Hello and welcome to our first Blog! We are very excited to start this series of weekly blogs, in which we will discuss various topics regarding our instruments. With this blog we hope to provide you with answers to questions you might have, but also to give you in-depth knowledge on the handpan and other beautiful instruments. Feel free to send us an email if you have more questions about the topics we cover. We love to interact with you and help you with any questions you might have. With that being said, let's dive into our first blog!
Because we make handpans ourselves, we understand very well that choosing a handpan can be a challenging process, especially when you're new to the instrument. The fact that there are so many different makers nowadays doesn’t make it any easier. With all these different makers and handpans, it’s important to know to look for to ensure you choose a handpan that meets all your needs and resonates with you on a deep level. In this blog, we cover the 11 characteristics of a high-quality handpan and provide you with the tools and knowledge to start or continue your search for the perfect handpan.
1. Balanced Tuning
The first sign of a high-quality handpan is a balanced tuning. The notes should be in tune with each other, meaning that when you play a note or a chord, it should sound clear and balanced. It's important to experiment with different chords and listen for any dissonance. Make sure the notes blend together and there are no discrepancies in pitch. You can test this by trying different notes and chords.
TIP: when trying out a handpan, use a tuning app on your phone to see how well the handpan is tuned. There are plenty of free tuning apps for Android or Apple (TuneIt , Tuner-Pitched) you can use for this. Of Course your phone is not the ideal device, but it will be good enough to get a general idea if the handpan is tuned well. The notes can be off the exact tuning a little bit, but if you see large dissonance (variance from the exact note) this indicates a badly tuned note. Check this for every note to get an idea how well the handpan is tuned.
2. Rich Resonance
The second sign of a high-quality handpan is a rich resonance. This refers to the ability of a handpan to find harmony with other instruments and sound sources. A high-quality handpan should have a full and rich sound that connects with you on a deeper level. The sound should be clear, crisp, and full of life. The best way to test this, is to play the handpan in a quiet room with minimal distractions. Listen to the way the notes blend together harmoniously, creating a beautiful sound that lingers in the air. Another way is to test the handpan in multiple environments. Going into different spaces and outdoors and seeing how well the sound carries will tell you what you need to know about the handpan and its resonance.
3. Transparency from the Maker
In recent years, low-quality handpans from China have flooded the market. These handpans are often made with subpar materials and production methods, resulting in cheap pricing, poor sound quality and a short lifespan. Some of these handpans are sold under the guise of being handmade or handcrafted, when in reality they are mass-produced in Chinese factories.
To ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality handpan, look for a maker who is transparent about where they make their handpans and the materials they use. A reputable maker should be willing to answer any questions you have and provide you with extensive information about the handpan-making process. You should be able to contact them easily and discuss any concerns or questions you have.
TIP: Often the price of the handpan draws people to lower quality options. When looking for lower priced options, it is often better to buy simpler or smaller handpans from reputable makers, like our LIDAH mini handpan 🙂. Then to go for larger, more complex handpans from mass produced “Handpan Brands”.
4. Wide Dynamic Range
A high-quality handpan should have a wide dynamic range, from soft and gentle to loud and powerful. Experimenting with different playing styles and techniques can help you determine how the handpan responds to your touch. You should look for a smooth transition between different levels of volume and tone. Try playing the handpan softly and then gradually increasing the intensity of your touch to see how it responds. You can also vary the different playing techniques, such as different fingers or hand palms to test the different tones that can be produced. A top- quality handpan will have a variety of tones that can be produced based on the playing technique.
TIP: This can be difficult when you are inexperienced in playing the handpan. It can help to bring someone with you that has experience playing the handpan, or ask whoever is selling the handpan to play it for you gently and louder.
5. “Sustain”
A high-quality handpan should have an excellent sustain that can last for several seconds. Sustain is the length of time that a note continues to sound after it has been struck. A well-made handpan will have a long and consistent sustain, allowing you to play longer and more complex musical phrases.
What kind of sustain you like your handpan to have is subjective. The materials used, thickness of the metal, shape and size of the resonating chamber, and tuning process all play a role in determining the sustain of a handpan. For example Stainless and Ember Steel generally have a long lasting sustain where Nitrated Steel has a shorter sustain but is preferred by many.
TIP: When trying a handpan, hit a note and see how long the sustain lasts and if the sound stays stable. If the sound disappears very quickly or changes from tune this is a sign of a low quality handpan.
6. Clear Harmonics
Harmonics are the overtones produced by a handpan when it's played. A quality handpan should produce clear and well-defined harmonics. When playing various single notes, listen for any additional tones that come through. The harmonics should be clear and well-defined, adding depth to the overall sound. You can also test the harmonics of the handpan, by playing it in different environments looking for the acoustics and resonance it gives. There should be no interference or distortion.
7. Durability
Durability is crucial when choosing a handpan. A high-quality handpan should be able to withstand regular use and any potential travel. Researching the materials used can help you determine the durability of the handpan. The handpan should be made from high-grade materials that are resistant to corrosion and damage like Stainless, Nitrated or Ember Steel. It's also smart to ask the manufacturer for the proper care and maintenance routine to ensure that the handpan remains in top condition over time.
8. Reputation
In addition to transparency, look for a maker with a track record of producing high-quality handpans. One way to do this is to look for reviews and testimonials from other handpan players who have purchased from the maker. You can also join online handpan communities, such as Facebook groups or forums, to ask for recommendations and get feedback from other players. A good maker will have happy customers who are willing to share their experiences with others.
Additionally, some handpan makers may have a track record of creating quality instruments and may have built a strong reputation within the handpan community. You can look up their website, social media presence, and other online profiles to learn more about their work and see examples of their handpans.
9. Comfortable Playability
A high-quality handpan should feel comfortable in your hands and respond to your touch with ease. It's important to try the handpan out for yourself and experiment with different playing techniques. This is a bit subjective, but make sure the handpan feels comfortable and easy to play, allowing you to fully express yourself through the instrument. Comfortability is such an important factor in choosing a handpan that matches with who you are. You need to feel that connection!
10. Aesthetically Pleasing Design
The design of the handpan is also an important consideration. Again subjective, but a high-quality handpan should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The design should be well thought out, with an attention to detail that enhances the overall appearance of the instrument. It should be visually appealing and add to the overall experience of playing the handpan. Having an aesthetically pleasing handpan fills your heart with enthusiasm when you lay your eyes on it.
When selecting a handpan, it's important to keep in mind that the appearance of the handpan should not be the primary factor. Sound and playability should always be the main focus, and aesthetics should be considered as a secondary consideration.
TIP: Don’t take this as a 100% fact, but generally painted / coated handpans are of lower quality. The paint often hinders the resonance of the material and hides damage or prevents rust on lower quality materials. A high-quality maker will be able to make the material look nice and the material should stay in good condition with good instrument maintenance.
11. Personal Connection
The final sign of a high-quality handpan is the personal connection you feel when playing it. Of course this is partly subjective, but the quality handpan you want to buy should resonate with you on a personal level. Connecting you to the instrument in a way that goes beyond the sound and design. It's important to take your time when choosing a handpan and find one that speaks to you on a deeper level.
Just as creating a handpan is a long process that takes time and knowledge, so is picking one. Choosing a handpan that truly connects with you on a deeper level is a process that should not be rushed. This takes time and understanding of what to look for. But once you finally find the right handpan for you, all of this is worth it! A handpan that fits, calms the mind, soothes the soul and lets you connect with yourself on a deeper level. You can pour your heart into it, and let loose your creativity. In the world we live in, this is invaluable.
We hope we were able to guide you further on your journey of picking the right handpan that matches you. We are grateful for you. Taking the time out of your day to give this a good read, it means the world to us. Once again, if you have any questions feel free to email us on the following address: contact@lidahdrums.nlWe are always here to help, whether you have questions regarding our instruments or if you have more general questions. We love being able to help you and love the fact that there are people sharing the same passion for these beautiful instruments. Dat gezegd hebbende, onze eerste blog zit erop. Tot de volgende blog!
With that being said, our first blog has come to an end. Stay tuned for more blogs, the upcoming weeks! In the mean time, have a look at our handpans. And maybe we may have the honor to make your handpan dream come true. 💚
