How does a handpan work?
Although they are relatively new to the music world compared to older instruments like flutes or even guitars, handpans have quickly gained a large following because of their ethereal, unusual and meditative sound. However, because it is a newer instrument, less is generally known about the handpan, so there are still many questions left unanswered among beginners (and even experienced musicians) , such as: “ How does a handpan work? ”
If you are drawn by the reputation of this exquisite instrument, but are unsure about its construction, history, price, or how to choose an instrument for your current level of knowledge, our series of blog posts with information on the subject will help you out.
Today we're talking about how the handpan works and you'll learn about scales, different ways of playing the instrument and much more. After that, you'll definitely be able to answer the specific question " how does a handpan work ?" Enjoy reading!
How does a handpan work?
The handpan consists of two steel shells that are connected at the edge. There is nothing inside the instrument that determines the sound of the instrument. Handpans and similar instruments work according to a very special principle of compressive stress in the plane.
It is a common misconception that the “ notes ” or “ sound fields ” on a handpan are under tension, like the skin on a drum. In fact, the opposite is true.
In fact, the metal within the sound field is under compressive stress. The metal within the sound field presses against the rim in all directions. This creates a state of controlled buckling, similar to the metal lids of preserving jars.
To make the sound fields pleasant to the ear, tuning the instrument forces certain vibration modes into the tone. These frequencies are usually an octave of the fundamental pitch (the octave is twice the fundamental pitch) and a second overtone, which is usually tuned to a compound fifth (three times the fundamental pitch).
It is this harmonious relationship of frequencies in each note that creates the unique sound of tuned steel that so many people love and desire.
So is a handpan like a drum?
As previously discussed, the handpan is actually the opposite of a drum.
What are drums?
Drums are percussion instruments that produce sound when a player strikes a skin/membrane - a stretched membrane attached to the frame or drum shell of the instrument. This makes drums a membranophone .
Throughout music history, drum heads have been made from animal parts such as goat skins, but today's drums almost always use synthetic heads. Drummers play drums by hand or with mallets, drumsticks, sticks, wire brushes, and pedals.
What are handpans?
The handpan is a so-called idiophone.
How does a handpan produce a sound?
As an idiophone, it produces sounds primarily through its own vibration and without the aid of compressed air, tensioned membranes, strings or electricity. Other instruments that fall into this category include bells, cymbals, tambourines and even mallet instruments such as xylophones or marimbas.
Although individual designs may vary slightly, the beginner and expert handpan are always made of two convex steel halves joined together (sometimes giving the impression of a flying saucer). The upper half of the instrument has a central dome called the "ding" that produces the fundamental or bass note, while the "gu" is an opening on the bottom of the instrument that helps it resonate and produces the warm, long tones characteristic of a handpan.
At least seven notches are arranged in a circle around the “thing”, each representing a specific note and tuned to a specific (diatonic) scale such as major, minor or harmonic minor and many others.
It makes it easier for a beginner to start playing and improvise more freely, as there are basically no "wrong" notes from a harmonic point of view. However, it might sound a bit strange if you buy a handpan used that is out of tune, or your handpan has become out of tune after many hours of playing.
What is the diatonic scale?
A diatonic scale is a musical scale with seven notes (also called a heptonic scale). Diatonic scales require two semitone intervals ( semitones ) and five tone intervals ( whole steps ) within an octave. The two semitone intervals should be separated by two and three tones. If you played all the white notes on a piano keyboard, starting on C, you would have played a diatonic scale.
Does a handpan only work with the hands?
When played with the hands, this instrument produces soft, harmonious, hammer-like tones. The resulting sound can vary in both pitch and sustain depending on which part of the hand is used and exactly where on the surface is struck.
You can also use the handpan with mallets , but this should be left to experts, as you could easily damage the handpan as a beginner. If mallets are used, completely different sounds are created, which are often used for recording via amplifiers. But as mentioned, this is more for advanced players and experts.
Use gloves to play the handpan
All handpans can be played with gloves. It is very pleasant to touch and play a handpan with gloves on because the sound of the instrument changes. The sounds of the notes are shorter, the volume is lower and the general atmosphere is much duller.
Use mallets to play the handpan
The hand drum from Sonodrum can be played by hand or with suitable mallets. The technique of playing with mallets is radically different and so are the sensations.
In addition, the resonance that is created by contact with buffers and latex brings a new dimension to the instrument. The angle and force of the notes you hit determine how they sound. That's why there are various sticks that allow you, as an advanced player, to learn different playing techniques.
Is it difficult to learn handpan?
It is not difficult to learn the handpan. You can first try to create melodies intuitively and then you can use our handpan music book to help you. The book explains the instrument in detail and there are many songs to play on the handpan. The music notes are converted into handpan notes and symbols. This sounds more complicated than it really is!
My handpan doesn't work!
Do some of the notes on your handpan seem a little off… is it out of tune? If you've spent many hours playing your handpan, you might think you know it well enough to try and tune it.
We understand the temptation, but similar to building a handpan, we recommend that only a professional tune the instrument. A handpan tuner is skilled in the art of tonal tuning. It is very difficult and you cannot tune it with just a " good ear for music ". This special skill is a craft that takes years to learn, so don't think you'll tune your handpan with your guitar tuner. Professional instrument makers use special tuning software.
Care of the handpan
To prevent the handpan from going out of tune so quickly, you can use these tips:
- Treat with a care product: To keep the appearance and sound of your instrument in good condition, it is advisable to treat your handpan with a natural oil every time after playing. The oil protects the material from external influences (including acid and grease from your fingers and dirt, which can cause stains and rust).
- If you are near the sea, clean and neutralize the handpan with ketone-based alcohol (available from pharmacies) before applying the oil , as the salty air can accelerate rust formation.
- If you play the instrument on bare legs, for example in summer, include the floor in the care. You do not need to clean the inside of the hand pan.
- To remove dirt, stains or oil residue, put a small amount of a ketone-based product on a cloth and clean your handpan. Then treat it with oil. Apply the oil well, including to the edges.
- If rust stains appear on the pan, you can remove them as follows: Put some alcohol on a rag and gently scrub the rust stain. Then wipe the handpan well with a clean cloth and some alcohol before applying oil.
