The Handpan is a musical instrument that does not come off the production line. Making a handpan takes time, and requires real craftsmen rather than "makers".
Making a handpan is an art, and giving it its resonance, offering it its scale, ensuring its harmony in melodious chords requires the utmost dexterity.
How does this angelic-sounding instrument come into being? What are the secrets behind making a handpan? Immerse yourself in the workshops of the Handpan makers, whose work is available to buy from Zenapan.
Read: What is the origin of the Handpan?
1. Making a handpan by sculpting a sheet of steel
The first step in making a handpan is to choose the sheet of steel. There are two different types of steel:
- Nitriding steel (DC04),
- Stainless steel.
Handpans are very often made from nitrided steel, so we'll start by describing nitrided steel, before looking at the others.
a. Nitrided steel
Nitrided steel is a thermochemically treated steel. As the name suggests, nitriding involves heating the steel and injecting nitrogen into it.
This injection of nitrogen has two main functions:
- It strengthens the Hang drum,
- It protects it from rust.
However, using this type of steel has a number of disadvantages. The first is that nitriding does not prevent rust, but slows it down. So you need to take particular care with your instrument.
The second is that nitriding changes the length of the instrument's sound. Nitrided handpans, which now make up the vast majority of instruments, develop a sound with a shorter sustain.
The sound of nitrided steel handpans also changes. It becomes more clay-like, and is often described by musicians as 'ceramic'.
On the other hand, nitriding produces a louder sound, which makes outdoor playing much easier. It also keeps the instrument in tune for years.
b. Stainless steel
Stainless steel is sometimes used by manufacturers because it does not rust. So it doesn't require the maintenance that a nitrided steel handpan does.
The fact that a handpan is made from stainless steel also means that it can be played in a wider range of locations. In other words, it can be played anywhere, whether by the sea or in humid regions.
The sound quality is also different. The note is longer and the melody deeper. However, the sound is much softer. So it's much more of an indoor instrument.
However, stainless steel handpans have one major drawback: they are not heat-resistant. Play it in the summer sun, or forget about it in the heat, and your handpan will go out of tune.
Either it will return to its original tuning once cooled, or it will need to be re-tuned by the manufacturer.
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2. Hammering the structure to form the dome
Creating a handpan, that bewitching musical instrument, is an art that demands precision and expertise. Here's a look at the meticulous process involved:
- Forming the Dome
A sheet of steel is meticulously bolted to a support. Expert hammering transforms it into a dome, symbolising the heart of the handpan. This process is not complete until the shape is perfectly rounded and flat.
- Marking and Initial Tuning
The precise location of the notes is marked inside the dome. The craftsman then proceeds with the initial tuning, sculpting the delicate curves that will bring the handpan's sound to life.
- Heat treatment
To strengthen its structure, the dome is heated to 400°C for around two hours, a crucial step in ensuring the handpan's durability.
- Forming the base
A second sheet of steel is prepared and hammered to form the base of the instrument. This is finally joined to the upper part, completing the physical structure of the handpan.
This process, combining tradition and innovation, reflects the complexity and beauty of handpan music, making each instrument unique. From original handpans to modern creations tuned at 432 hertz for relaxation or 440 hertz for composition, each step is crucial to achieving sonic excellence.
Here's a video overview of how a handpan facilitates meditation and relaxation:
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3. Thermochemical treatment by nitriding
The nitriding process is a crucial stage in the manufacture of the handpan, ensuring exceptional longevity and sound quality.
Here are the key points of this treatment:
- Treatment temperature: The steel is exposed to a temperature of around 500°C, optimising the effectiveness of the nitriding.
- Nitrogen spraying: Nitrogen is carefully sprayed onto the surface of the instrument, strengthening the metal in depth and increasing its resistance to corrosion.
- Benefits of Nitriding:
- Increased resistance: The handpan becomes much more resilient to rust, essential for musical instruments exposed to a variety of conditions.
- Improved stability: This technique ensures that the handpan remains in tune over the long term, an asset for musicians looking for flawless reliability in their instrument.
Nitriding transforms the handpan, not only protecting it from the elements but also enhancing its sound and durability, making each handpan a true masterpiece of musical craftsmanship.
4. Final tuning of the handpan
Tuning a steel hang drum requires great precision in handling the hammers. Each note is obtained thanks to a greater or lesser depth of form. Precision is therefore essential if you are to get the right sound.
Any frequency can be obtained, but generally speaking, handpans have a frequency of 440Hz, in line with classic Western instruments. This allows steel pan percussionists to play in concerts with other instruments.
The importance of precision in hang drum tuning lies in the need to avoid creating interference. In other words, there must be no crossover between two notes, which would lead to false notes. A bit like rubbing two strings at the same time on a violin.
That's why most Handpans have no more than ten notes, to avoid interference and a loss of musical quality.
5. Summary of the key stages in the manufacture of the Handpan
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
|
Steel selection |
Choice of nitrided steel for its strength and sound quality. |
|
Hammering the dome |
The dome is formed by precise hammering on a support. |
|
Marking and initial tuning |
Marking the note locations and initial tuning to form the sound curves. |
|
Heat treatment |
Heating the dome to 400°C to strengthen the steel structure. |
|
Training the base |
Hammering of a second sheet of steel to create the base, then assembly with the dome. |
|
Final tuning |
Meticulous readjustment of the notes for perfect harmony. |
|
Finishes |
Application of finishes, such as oiling or painting, to protect and embellish the instrument. |
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In conclusion
Making a steel hang drum is a delicate art that combines technical precision and musical passion. Each stage, from the initial hammering to the final tuning, reflects exceptional craftsmanship, transforming a simple sheet of steel into an instrument with celestial sonorities. This alchemy of materials and craftsmanship creates not only a musical instrument, but also a source of well-being and inspiration for musicians and listeners around the world.
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FAQs
1. What are the main steps involved in handpan manufacturing?
Handpan manufacturing involves shaping, tuning, and fine-tuning the metal to achieve specific musical scales and harmonic qualities.
2. How do handpan makers choose the metal for crafting?
Handpan makers typically use high-quality steel alloys, such as nitrided steel or stainless steel, known for their durability and resonance.
3. What techniques are used to shape the metal into a handpan?
Handpan makers use techniques like deep drawing and hammering to shape the metal into a convex shape, forming the body of the handpan.
4. How is the tuning process carried out for a handpan?
Tuning involves carefully hammering specific areas of the handpan's dimples (tone fields) to adjust their pitch and create harmonic intervals.
5. Why are handpans considered expensive musical instruments?
Handpans require skilled craftsmanship, precision tuning, and high-quality materials, contributing to their value as unique, handmade instruments.
6. Where can one learn more about the detailed process of handpan making and its craftsmanship?
Resources such as documentaries, workshops, and interviews with handpan makers provide insights into the intricate artistry and techniques involved in handpan making.