices depending on their design, complexity, and the addition of extra notes. Even among similar models, prices can vary from one maker to another. Another factor that can influence the final price is what comes with the handpan. Most sellers offer packages that include the instrument along with a case or bag and additional protection.

Used instruments, on the other hand, can be found at specialized musical instrument stores, general online marketplaces, and online groups for handpan enthusiasts or musicians in general. They may be sold as the instrument alone or as part of a package that includes accessories such as a bag or case.

The condition of these instruments can vary considerably. Some may be exceptionally well cared for, with the metal in good condition, the tuning up to date, and a balanced sound. Others may show some normal signs of use or minor changes in their sound or tuning, while still being in good overall condition. These can be great opportunities if you're looking for a good-quality handpan at a lower price.

At the same time, it is also possible to find very inexpensive instruments that have significant damage or other problems. While the price may seem tempting, a low price does not necessarily mean a good deal, especially when repairs or other issues may be involved.

Ultimately, choosing a handpan is about much more than deciding between new and used. Consider the instrument as a whole — its condition, sound, tuning, characteristics, price, and what comes with the purchase — as well as what you personally want from your instrument.

What You Are Getting When You Choose a New Handpan

When you buy a new handpan, you are not only paying for an instrument that has never been played before. You are also getting the experience of choosing something new and having it become yours from the very beginning. When buying directly from a maker, you’re also paying for their time and expertise, as well as the possibility of choosing the scale, number of notes, layout, and other characteristics, or even having a fully customized instrument made for you.

This experience can be even more personal, as some makers share updates, photos, or videos throughout the manufacturing process, allowing you to follow your instrument as it takes shape and giving you a closer connection to the process behind it.

A new handpan may also come with a warranty or after-sales support, giving you additional peace of mind if questions or issues arise after the purchase, whether you’re buying from a seller or directly from a maker. All of these factors are worth considering when comparing the price of a new instrument with a used one.

Used Handpans — What to Consider Before Buying

One of the main advantages of buying a used handpan is that you may be able to find a good-quality instrument for less than the price of a new one. You may also find instruments that are no longer available from the maker or that would otherwise require a long waiting period to be made.

The maker can certainly be an important factor when choosing a used instrument. Each maker brings their own characteristics and personality to their instruments, and many handpan enthusiasts already have their favorite makers or know which sounds they enjoy.

However, a renowned maker does not automatically mean that a particular used instrument is a good choice. What matters most is the condition of the specific instrument you are buying: its physical condition, sound, tuning, and other characteristics.

Even a handpan from a highly respected maker may not be a good purchase if it has serious damage or sound issues, especially if those problems cannot be repaired or resolved after purchase. Knowing the maker is valuable, but it should not be the deciding factor. The instrument in front of you is what you are actually buying.

Buying a Handpan to Repair May Not Be Worth It

It is natural for used instruments to have a slightly different sound and minor changes in tuning compared to instruments fresh from the maker. However, it is not recommended to choose an instrument with clear tonal defects, damage to the metal, or other issues that significantly affect its sound.

With cars, furniture, and other goods, it is common for people to look for damaged or worn-out items at a lower price, restore them, and end up with a good product for less money. This approach, however, does not necessarily work with handpans. Their sound and tuning depend on the condition and structure of the metal, and damage can affect the instrument in ways that are difficult to predict or repair.

A highly skilled maker may be able to refurbish a damaged handpan, especially if they originally made it, but this is not guaranteed. The possibility and cost of restoration will depend on the type and extent of the damage. For this reason, it is not a good idea to buy a damaged handpan simply because it is cheap, expecting it to be fully restored later.

When evaluating a used handpan, look at the complete picture: its condition, sound, tuning, physical characteristics, price, and maker.

Listen, Look, and Finally Play!

When choosing a used handpan, the more you can learn about the instrument before buying it, the better. Ideally, you want to evaluate both its sound and physical condition, as these are the most important factors in understanding whether a used handpan is a good choice for you.

If you are buying online, don't hesitate to ask for videos — several videos, if necessary — to evaluate the sound of the instrument being offered. The seller should play every note of the scale gently and individually, and then demonstrate the instrument being played naturally. Avoid relying on edited audio or heavily processed recordings.

It's also worth asking the seller a few questions about the instrument's history. How old is it? Who made it, and when was it purchased? Has it ever been retuned or repaired? Has it had any significant dents, damage, or other issues? How often was it played, and how was it stored? If the instrument has been modified or repaired, ask what was done and by whom. The more information you have about its history, the better you can understand what you are actually buying.

Videos are also essential for evaluating the physical condition of the instrument. Look for dents, scratches, changes in tone or texture, rust, and any other damage to the metal, whether on the shells or around the edges.

If you have the opportunity to listen to, see, and play the instrument in person before buying it, even better. There is nothing quite like experiencing up close what could become your musical companion!

Whether you buy new or used, take your time, look beyond the price and the maker's name, and choose the instrument that feels right for you. With a little time and research, you can find a handpan with the scale, personality, and sound you are looking for, at a price you feel comfortable paying. There are many possibilities out there — you just need to take the time to explore them and find the one that is right for you.