The handpan can be defined as a percussion instrument that has the ability to emit harmonic sounds and allows the player to charm his entire audience. It is, in itself, an extraordinary, splendid, formidable and magical instrument.
But beyond all these qualifiers and all its names, the handpan has a history and a past as interesting as it is fascinating. Let's discover together the secrets of the handpan and its illustrious journey.
Also read: What is the difference between a Handpan & a Tongue Drum?
1. The Hang drum is both a traditional and contemporary instrument
The first power of the handpan is that it manages to skillfully join the traditional and modern worlds. It is an instrument that is played by hand and whose learning has been passed down from generation to generation.
In other words, the way of playing it has not really changed over the years. However, it continues to produce melodious, crystalline and very original sounds .
Moreover, the great peculiarity of its sounds is that they are very pleasant to the ear . The hang drum, despite all the history it is full of, has managed to adapt very easily to the present era.
It has crossed several civilizations and is full of many stories.
Apart from its sonic peculiarities , the handpan owes part of its fame to the wonderful stories associated with it. This gives it a cultural grandeur and a very important place in history.
It is therefore not just a musical instrument , but also an expression of a reverence for musical art. Its creators worked for years on handcrafted instruments and metal alloys to come up with this fantastic tool.
It fits perfectly into the present century and conforms to individual needs.
The hang drum is considered a recent musical instrument, since its design dates back to just 2001. On this basis, it is relatively young, unlike other instruments of the same genre.
Its originality comes from the fact that it draws its source from a fusion of the sounds of the ancestral Indian drum , and Caribbean percussion . One of the reasons why it offers such a good tone is the fact that the two instruments from which it draws its sources are very appreciated by practitioners of artisanal music.
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2. The Handpan is the result of a very impressive technological mechanism.
The second thing you may not know is that the handpan was born after several years of research and hard work on the part of its designers. It thus symbolizes the taste that they have for innovation, but also the archaic work of several generations of workers.
Indeed, the most experienced manufacturers often have a great deal of know-how in steelpan design. They then rely on their previous expertise to develop hang drums with a totally refined design.
The sense of innovation that manufacturers have demonstrated over several years of design has allowed us to have a plurality of Handpan styles to date. The design involves a process similar to working steel .
But this is obviously not the only subject, and this is what brings out the notion of style. Nowadays, you will come across many styles of hang drum throughout the world. There is the American style, the Swiss style, or even the German style.
If you take a closer look at the Swiss style, you will realize that it is quite original. It is a model set up in the 2000s by Felix Rohner and is made from nitrided steel.
Later some handpan manufacturers started to produce them in stainless steel . The instrument has the particularity of having a sound not only soft , but also ethereal . To learn more and if possible acquire it, you can follow the link handpan or hang drum .
3. The Handpan has wonderful sound properties
The hang drum has several notes that allow it to produce a fabulous mix of sounds that amaze the audience. Designed to be very noticeable to the touch, it comes from a relatively complex manufacturing process. Likewise, the tuning techniques used are quite brilliant.
a. Better sounds, thanks to steel
The steel used in the design of hang drums is a real asset for them. In fact, in the majority of cases, designers use a nitrided steel alloy. By doing so, they are less likely to make manufacturing errors, because the metal is easier to modulate.
Enjoy for yourself the wonderful sound of the handpan through this video.
In other words, the stainless steel alloy is easier to work with, and thus allows for perfect work on each note. By opting for this material, we give the handpan the opportunity to offer a completely different and particular sound .
This is possible because several layers of sound with ethereal effects are created. The result is an instrument that is not only ergonomic, but also has a very sleek design.
b. The different ranges of the Hang drum.
There are several scales to choose from, which allows you to feel different emotions and diversify your creativity. It is therefore up to each person to control and choose the scale that best suits their ears.
As with all other musical instruments, you have the possibility to have both melancholic and joyful melodies. Great players even manage to obtain mysterious and hypnotizing melodies after intense training.
This great variability of emotions gives it notoriety among its entire audience. If you want a sober and easy to handle handpan in D minor, we recommend the ten-note black handpan .
4. The Hang drum has international success
The other thing you probably don't know is the worldwide success of the handpan. This success is mainly due to its properties that could be described as noisy, but tidy and pleasant. To put it simply, the success of the hang drum instrument has exceeded all expectations.
Singers from all over the world now want to have their own instruments, as long as they are authentic and original.
In recent decades, the instrument has taken an international place, thanks to the various wonders it reflects. Apart from the musicians , it is possible to count millions of admirers.
Even if they don't have the opportunity to play it, people like to listen to it , and like to immerse themselves in its melody . The instrument of Swiss origin , recorded throughout the world, several communities of passionate people.
5. The Handpan: a very easy instrument to learn and handle
The Handpan is a musical instrument that may seem complicated at first, but remember that it is very easy to learn . Although it is new in the musical world, it has not had any real difficulty in rising to the ranks of great musical instruments such as the guitar and the piano .
It is also practiced most of the time by fans who are looking for new experiences. The main advantage that the instrument offers to its new players is that it does not require a base to learn, which makes it accessible to a large majority.
For your first times, don't be in a hurry , and make fairly simple gestures . Get used to twisting your wrist and practice until the movement is fluid. Don't worry, ZenaPan is here to guide you through its very good quality hang drums .
It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an intermediate level, you have handpan models that are suitable for your level. The advantage is that you don't have to wait months in a queue like with other manufacturers.
By reading our article on the 5 best handpans in D minor , you will find it easier to make a choice based on your profile.
6. Characteristics: Modern Handpan vs Traditional Hang
| Characteristic | Modern Handpan | Traditional Hang |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in the 2000s | Created in 2001 by PANArt |
| Materials | Nitrided steel, stainless steel | Steel specially treated by PANArt |
| Sound | Crystal clear sound, wide sound range | Warm, deep sound, unique resonance |
| Variety of ranges | Numerous, suitable for various musical genres | Limited, often based on pentatonic scales |
| Accessibility | More widely available | Less accessible, limited production |
| Price | Varies widely; sometimes more affordable | Usually more expensive, due to its rarity |
Discover the magic of the traditional hang on Zenapan. We offer original versions of the hang drum at unmatched prices. Each instrument is carefully crafted to capture the essence and unique characteristics of the hang, and much more. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to own a piece of musical history – visit Zenapan today to find your perfect sound.
What you need to remember
The handpan is a musical treasure offering much more than just melodies. From its ability to promote well-being through soothing frequencies, to the richness of its range allowing for boundless creative expression, each steelpan , whether original or an authentic Swiss hang drum , carries a unique story. Exploring the world of the steel hang drum is opening yourself up to a transformative experience, whether through the purchase of a new instrument or the discovery of a used handpan .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes the handpan unique among musical instruments?
The handpan is unique in its resonant steel construction and intuitive harmonic range, providing a meditative and immersive musical experience unlike any other percussion instrument.
2. How much does a handpan cost?
Handpan prices vary widely, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality, craftsmanship, and rarity of the instrument. A used handpan can be a more affordable option for beginners.
3. Where can I learn to play the handpan?
There are many online resources, including YouTube tutorials and handpan-specific online courses. Some handpan shops also offer workshops and private lessons.
4. How do I choose my first handpan?
Choose a handpan according to the scale that you like the most and that corresponds to your musical objective, whether for relaxation in 432 hertz or composition in 440 hertz. Also consider the number of notes and the price.
5. What maintenance does a handpan require?
To preserve the sound quality of your handpan, clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth and avoid sudden changes in temperature. Use specific oils to protect it from oxidation.
