6 Magical Instruments Like Handpan

Is it your quest to enrich the musical journey? From being a newbie in the world of music to expanding yourself into newer steps, Navasaz Academy facilitates top-end music lessons on diverse instruments, including handpan. Looking for something special in instruments like Handpan? We invite you to join a musical journey whereby the perception of rhythm and melody is going to change forever.

The Handpan: A Unique Instrument with Global Appeal

The handpan, much better known as the hang drum, is a rather new instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians and enthusiasts throughout the world. The handpan is very good for meditative and introspective playing with its soothing, ethereal sound. This musical instrument fixes together melody and rhythm into one harmonious experience for players of all levels. At Navasaz Academy, we specialize in handpan lessons that cater to the needs of both the beginner and the more advanced musician.

What is a Handpan?

The handpan was first created by Swiss artisans in the early 2000s and conventionally drew inspiration from traditional steel drum instruments. The instrument comprises two hemispherical shells of steel, glued together, forming a resonant body. Unlike most other percussion instruments, the handpan can produce rich harmonic tones ranging from deep bass to high-pitched melodies. It’s an emotive expressive instrument, and the simplicity is fantastic for musicians starting into music.

Instruments Like Handpan

While the handpan can be such a uniquely sounding instrument, several other instruments within this category create similarly enchanting and even ethereal sounds. Take a peek at some of the instruments similar to the handpan that shall bring some magic into your musical journey:

1. Hang Drum

It was the forerunner of the modern handpan and, therefore, the very first of its kind. It was developed in the year 2000 by two Swiss inventors, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer. The hang drum draws inspiration from the Caribbean steel drum and the Indian ghatam. Similar to the handpan, the hang drum produces ethereal, somewhat bell-like tones and is played with the hands.

Although the hang drum is no longer in production, its spirit continues with its successor, the handpan, and other similar instruments. Musicians who love the handpan often look for hang drums for their unique and distinctive sound.

2. Tongue Drum

Other beautiful cousins of the handpan are the tongue drums, also known as slit drums or tank drums. The instrument is presented in variations either in steel or in wood, each with cuts on the surface in the form of tongues. The player strikes the tongues either with fingers or with mallets.

While much more percussive in tone than a handpan, the sound of the tongue drum is soothing and rich, making it very popular as an instrument used for meditation and relaxation. The tongue drums come in many different sizes and tunings, hence leaving a lot of options for musicians of every level.

3. Steel Pan

The steel pan, more appropriately termed steel drum, originates from the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago and is among the oldest siblings of the handpan. The steel pan is played with mallets and usually produces bright and metallic tones which is common in Caribbean music.

The handpan was far more tame in tone compared to the steel pan, but both instruments are largely tuned and constructed by a similar method. The influence of the steel pan carries through into the design and also into the sound that the handpan has, where both instruments create melodic harmonics from one strike.

4. Ghatam

The ghatam is a South Indian percussion instrument traditionally made from clay. While it is not exactly in both sight and sound like the handpan, it does share the same characteristic of having been played by hand very appealing aspect of the handpan. When played, the ghatam produces deep, resonant tones that can be both melodic and rhythmic.

While primarily utilized in classical Indian music, the ghatam is a favorite of world music enthusiasts due to its tonal range and rhythmic versatility. Its ability to create intricate rhythms and expressive melodies creates a meditative quality similar to that of the handpan.

5. Rav Vast

The Rav Vast is yet another handpan-like instrument with its construction similar to that of the handpan, but it offers an even deeper and richer tone. Originating in Russia, the Rav Vast is created of stainless steel with tongue-like depressions all around its surface, just like the one called a tongue drum.

The Rav Vast represents long-sustaining notes and a smooth, melodic tone, and this is very well-liked by musicians who play ambient and meditative music. Due to the similarities in playing technique and resonant sound, it’s often mentioned about the handpan.‬‬

6. Kalimba

While the kalimba does not resemble the handpan in appearance, its melodic and soothing sound shares a lot in common with the handpan. The kalimba is an African traditional instrument, better known as a thumb piano, made of wooden or metal tines attached to a wooden body. The player plucks the tines with their thumbs to create soft, bell-like tones.

The kalimba is great to use for meditation, relaxation, and even lullabies since the light sound is soft and soothing. It is also quite similar in comparability to learning the handpan in that it is rather easy and intuitive to play.

Handpan Costs: What You Need to Know

If you’re seriously going to learn to play the handpan, you will need to get yourself an instrument. However, the price range for the handpan will depend on the quality of the instrument and the place of purchase.

A reasonably good handmade handpan costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Here at Navasaz Academy, we believe that this is a bit too costly, so we take our students through a step-by-step guide on the selection of the most feasible handpan, depending on the needs and budget.

We also let the students use our handpans during lessons before committing to buying one. This will allow you to get familiar with the instrument and choose which model will best suit your playing style.

Handpan Lesson Guide for Beginners

If you’re considering playing the handpan, you may think, “Where do I start?” Don’t worry; our handpan for beginners course is here to walk you through each step in learning this instrument. Starting with hand techniques and going through some advanced rhythm and melodies, our lessons give you a great, well-rounded base for this unique instrument.

Meet Our Teachers: Ali Massoudi and Padideh Ahrarnejad

Navasaz Academy proudly involves two of the most skillful and experienced handpan instructors: Ali Massoudi and Padideh Ahrarnejad. Both are highly recognized musicians and at the same time motivated by teaching.

Sign up for Handpan Lessons Today

If you have always wanted to learn an instrument which is as unique as it is captivating, this is the time to apply for handpan lessons at Navasaz Academy. Guided by our expert instructors and supported in a helping learning environment, you will be playing beautiful melodies in no time.

Get the right initiation in the world of music with our services at very affordable rates. For more information about handpan for beginners or to inquire about handpan costs, feel free to let us know, and we’ll help you make the most informed decision.