The handpan can be defined as a percussion instrument with the ability to emit harmonic sounds, enabling the player to charm his audience. It is in itself an extraordinary, splendid, formidable and magical instrument.
But beyond all these adjectives and names, the handpan has a history and a past that are as interesting as they are fascinating. Let's discover together the secrets of the handpan and its illustrious history.
Read: What is the difference between a Handpan & a Tongue Drum?
1. The Hang drum is both a traditional and a contemporary instrument
The first advantage of the handpan is that it skilfully combines the traditional and modern worlds. It's an instrument that's played by hand and learned from generation to generation.
In other words, there has been no real change in the way it is played over the years. Yet it continues to produce melodious, crystalline and highly original sounds.
What's more, the great thing about its sounds is that they're very pleasant to the ear. Despite its rich history, the hang drum has managed to adapt very easily to the present era.
It has passed through several civilisations and is steeped in history.
Quite apart from its unique sound, the handpan owes part of its fame to the wonderful stories that are associated with it. This gives it cultural grandeur and a very important place in history.
So it's not just a musical instrument, but also an expression of reverence for the art of music. Its creators worked for years on handcrafted instruments and metal alloys to come up with this fantastic tool.
It's perfectly suited to the present century and to individual needs.
The hang drum is considered a recent musical instrument, having been developed as recently as 2001. On this basis, it is relatively young, unlike other instruments of the same genre.
Its originality lies in 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 it has such a good tone is that the two instruments from which it draws its sources are highly appreciated by practitioners of artisanal music.
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2. The Handpan is the result of a highly impressive technological mechanism
The second thing you may not know is that the handpan came into being after several years of research and hard work by its designers. It symbolises their taste for innovation, but also the archaic work of several generations of workers.
The most seasoned manufacturers often have a wealth of expertise in steelpan design. They draw on their previous expertise to develop hang drums with a totally refined design.
The sense of innovation shown by the manufacturers over many years of design has resulted in a wide range of Handpan styles. The design process can be likened to working with steel.
But it's obviously not the only material, and that's what brings out the notion of style. These days, there are many different styles of hang drum to be found throughout the world. There's the American style, the Swiss style and the German style.
If you take a closer look at the Swiss style, you'll realise that it's quite original. It was developed in the 2000s by Felix Rohner and is made from nitrided steel.
Subsequently, a number of handpan manufacturers began to produce handpans in stainless steel. The instrument is unusual in that its sound is not only soft, but also ethereal. To find out more and, if possible, buy one, follow this link: handpan or hang drum.
3. The Handpan has marvellous sound properties
The hang drum has several notes, enabling it to produce a fabulous blend of sounds that will amaze audiences. Designed to be easy on the touch, it is the result of a relatively complex manufacturing process. The tuning techniques used are equally ingenious.
a. Better sound, thanks to steel
The steel used in the design of hang drums is a real asset. In most cases, designers use a nitrided steel alloy. In doing so, they have little chance of making manufacturing errors, as the metal is easier to modulate.
See for yourself the wonderful sound of the handpan in this video
In other words, stainless steel alloy is easier to work with, so you can get every note just right. By opting for this material, you give your handpan the opportunity to offer a completely different and distinctive sound.
This is possible because several layers of sound with ethereal effects are created. The end result is an instrument that is not only ergonomic, but also has a completely uncluttered design.
b. The different scales of the Hang drum
There are several scales to choose from, allowing you to experience different emotions and diversify your creativity. It's up to each individual to control and choose the scale that best suits his or her ears.
As with any other musical instrument, you can have melancholy melodies as well as happy ones. Great players even manage to achieve mysterious, hypnotic melodies after intense training.
This wide range of emotions makes it popular with all its listeners. If you want a sober , easy-to-handle handpan in D minor, we recommend the ten-note black handpan.
4. The Hang drum is an 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, which could be described as noisy, but orderly 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 their own instruments, provided they are authentic and original.
In recent decades, the instrument has come to occupy an international position, thanks to the various marvels it reflects. Musicians aside, there are millions of admirers.
Even if they don't have the chance to play it, people love listening to it, and enjoy immersing themselves in its melody. The instrument, which originated in Switzerland, has been recorded all over the world by many passionate communities.
5. The Handpan: an instrument that's very easy to learn and play
The Handpan is a musical instrument that may seem complicated at first, but it's very easy to learn. Although it is new to the world of music, it has had no real difficulty in taking its place among the great musical instruments such as the guitar and the piano.
In fact, most of the time it is played by fans looking for new experiences. The main advantage that the instrument offers new players is that it does not require a foundation to learn, making it accessible to the vast majority.
For your first few times, don't be in a hurry and keep the movements fairly simple. Get used to twisting your wrist and practise until the movement is fluid. Don't worry, ZenaPan is here to guide you through its high-quality hang drums.
Whether you're at beginner or intermediate level, there are handpan models to suit you. The advantage is that you don't have to wait for months in a queue like with other manufacturers.
By reading our article on the 5 best D minor handpans, you'll find it easier to make a choice that suits your profile.
6. Features: Modern handpan vs. traditional hang
| Features |
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 scales |
A wide range of options for different musical genres | Limited, often based on pentatonic scales |
|
Accessibility |
More widely available | Less accessible, limited production |
| Price | Varies widely; sometimes more affordable | Generally more expensive, due to its rarity |
Discover the magic of the traditional hang drum on Zenapan. We offer original versions of the hang drum at unbeatable prices. Each instrument is carefully crafted to capture the essence and unique characteristics of the hang drum, and much more. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own a piece of musical history - visit Zenapan today to find your perfect sound.
Things to remember
The handpan is a musical treasure trove offering much more than simple melodies. From its ability to promote well-being through soothing frequencies to the richness of its scale, which allows boundless creative expression, each steelpan, whether it's an original or an authentic Swiss hang drum, carries a unique story. To explore the world of the steel hang drum is to open yourself up to a transformative experience, whether through the purchase of a new instrument or the discovery of a second-hand handpan.
FAQs
1. What makes the handpan a unique musical instrument?
The handpan's distinctive design and resonant sound combine elements of percussion and melodic instruments, creating a mesmerising musical experience.
2. How does playing the handpan promote relaxation and mindfulness?
Playing the handpan involves gentle, rhythmic movements that can induce a meditative state, promoting relaxation and stress relief.
3. What are the different types of handpans available?
Handpans come in various scales and tunings, each offering unique musical characteristics suited for different genres and playing styles.
4. How does the handpan's tuning affect its sound quality?
The handpan's tuning determines its pitch accuracy, harmonic richness, and overall tonal quality, crucial factors in producing desirable musical tones.
5. What are some health benefits associated with playing the handpan?
Playing the handpan improves hand-eye coordination, enhances concentration, and fosters emotional expression and creativity through music.
6. Where can one find reliable information and resources about the handpan?
Reliable information about handpans, including tutorials, forums, and workshops, can be found online and through specialised music communities, aiding in understanding and mastering this unique instrument.