Which first handpan to choose? | Guide for beginners

Which handpan to choose for the first time? - It is one of the questions that immediately comes to mind when you hear a handpan for the first time in a concert, on the street or in a video. After the initial surprise at its shape, its sound and the feeling it can generate in you, the desire to be able to make music with this expressiveness becomes latent... how do you play the handpan? And how do you choose your first handpan for beginners ?

An enveloping, magical sound, different from all the sounds we are used to hearing, and within everyone's reach due to its simplicity in playing. Anyone who has the desire, time and passion will want to buy a handpan, as it is an instrument that can be understood without any previous musical knowledge, although it does require a minimum level of rhythmic skill and creativity in its interpretation.

If you don't have one yet, you can go to the workshops and courses in your area where the instrument is provided to see if it suits your taste. Here we will try to guide you on the right path and make it easier for you to decide on your first handpan. Read on in this guide for beginners and you will be able to choose the right instrument at the end.

How to choose a handpan as a beginner?

Choosing a handpan scale is a very tricky argument, and one of the most important when choosing a handpan as a beginner. The financial investment in purchasing an instrument and the commitment to learning to play make the choice of one scale or another a crucial factor. There are various theories and opinions about which scale or version is best for the handpan, but often the choice is based on personal taste, some music theory considerations and a bit of luck.

Our customers often ask for advice when they first start playing handpans , and we are committed to helping them choose. That's why we'll analyze all the scales here to give you the basic information you need to understand handpan scales . We offer the scale that most customers choose, which is the D minor scale.

Choosing the Handpan range

Let's now take a closer look at the different criteria that you should consider when buying your first handpan. This also applies if you want to buy a used handpan . First we'll talk about the number of notes and then the frequency. After that we'll look at the scales.

How many notes do you want?

Depending on the chosen or available scale, the number of notes is limited by physics and frequency. You can find handpans with 6 up to 24 notes.

What is the best number of notes for a beginner handpan?

To start with, we would suggest choosing about 9 - 10 notes on the upper part of the instrument. So take a closer look at the Sonodrum with 9 + 1. It is better to start with a handpan that is manageable, to connect with your instrument and to learn on it and with it.

Choosing the frequency: 432 Hertz or 440?

• 432Hz or 440Hz refers to the frequency of the A4 pattern note (Lá4).
• 440HZ: 99% of today's music is on this frequency.

• 432Hz: There is evidence that 432Hz tunings have healing and therapeutic effects. In recent years, this frequency has become very popular among music therapists and enthusiasts who want to use music as medicine.

Which is the best handpan?

While you can choose the notes on a handpan , you're much more likely to select a scale or choose one that's available from a manufacturer.

Which scale you choose is a matter of personal preference. Before you decide, listen to as many videos of as many different scales as possible. Also listen to how they are played by different players.

How can you determine the quality of a handpan?

The most important feature of a handpan is the tuning of the notes. Each note should be tuned to a specific pitch within the instrument's set scale. In addition to the fundamental note, the instrument maker tunes two additional overtones (or harmonics) to each handpan note in a ratio of 1:2:3. The tuning, the manufacturing process and the price are therefore important.

THE MOOD

1. Major scales: Handpans with happy scales - Major scales are bright, peaceful, cheerful and exude a feeling of happiness. Handpans with major scales are generally relaxing and pleasant to play. They are great for meditative playing, music therapy or sound healing.
   
   
2. Minor scales : Handpans with heavier sounds - Minor scales are much more than just melancholic... They are complex, classical, sometimes dark and overall more emotional. With a handpan in a minor scale you can express strong feelings in your music, create mood, tension and a sense of mystery...
   
   
3. Flavorful Scales: Handpans with Exotic Scales - Flavorful scales can be in both major and minor, but are typically characterized by their cultural background, which differs from that of European music. The most common scales for the handpan include Indian, Middle Eastern and Chinese scales. These scales are incredibly graceful and fascinating. All you have to do is close your eyes and the sounds of these handpans will transport you to the other extreme of the globe in an instant.

THE PRODUCTION

Most handpans are 45-60 cm in diameter . They are made from raw/regular steel, nitrided steel or stainless steel in different thicknesses and qualities and consist of two domed shells joined together. Producing and tuning each note is the most difficult and slowest part of the process. The "sanctuaries" for the instrument makers are stability and depth of tone, clarity, pronounced overtones and harmonics, rich resonance and no "crosstalk" (where the sound of one note negatively affects another). By the way, if you need a little reminder of all this technical terminology, you can consult the Handpan Music Book .

Many manufacturers fire their pans in the oven several times during this phase to ensure the durability of the mood.

THE PRICE

The prices for a handpan are between €1,500 and €3,000. You can find a very good handpan for €1,500. Look for bargains from well-known manufacturers or online sites in Germany!

Vocabulary you should learn before you start

We have just discussed a few terms that you will also find in our Handpan music book. Here is a brief overview.

Some expressions you should know:

1. Ding - The middle note of a handpan. This is usually the lowest note on a handpan and is surrounded by the “shoulder”.
   
   
2. Dimple - Dimples are the areas in the middle of each pitch field. They can be either raised or recessed.
   
   
3. Gu - At the bottom of the handpan there is an inward-curved resonance hole that is about the size of the palm of your hand. This recess is also known as the Gu.
   
   
4. Shoulder tones - These are overtones that are usually found on lower-pitched notes. They are heard by striking the shoulder area of ​​a note. Different areas of the shoulder can produce different shoulder tones. The shoulder is the area that surrounds the center tone field at the top level of the tonal system. The peripheral areas around other tone fields are also often referred to as "shoulders."
   
   
5. Bottom notes - These are sound fields that are located at the bottom of the handpan. They complement the possibilities for playing the instrument. They are much more difficult to reach than the other sound fields. Handpans with bottom notes are therefore more suitable for advanced players.
   
   
6. Maker / Tuner: There are numerous methods for tuning handpans, and each manufacturer has the ability to choose from them. Another aspect to consider when tuning handpans is knowing the material used and the way the instrument was formed. Whether your instrument was drawn, hammered, hydroformed, turned or rolled will affect the tuning techniques used. Whether you need routine tuning or help repairing your handpans, only a professional tuner can help you tune your handpan.

Conclusion: Which first handpan should you choose? | Guide for beginners

In the world of handpans, new terms are constantly being added and changed, which can be particularly confusing for beginners. We hope that you have now gained an insight into the world of the instrument and that it will be easier for you to decide on your first handpan.

There are countless handpan scales. To make things even more complicated, many manufacturers give the scales their own creative names, even though they are variations of the same scale. You will find the D minor scale on the handpans in our shop, which are suitable for both beginners and advanced players.

There is MUCH more to tell about this instrument, which we like to do in our blog posts .