Article: Buying a Handpan: What to Look For (7 Essential Tips)
Buying a Handpan: What to Look For (7 Essential Tips)
Buying your first handpan is an exciting journey. The instrument has a unique sound that inspires creativity, meditation, and musical exploration. But if you're new to the handpan world, choosing the right instrument can feel overwhelming.
If you are completely new to the instrument, you may also want to start with our guide explaining what a handpan is and how it works.
There are many factors to consider when buying a handpan, including the maker, steel type, scale, number of notes, tuning frequency, size, and budget.
In this guide, we walk you through 7 essential things to look for when buying a handpan, so you can confidently choose an instrument that truly suits you.
1. The Handpan Maker
One of the most important factors when buying a handpan is the maker.
Handpans may look similar at first glance, but the sound quality, tuning stability, and overall craftsmanship can vary greatly depending on who made the instrument.
Each maker has their own:
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building techniques
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tuning process
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tools and materials
An experienced handpan maker understands how steel behaves and how to balance tension across the instrument. This results in a handpan with:
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balanced notes
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stable tuning
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rich resonance
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long lifespan
A reliable maker is usually transparent about their process and often shares videos or photos of their workshop. If possible, it’s even better if you can visit a showroom or workshop and try the instruments yourself.
Want to learn more about this topic? Read our guide: The Handpan Maker: Why the Maker Determines the Quality of Your Handpan
2. The Type of Steel
The type of steel used in the handpan has a major impact on the sound and playing experience.
The three most common steel types are:
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Stainless Steel
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Nitrided Steel
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Ember Steel
Nitrided Steel
Nitrided steel was used in the earliest handpans created by PANArt. It produces a shorter sustain and a more percussive sound, making it ideal for rhythmic playing styles.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel produces longer resonance and a warmer tone. Because notes sustain longer, it is very popular for meditative and atmospheric playing.
Ember Steel
Ember steel is a more recent development and produces very long sustain with deep harmonic richness. It is often chosen by players who prefer gentle and expressive playing styles.
To explore the differences in more detail, read our guide: Which Steel Should I Choose for My Handpan?
3. The Handpan Scale
Another essential factor when buying a handpan is the scale.
A handpan scale determines the set of notes available on the instrument and therefore the emotional character of the music you create. Different scales evoke different moods.
Meditative and Emotional Scales
Minor scales such as D Minor, Kurd, and Amara produce deep, emotional tones that are popular for meditation and relaxation.
Mystical and Exotic Scales
Scales such as Pygmy and Hijaz create a more mysterious and dramatic sound, often inspired by African or Middle Eastern music traditions.
Bright and Uplifting Scales
Major scales like D Major or Ashakiran create a lighter, more uplifting musical atmosphere.
If you want to explore scales in more detail, read: Which Handpan Scale Should I Choose?
4. Number of Notes
The number of notes on a handpan determines how many tonal combinations you can create. Most standard handpans contain: 9–10 notes on the top shell
This layout provides a great balance between musical possibilities and ease of playing. Some extended instruments include additional bottom notes, allowing for handpans with 13, 17 or even 20+ notes.
While more notes increase musical possibilities, they can also make the instrument more complex. For beginners, a 9 or 10 note handpan is usually the best starting point.
Read more in our guide: How Many Notes Should My Handpan Have?
5. Tuning Frequency
Handpans are typically tuned to 440 Hz, the standard tuning used in Western music. However, some players prefer 432 Hz, which is often associated with relaxation and sound healing.
440 Hz
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standard musical tuning
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compatible with other instruments
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most commonly used
432 Hz
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slightly lower pitch
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often perceived as more calming
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popular in meditation and healing music
The difference between the two is subtle, and the best choice depends on your personal preference.
Learn more in our guide: 440 Hz vs 432 Hz: The Frequency of Your Handpan
6. Handpan Size
Handpans also come in different sizes.
Standard Handpan (53 cm)
The most common size is 53 cm in diameter. This size offers a great balance between sound projection and playing comfort.
Standard handpans often allow for more notes and greater musical range.
Mini Handpan (40–46 cm)
Mini handpans are smaller, lighter, and easier to carry. They are especially popular for:
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traveling musicians
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yoga or meditation sessions
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players with a smaller build
However, mini handpans usually contain fewer notes, which slightly limits musical range.
If you want to explore this topic further, read: Mini Handpan vs Standard Handpan
7. Your Budget
Finally, your budget is an important factor when buying a handpan. Handcrafted handpans typically range between:
€800 and €5000
The price depends on several factors, including:
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the maker
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the steel type
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the number of notes
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the complexity of the scale
Popular models with 9 or 10 notes are often more affordable and widely available.
If you want to learn more about pricing, read our guide: How Expensive Is a Handpan?
Final Thoughts
Buying a handpan is a personal journey. The right instrument should not only sound beautiful but also feel inspiring to play.
By considering the maker, steel type, scale, number of notes, tuning frequency, size, and budget, you can make a well-informed decision and find a handpan that truly suits you.
Take your time to explore different sounds, listen to recordings, and trust your intuition.
Explore Our Handpans
Curious to hear the sound of a handcrafted handpan?
Explore our collection and discover instruments carefully tuned for balance, resonance, and musical expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best handpan for beginners?
Most beginners start with a D Minor Kurd handpan with 9 or 10 notes, because the scale is intuitive and easy to play.
How much should a good handpan cost?
A high-quality handcrafted handpan usually costs between €800 and €3000, depending on the maker and specifications.
Can you play any song on a handpan?
Because a handpan is tuned to a specific scale, it is mainly used for improvisation and intuitive playing rather than reproducing exact songs.
