The beginner's guide to handpan. Where to buy a handpan ("hang drum")? (en français)

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What is a handpan? The handpan is a rare new kind of mesmerizing musical instrument invented in the 21st century. The handpan's lenticular shape looks like a UFO, a wok or a turtle shell. Part art and part instrument, the handpan is often referred to as a "sound sculpture". Each handpan is handcrafted and unique. You can see hammer marks from its artisanal making process across the instrument. The relaxing tones and intuitive playing style of the handpan make it a gateway instrument, accessible to anyone. ​ Where is the handpan from? The handpan is the world's newest musical instrument! It is the evolution of the Hang® (often called "hang drum") which was an instrument invented in 2000 in Switzerland by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt, a steel-drum manufacturer located in Bern, Switzerland. The generic term "handpan" came later in 2007. It was coined by Kyle Cox of Pantheon Steel who was the second manufacturer of this kind of instrument, after the Swiss originators. Pantam is another name for handpans. Learn more about the origins of handpans. ​ How does a handpan work? A handpan is made out of two bowls of steel sheet glued together and tuned into a musical scale. On the top shell, the handpan has a center note which the inventors call the "ding". It can be either dented outward (apex) or inward (inpex). The tone circle around it counts 7 or 8 harmonized notes played up and down in a zig-zag pattern. There is a hole on bottom shell of the handpan (called "Gu" by PANArt). This opening activates a deep bass note: the Helmholtz. Learn how to make a handpan. ​ What does the handpan sound like? Unlike the steel-drum which is played with mallets, the handpan is played by hand. As a result, it produces softer sounds, almost like raindrops... Playing a single note activates several overtones (typically, the octave and the fifth of the note). These overtones give handpans a magical and rich layered sound. Learn about handpan scales. ​ How to play the handpan? You don't need to be classically trained or to know music theory to play the handpan. Each handpan is tuned to a single musical scale so there are no wrong notes and no fear of doing it wrong. So, anyone can learn how to play handpans: musicians and non-musicians alike! The handpan is an intuitive experience which transcends genders, ages, cultures and languages. It is used by hobbyists, performers, music therapists, cancer patients, educators and students. You can play too! Learn about creative freedom. ​ Why are handpans so expensive? Handpans are tuned by hand (with the help of a hammer) and take several weeks to make. Because they are carefully handcrafted, handpans are expensive musical instruments. The price of a quality handpan ranges between $1,000 to $3,500 and tends to hold its value. Why is the handpan so expensive? ​ Where can I buy a handpan? Because they are still largely unknown to the public, you probably won’t find handpans at your local music store. Only a handful of skilled makers can build these instruments properly, and in small quantities. Remember, with handpans, it's all about the sound and looks can be deceiving. What makes a good handpan? ​ I'm proud to partner with some of the most reputable handpan makers and to offer high-quality handpans available for purchase right here on this website. Let me help find the right handpan for you (among uplifting, melancholic or exotic scales). Click here to view the handpans available now, starting at $1,199. ​ ​​

​ ​ Why should you trust me? Read recent reviews. ​ Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on the opinion of 133 people ​ ​ Thank you, Sylvain for guiding our hands to the instrument that in the end chose us. By watching your videos, listening to your tracks and reading about these instruments on your website we felt confident with our purchase. Fast and safe shipping too! We will definitely continue to read and learn from your website. Thank you. Ananda & Steve ​ I recently purchased an Isthmus C Golden Gate through Sylvain's website. The fact that he recommended the pan and had a great video demonstrating it helped to eliminate any anxiety that I might have had by not trying it personally. Great communication before, during and after the purchase. Thanks, Sylvain for helping me find the right pan. Johnnie ​ Sylvain Paslier was there every step of the way even after my handpan arrived to make sure everything was just right and that I was happy and felt secure in my purchase. I am a beginner so it is important to me to have guidance and help. Thanks so much! Donna ​ My purchase with Sylvain Paslier went extremely well. Price was right, quality instrument, very safe packaging and Sylvain answered my every question by email in very short delays! I recommend to anyone looking forward to buying a Handpan for a reasonable price. Philippe ​ Sylvain is the man. Fantastic customer service and immediate responsiveness.. the handpan is absolutely beautiful. Zach ​ Easy, friendly experience ordering. Expertly and thoroughly packed for shipping. Arrived in great condition. Helpful in answering question. I highly recommend. Keith ​ Thank you Sylvain for your great customer service and quick shipping! Gaby ​ What an incredible experience!! Not only do I now have this wonderful delightful Handpan with a soulful melodic sound, but I had the amazing experience of working with Sylvain. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone looking to obtain a Handpan. Putting aside the high quality instrument I received, from the very get go, Syvain was a pleasure to work with. He was kind, and patient, and willing to answer ANY questions I had (and believe me, I had many). He was right there with me - and for me - during the entire process, checking in regularly to update me on the status every step of the way and continually offering support and asking if I'd come up with any other questions. A true Handpan facilitator par excellence!!! And I do believe, a new friend as well!!! Thank you SOOOO much Sylvain, for everything!!! Debbie​ ​ Bought a hand pan from Sylvain. the deal was really smooth and the hand pan shows me ways to wonderland. even though I live in Sweden the hand pan arrived quickly. I recommend Sylvain 100% Dag​ ​ I bought a hand pan for my husband’s 30th birthday and Sylvain made the process super easy! He checked in regularly via email and text and was able to expedite shipping so that it arrived in plenty of time. My husband was super thrilled with his gift! It arrived in perfect condition thanks to secure packaging and a well-designed backpack style case which my husband affectionately refers to as his turtle shell. We love to sit outside and listen to him play. I’m very pleased with my purchase and would absolutely recommend Sylvain to anyone looking for a handpan! He even followed up offering support by phone in case we have any questions or need support which is invaluable considering this is such a rare instrument! Amy ​ Sylvain directed me in the best direction when purchasing my first handpan. He helped me pick out the best sound and really made me feel amazing about my decision. I am 100% so happy with what I got. And can't wait to buy another!! Brian ​ Sylvain was incredibly easy to contact and has great response time! I love that I could ask a question and get a speedy and knowledgeable answer. Love the advice and professionalism! Ordering my handpan was also painless and he kept me very updated through the entire process! Connor ​ I normally don’t buy things online because I’m always worried I’m getting scammed or duped, but this could not be further from the true with Sylvain Paslier! He was always just an email away from the start of my handpan buying journey to the end and beyond, he always respond promptly and with reassurance. He had an answer for all my questions. I got my handpan within a week of making the purchase, and it was packaged perfectly for shipping. I look forward to learning and playing this new handpan and he reassured me that if I had anymore questions he would be around to Answer and help me on my handpan journey. Thanks again Sylvain. Pat ​ I just purchased an E major handpan from Sylvain. Everything was professional and secure. It arrived timely and Sylvain followed up with an e-mail to be sure it arrived without issue. The handpan is a work of art and sounds so beautiful even though I really don’t know how to play it yet. If you’re thinking of purchasing a handpan, I highly recommend Sylvain. Annie​ ​ Can’t say enough positive things about Sylvain and his helpfulness with my first handpan purchase. He was extremely responsive, happy to answer any questions, and was a pleasure to do business with. Handpan came quickly, was packaged very well, and looks and sounds beautiful. Very pleased and thankful. Chris​ ​ ​ Read all reviews... ​ ​ ​

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