The Best Handpan for Beginners (Buying Guide)

Handpans are becoming increasingly popular for their unique sound and ability to create a calming and meditative atmosphere. However, not all handpans are created equal. If you're looking for the best authentic handpans with accessories, we've got you covered.

What is a handpan?

Handpans are a unique instrument, invented in the early years of 2007. They supposedly originated in Bern, Switzerland by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer although it could be argued that the steel pan came from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1930s as an adaption from another steel pan drum. The "handpan", "Hang Drum", "pantam", and "UFO Drum" are various names for a family of closely related musical instruments. Made of two convex steel sheets glued together, they feature tuned notes on both the top and sometimes bottom halves, playable with the hands.

Why is the handpan unique?

With the hand pan being such an unusual musical instrument it has developed its very own niche market. Within this market, people understand both the quality of the metal used as well as the craftsmanship involved in developing such an instrument. Due to the time and skill that it takes to produce a single handpan, people are willing to pay such a high price for them.

One of the benefits of a handpan is that it’s similar to a gamelan in that it relaxes you and lets your mind settle or wander freely without worry. As you play, you’ll feel your mind and body start to relax, and you’ll be able to express yourself in a way that words cannot. It’s the perfect way to relieve stress or simply unwind after a long day.

Comparing it to Tongue Drums and Steel Drums

Handpans produce a clear, bright, and smooth sound with medium to high sustain, giving them a magical quality. In contrast, tongue drums have a fuzzier sound with a longer sustain.

Steel tongue drums are typically smaller but heavier than handpans. They are constructed with thicker steel and resonate for a longer duration than handpans.

How to play the handpan drum

The handpan itself is designed to be played in a similar way as the drum. It is played by using your hands to play keys on the pan itself, each time producing a unique sound depending on where you hit the pan and the way in which you do so. Over the past decade, musicians have learnt to use the hand pan to produce sounds and the melodies of songs that would usually be played by a more classical instrument such as the violin or piano. 

How much does a handpan cost?

The price of a hand pan can vary depending on the material that it is made from, the brand, design and the techniques used to make it. Prices typically can range from £15 for a budget cheaply made pan - £3500 for a luxurious steel high quality instrument.  

When you buy a cheap instrument, it will soon become obvious that the cheaper option was not the best way to go due to it being made from poor quality metals. If the thought of owning one of these instruments interests you then see our buying guide below.

How does it sound like?

The Om metal hand pan produces resonant tones that are soothing and calming. Its clear notes create a peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxation and meditation.

Handpan buying guide for beginners

1. NovaPans Starter Handpan (Sponsored)

NovaPans Handpans Generation 4 Starter handpans are perfect for beginners for several reasons. They're made from strong, high-quality steel that produces clear, stable notes - important when you're learning. The handpans have a bright, balanced, and beautiful sound. Despite being NovaPans' most affordable option, they don't skimp on quality, offering features that both beginners and more experienced players will appreciate.

These handpans strike an ideal balance between price and performance, making them an excellent choice for anyone starting their handpan journey. For customers in Australia, you can purchase these wonderful handpans at NovaPans Australia. For customers in all other locations, you can purchase NovaPans handpans here.

2. Om Manali Tongue Drum

While technically not a handpan, the Manali Metal Tongue Drum is similar in that it’s made from metal, has distinct notes, and features a comparable shape. It includes rubber feet for stability, allowing you to focus on your music without distraction. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this tongue drum comes with a cool Gheri carry bag and two beaters, giving you everything you need to start your musical journey. Purchase the Manali Metal Tongue Drum here.

3. Saraz Handpans

Saraz is a well-known company in the handpan community, they are known primarily for their custom series stainless steel pans that are nitrided and come in various different scales and note variations. On their website they also have a selection of accessories such as microfibre cloths, carry case, soundpan rust wax, rain cover, evapad and more. Check out the Saraz Handpans here.

4. Meraki Handpans

Meraki Handpans are an Italian company that produces steel handpans that come in a variety of scales.

5. Ayasa Handpans

Ayasa Handpans are known for their extraordinary instruments. Their handpans are made with high-quality steel. The two main separations in design are the Ember steel class which consists of a rounded sustain, ceramic like sound, rust protection, more stability, patina temperature colours ranging from bright gold to purple or blue. The Stainless AISI 430 class which has a 1mm nitrided steel shell allowing for a more deep sustain sound. They also offer a variety of accessories such as tuning hammers, tuning sticks, phoenix oil for rust protection, scotch brite ultra fine for cleaning dirt and rust particles.

6. Professional Handpan

These professional hardpans come in two different scales, these are; A scale with the following progression: A, C, D, Bb, G, E, D, F, A and the G scale variation has the following progression: G, Eb, D, F#, A, C, D, Bb, G. 

7. Aura Handpans

Aura Handpans are known for their sound quality, mixed colour options and different series for musicians who are at a different stage of learning. These series include the beginner series, Azure, Pantam and resonance. There are subtle differences between each series and the price varies from the low end of the scale to the upper range but is mainly based on aesthetics. Each handpan is made by hand and undergoes strict quality control to ensure it meets the highest standards. With a warm and balanced sound, Aura Handpans are perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

Handpans (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the purpose of a handpan?

The handpan exerts a profoundly harmonizing and calming influence on our minds. The gentle tones it produces signal to our brains that it's conducive to unwind and release stress and tension.

Are handpans waterproof?

High-quality handpans are more durable than you might expect. Spyros Pan, a skilled player from Greece, once submerged his Halo handpan in a swimming pool for a two-hour photoshoot. After thoroughly drying it with a regular microfiber cloth, six years later, it remains completely free of rust.