You might have noticed the two curved hand-held instruments that many bands use through performing. These two pieces of instruments are called handpan drum and play a vital role in the sound enhancement of the whole band. If you like to have a handpan, the good news is that it is available on the online market. Here, we made a list of the ten best hangdrums and their key features to help you make the best choice.
What is a handpan?
The handpan is the real name of the hangdrum instrument made by two young inventors in 2000 from Switzerland. Usually, there is a dimple in each note’s middle of each hang drum, and there are several Gu (holes) under the instrument, too. In general, each hand pan can generate between 7 to 12 notes, but the most common ones have nine notes. Today, you can find names and various types of handpans, such as tongue drum, and Pantam. But the most appropriate name for this instrument would be drum Handpan or Pantam.
How to make a handpan?
It might be interesting to know that each handpan builder uses different actions to reach the unique sound. And over the years, these formulas get more advanced and distinct.
While it might seem hard, you can make a basic handpan drum. Here are six simple steps that you can take and make a handpan instrument.
- First, you have to choose a flat steel surface and make a bowl shape.
- Then it is time for heat treatments, you can choose among different methods like torches, kilns, ovens, or furnaces.
- In the next level, you have to shape the handpan, and you can use different tools for this process
- In the fourth step, you have to start tuning.
- After that, it is time for gluing. Most of the time, you can use adhesives at this level.
- After the glue, you have to retune it again. As a handpan builder, you have to retune the instrument via the soundhole with a small hammer.
How much is a handpan?
If you are looking for a handpan drum for sale, and do not know how much it might cost, continue reading this paragraph. Here, I will divide the price of the handpan into three groups. While it might seem a lot, I think they are not expensive for what they are.
- The first group is the group of solid handpans with a standard number of notes (7-8) from a good maker. Based on the new reports, you have to pay more than $1,000-$2,500 to buy instruments from this group.
- The second group is named ‘top-shelf’ with more notes, and you have to pay around $3,000-$4,000 to buy such an instrument.
- In the end, if you want to buy something rare or custom, I can not mention any price. Just, I have to say that you can expect to pay more in this case.
Where to Buy a Handpan?
If you want to buy a hand pan, it is important to know where you can buy a great handpan instrument. These days, you can find handpan for sale through online markets like facebook ads, Amazon now, and eBay. Just be careful to buy a good handpan, you have to choose a trusted online website. Here, my suggestion is the Amazon website, because you can see different kinds of hand pans with their prices and compare them together based on other customers’ experiences.
What are the best handpans as of 2022?
Here, I made a list of the best handpans available in the market with full details of each product to help you buy the right kit.
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Tzevaot AEOLIAN Handpan 440hz
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HandPan Tongue Steel Tank Hank Handmade
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Tree of Life Hijaz 12″ Drum HandpanBest price
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HAPI HDMINIDAKE Mini Steel Tongue Percussion DrumBest overall
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Bali Steel Pan
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IdiopanDomina 12-Inch Tunable Steel HandpanBest expensive
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Handpan Tongue Drum 10 Tones
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Tongue Hand Pan / RAV Vast 2 / B RUS (RAV Universal Scale)
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Hijaz Drum Handpan Tongue Steel Tank
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Handpan Bali Stell Pan
1.Tzevaot AEOLIAN Handpan 440hz
If you are a musician who looks for a great hang drum, my first suggestion is the Tzevaot AEOLIAN. This amazing handpan will truly meet your musician’s needs. If you want to buy this handpan instrument, be sure that it is crafted with durability at heart that ensures safe traveling, shipping, or storage. Among other key features of this item, I have to mention its resistant rust and its certificate of authenticity with a registered serial number.
Tzevaot AEOLIAN has a dark and light appearance and a beautiful balance of energies. You can play a wonderful magical sound using the (G) C D E F G Ab Bb C scales of this instrument.
You can find the latest price of the Tzevaot AEOLIAN Handpan 440hzon on Amazon.
2.HandPan Tongue Steel Tank Hank Handmade
This item is another handmade handpan with a sensitive surface. Every touch on this instrument means a beautiful melody to the ear. Play this gorgeous instrument, and expect to get inspired by its shimmering sound.
If you are looking for a handpan to increase your creative prowess, I suggest HandPan Tongue Steel Tank Hank Handmade. The best point about this handmade instrument is that it is modern and sophisticated with captivating feeling notes. Check the latest price of the HandPan Tongue Steel Tank Hank Handmade on Amazon.
3.Tree of Life Hijaz 12″ Drum Handpan
The next option I want to introduce is the Tree of Life Hijaz 12″ Drum with uniques and fantastic features. This modern instrument has 11 tones, perfect for jamming solo. If you are not a professional, do not worry because this instrument is very easy to play. Besides nice tones, this product has a unique packaging and a distinct finish. No difference you are playing jazz, steel, or traditional, this handpan would be a perfect instrument to complete your band. Tree of Life Hijaz 12 gives you that sensitive feeling while it has a hard surface because of the famous heat treatment known as steel nitriding. Check the Amazon website to find the latest price of Tree of Life Hijaz 12″ Drum Handpan.
4.HAPI HDMINIDAKE Mini Steel Tongue Percussion Drum
Whether you are a professional or beginner, the HAPI HDMINIDAKE Mini Steel tongue drum could be a great item to buy. This hang drum is famous for being small but mighty, which refers to its compact size with a loud sound. If you want to know about the size of this handpan, I have to mention that it is an instrument with a dimension of 8, a width of 5.5, and weighs 3.4 lbs. Also, when you buy this handpan, you will receive a free well-written instruction booklet and a nice travel bag to fit. Before buying this case, you can check the price of HAPI HDMINIDAKE Mini Steel Tongue Percussion Drum on Amazon.
5.Bali Steel Pan
The third option I want to introduce is a handmade handpan instrument named the Bali steel pan. This well-appearance instrument has a perfect finish and a custom-tuned tone, which will please your musical needs. If you want to buy this handpan, you have to know that it is made on the Island of Indonesia called Bali, and you can order your favorite custom scale at the point of purchase.
Among the good features of this handpan, I have to mention that it is very smooth without any ripple or bump on its sensitive surface that produces a loud volume. Check the latest price of Bali Steel Pan on Amazon.
6.IdiopanDomina 12-Inch Tunable Steel Handpan
Another great handpan that you can not miss if you want to buy this instrument is Domina’s handpan. This is a big instrument with a loud sound and high sensitive touch. It is designed bright and well crafted in the USA from American steel. Using this instrument helps you play eight notes and tune it to lots of scales. One of the fantastic features of this popular instrument is the properly tuned C major with G3 / C4 D4 E4 G4 A4 C5 D5. After the purchase, you will receive a pair of mallets. Also, do not worry about how to keep it safe because it has a maintenance-free powder-coated finish. If you want to buy this item, you can check Amazon for the latest price.
7.Handpan Tongue Drum 10 Tones
If you are looking for a Handpan Tongue Drum perfect for all music genres, you can buy Handpan Tongue Drum 10 Tones.
All musicians will be pleased with the sound and resonance of the music. As the sound of this handpan drum is open and all notes are matched well, it will help you create an environment to meditate. If you want to buy this drum with a pleasant finish and perfect craftsmanship, you can check the Amazon site and find the latest price.
8.Tongue Hand Pan / RAV Vast 2 / B RUS (RAV Universal Scale)
If you want a rugged finish with excellent sound, nothing is better than this unique, beautiful sound harmony hang drum. Also, this handpan has a rubber hard rim and resilient anti-rust surface to protect the instrument from damage. This is tuned from B2, D3, F#3, A3, C#4, D4, E4, F#4, to A4 and might not be suitable for beginners. If you want to know about its price, check the latest on Amazon.
9.Hijaz Drum Handpan Tongue Steel Tank
This item is a new product that is 12 inches with ten tones. Hijaz Drum is beautifully crafted with an outstanding finish and a blend of old and new features. This handpan is suitable for beginners and professionals as it is easy to play. We believe that this durable and beautiful instrument will give you peace as it can play the scales for all genres of music. The interesting point is that, unlike most handpans, there is no sign of any ripples or bumps. You can check the latest price of the Hijaz Drum Handpan Tongue Steel Tank on Amazon.
10.Handpan Bali Stell Pan
The last item is an instrument that screams quality. There is a beautifully designed bag and rubber rods to accommodate the handpan. Even amateur players will understand that it is a quality handpan as the steel is hardened and properly heated at the right temperature. Its scales help you suit any kind of music, but it might be difficult for a beginner to learn it. If you want to buy this handpan instrument, check the Amazon website to see the latest price of the Handpan Bali Stell Pan.
Conclusion:
If you need a piece of relaxing music for meditation or like to play a unique modern instrument, you might be interested in a handpan. Read the above text to learn more about the hadpan instrument, and where to buy it. Also, you can see a list of the ten best handpans in 2022 with details.
