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BooksThe world of handpans and instruments like handpan is a rich and soulful soundscape that blends meditative tones with striking craftsmanship. Whether you’ve stumbled upon a street performer playing what looks like a UFO or you’re actively searching for the best melodic percussion instruments, this guide will cover everything you need to know. We’ll explore the differences between a handpan, hang drum, steel drum, and other pan drum instruments to help you make the right musical choice.
What is a Handpan?
The handpan is a convex steel drum played with the hands and fingers. It's known for producing ethereal, resonant tones that make it a favorite among sound healers, meditation practitioners, musicians, and street performers. The handpan emerged in the early 2000s and is inspired by the Hang drum, a pioneering instrument created by Swiss makers Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt.
Read More: Handpan Training
Handpan vs Hang Drum: What's the Difference?
The terms handpan and hang drum are often used interchangeably, but there's a crucial difference:
- HangDrum: The original instrument developed by PANArt in 2000, called "Hang" (pronounced "hung"), is not officially called a drum by its creators. It was handcrafted, limited in supply, and has since been discontinued.
- Handpan: A broader category that includes all similar instruments made after the Hang. These are made by various manufacturers worldwide and follow the Hang's general shape and tonal layout.
While the Hang drum is technically a handpan, not all handpans are Hang drums.
Handpan vs Steel Drum: Not the Same
Many people confuse the handpan with the steel drum (also called steelpan), but they are quite different:
|
Feature |
Handpan |
Steel Drum (Steelpan) |
|---|---|---|
|
Shape |
UFO-like, convex |
Concave |
|
Origin |
Switzerland (early 2000s) |
Trinidad and Tobago (1930s-40s) |
|
Played With |
Hands and fingers |
Mallets |
|
Sound |
Soft, meditative, melodic |
Bright, rhythmic, orchestral |
|
Use |
Meditation, solo performances |
Calypso, jazz, orchestral arrangements |
While both are pan drum instruments, their sound, design, and playing techniques are entirely different.
Read More: Magic of Music with Handpan Lessons Online
Hang Drum Best Music: What Does It Sound Like?
The best hang drum music (and by extension, handpan music) is often described as:
- Meditative and calming
- Deeply emotional
- Atmospheric and resonant
- Minimalist yet complex
If you're new to this world, here are some artists and tracks to explore:
- Daniel Waples– A pioneer in modern handpan music.
- Yatao– A German duo creating soulful, ambient music.
- Kabeção– Known for his multi-layered percussion compositions.
- Hang Massive– Arguably the most famous hang drum act online.
Their videos have garnered millions of views, highlighting the global appeal of handpans.
Which Handpan to Buy? A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right handpan depends on your budget, skill level, and tonal preference.
1. Budget Range
- Beginner ($500–$1,000): These are often mass-produced, may lack tuning accuracy.
- Mid-range ($1,000–$2,000): Good quality, better tone, handmade options.
- Professional ($2,000–$4,000): Handcrafted by well-known makers, premium sound.
Read More: Handpan Price
2. Scale and Tuning
Handpans come in different musical scales:
- D Minor Kurd– Most popular, versatile, and great for beginners.
- Celtic Minor, Integral, Hijaz, Pygmy– Each has a unique vibe and emotion.
Read More: Choosing A handpan Scales
3. Reputable Makers
- Yishama(Israel) – High-end, deeply resonant.
- Ayasa(India) – Great quality at competitive prices.
- SPB(Russia) – Known for warmth and sustain.
- Echo Sound Sculpture(Switzerland) – Artistic and finely tuned.
Always buy from reputable makers or certified resellers. Avoid suspiciously cheap listings; they may be poorly tuned.
Instruments Like Handpan: What Are the Alternatives?
If you love the sound of the handpan but want something different or more affordable, consider these:
1. Tongue Drum (Tank Drum)
- Made from propane tanks or steel tongues.
- Easier to play, usually more affordable.
- Best for beginners or kids.
Read More: Best Beginner Handpans
2. Rav Vast Drum
- Steel tongue drum with deeper, mystical tones.
- Very resonant, easier maintenance.
- Great alternative to handpan.
3. Udu Drum
- Clay-based drum with deep water-drop sounds.
- Played with hands, great for adding texture.
4. Cajón or Frame Drums
- More rhythmic than melodic.
- Complements pan drums in ensemble settings.
Read More: Hang Drum Beginner Guide
Caring for Your Handpan
To maintain your handpan’s pristine sound and appearance:
- Store it in a padded case.
- Keep it dry and away from direct sunlight.
- Wipe it regularly to prevent rust (use microfibre cloth).
- Use Phoenix Oilor FrogLube for steel protection.
Handpans are made of nitrided or stainless steel, so basic maintenance can greatly extend their lifespan.
Read More: Handpan Lessons
Where to Learn or Buy
At Navasaz, we’re passionate about blending the rich heritage of Persian traditional music with the universal language of sound. While our roots are in classical Persian instruments like the tar, setar, and santoor, we embrace the global evolution of music—and that includes modern melodic percussion instruments like the handpan.
Whether you're interested in learning how to play a handpan, or you're looking to purchase one, Navasaz offers expert guidance, curated instrument selections, and personalized training to help you on your musical journey. Our instructors bring a unique cultural depth to teaching, making your experience not only musical but soulful.
Explore handpans and instruments like handpan with us, and let Navasaz be your gateway to sound, tradition, and innovation.
FAQ: Instruments Like Handpan
A hang drum is the original instrument created by PANArt in 2000, while handpan refers to all similar instruments made afterward. The hang drum is no longer in production, but many high-quality handpans are now available.
No, a handpan is played with the hands and produces soft, meditative tones, while a steel drum (or steelpan) is played with mallets and is used in Caribbean music. They are different in shape, sound, and cultural origin.
The D Minor Kurd scale is considered the most beginner-friendly due to its emotional depth and harmonic versatility. It’s a great starting point if you're new to handpans.
Yes, instruments like the tongue drum or Rav Vast offer similar melodic tones at a more accessible price. These are great for beginners or those on a budget.
Yes! At Navasaz, we offer personalized lessons for handpan and similar instruments. Our team combines traditional Persian music expertise with modern melodic percussion to guide your musical growth.
