r/handpan

Hi,

Long story short, 20 years ago I was really tempted to buy a Hang from Panart, but I was a broke student, it was really expensive and the process sounded complicated with a long waiting list, so I let it go. Then life took me elsewhere, but this instrument kept calling my name.

I think this time it is right, and I probably will buy one Handpan soon.

So I am in the process of re-discovering this instrument, watching videos, listening to scales, comparing makers, etc.

Maybe my tastes changed and evolved, maybe the algorithm is stuck in its recommendations, but it seems I stumble in the vast majority on the same kind of music. Dreamy, "mystical", "soothing", ethereal melodies, that, to be honest, I feel a bit cliche/boring after 2 minutes.

I know a Handpan is no conga, but I realise I do not care much for long complex evolving melodies with a ton a notes by musicians showing off their dexterity skills. I know it is part of the DNA of the instrument, but I have a bit the feeling that it is way too often ends in the same new-age chakra-cleaning generic soundtrack if I may try to define it without sounding too much like a dick…

I like more simple, repetitive grooves. Do you have good recommendations of examples with "less notes, and more rhythm"? The techno of the Handpan world?

Thank you.

I've become absolutely enamored with the hand pan, I just feel so drawn to it. I would love to be able to try playing it, but I unfortunately only have the use of one hand. Would it be worth trying one, or would it be too difficult to achieve a nice rhythm or sound? I have always felt musically inclined, but have never seriously played and instrument (played piano a bit as a kid before losing the use of my other arm).

The unfortunate part is how uncommon handpans are, its impossible to try it out without dropping $300 on a cheap probably bad sounding Amazon one. Adding on top of that a disability and its a huge risk. Just curious if you guys might have any input on how difficult (or not) it might be.

Hey everyone! I am looking to hear your experience with handpans in the $1,500 range. I am new to handpans and am looking to jump into it. I have recently been watching videos and audio tracks of handpans and the instrument is AMAZING! What a sound! I am looking at my first handpan. I am looking for strong resistance with amazing tone. I want to avoid the Chinese cheap crap. that pushes me over the grand mark. As I have looked into it, it sounds like even over the grand mark, some companies are stealthily more Chinese than others. This is where it gets tricky. some seem solid but some are still on the lower quality end. I want something that is as high as quality as possible. Preferably as much US made as possible. I just don’t have the experience to know much about the brands and I haven’t heard any of these brands’ handpans in person. Wondering if you guys have. I also don’t want to pay artisan pricing yet so my budget is sitting at $1500. As for other things I am looking for. Stainless steel, D Kurd, preferably 10 note. (Sidenote: What are your thoughts on Rivera, Hamsa, Aura)

Any pointers, experience with the sound of Handpans like this, advice, warnings… would be appreciated! looking for insight on highest quality Handpans you know for $1,500. Thank you guys! Look forward to hearing your input!

Hello everyone!

I'd like to buy a handpan here in Italy. I live in Sicily, but it seems to me that I have not found any dealers or craftsmen in my region. I discovered Vibrasonic and in particular their Somnia handpans. My budget is a maximum of EUR 1000 and I am also willing to buy a used one, but I prefer the new one for payment in instalments. Would anyone more experienced guide me?

Thanks in advance!

I’m from Singapore, recently got a mountain rain Handpan for about $700 USD, it’s fine, but note Separation is not the best. Sounding abit metallic but decent for the money. Wondering what are the options to buy a Handpan that’s artisan level eventually in 1 year when I’ve improved.

Rationale is that if I were to get an ayasa or a yishama, there’s a geographical disadvantage. Any repairs or re-tuning would cost upward of $270 usd purely for shipping to and fro.

Just wondering if there are artisan makers within Asia or the dreaded… China. Or the best bang of the buck Asian maker for the price I pay for a example $3,000 USD

Thank you!

Just out of interest. I noticed makers like MAG use an A2, whereas the more common layout has a B2. Is there a specific reason?

I know it’s the Lydian mode of A Major (F# Minor relative), so perhaps it is more musically sensible, but I love the B2 because you can make a Bm chord with the D and F# dings.

Do you prefer larger ones with more notes and deeper bass, or are you more comfortable with smaller, lighter pans?
I’m curious how the size and diameter affects your playing style, comfort, or sound preference...

I recently obtained an f# minor 21 and I absolutely adore it. My favorite handpan yet. I love how it has this deep emotional sound that makes my eye tear up but my heart get bigger. Especially when I use the low notes (D3/E3/F#3) in combination with the topside notes I get this mix of hopefullness, happiness, bliss but with the sharp edge of an emotional duality.

Yet when I play f#sharp minor on piano or when I listen to famous piano pieces in this scale like nocturne by chopin the most common emotion that arises is dread/sorrow, sadness. Even when I play the exact same not combinations that I do on the piano as I do on the handpan this does not change much.

How is it possible the difference in emotion is so big? With other scales I do not experience this, like d minor or e minor.

I am curious to hear your guy's opinion on this!

I just found out about the lap stands that people are making with 3-D printers or buying from Atlas. Has anyone here used them and if so how do you like them?