Handpan (also known as Hang Drum) vendors have proliferated in recent years. From one manufacturer in 2005 to over 300 today, how do you buy a good handpan? With few music shops stocking this instrument, where can you buy a good handpan online?
There are no secrets, you have to investigate to find out if a website is the right place to buy a Handpan. Some offer the best Handpans tuned in D minor, ranging from 9 to 17 notes, while others offer Handpans in D or C major. How do you know which one to choose?
Read: Mastering the handpan through these advanced techniques
1. Paying attention to the quality of the site
Websites offering handpans for sale are legion. To separate the wheat from the chaff, you need to pay attention to the quality of the site. There are several factors to consider here:
- Quality of the pages,
- Clarity of Handpan characteristics,
- Depth of the Handpan scale,
- Customer reviews,
- Quality of advice.
We'll go into detail on each of these points, so that you can be sure you're making the right choice.
2. Page quality
When we talk about the quality of web pages, we think of loading speed and the quality of writing.
A website reflects the quality of a company, nothing more, nothing less. If you're browsing a website whose pages take a very long time to load, or where certain pages can't be found because they simply don't exist any more, it's time to change vendor.
Similarly, if the paragraphs are full of spelling and grammatical errors. These are rarely signs that a company is serious.
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3. Clarity of the Handpan's characteristics
When you buy a handpan, you need to know how the instrument works. In other words, the manufacturer should tell you what scale the instrument is tuned to.
They should also tell you how the notes are distributed on the dimples of the handpan, and the best products to use for maintenance.
This is one of the reasons why every handpan seller must tell you whether their instruments are made of nitrided steel or stainless steel, as maintenance is different for each.
The frequency of the handpan is another extremely important piece of information that the seller should tell you. Is it a 440Hz frequency, which is identical to that of Western instruments, or is it a 432Hz frequency, which does not allow you to play in an orchestra with this instrument?
These are just some of the features you can expect from reputable Handpan dealers.
4. Depth of scale
Making a handpan is a highly technical art. The more notes there are on the dome, the more mistakes are made and the more false notes there are.
Only experienced manufacturers can afford to offer a wide range of handpans, from nine to 17 notes.
Manufacturers who are new to the art of making a handpan cannot begin to build such complex instruments.
5. Customer reviews
Don't stop at the above advice until you've read the customer reviews of the instrument you want to buy.
If there are no customer reviews, you can either go ahead and be the first to leave a review, or refrain from doing so and switch to another website, in favour of a more established handpan manufacturer.
Discover ZenaPan's customer reviews here.
6. Comparison: Buying a Handpan from Zenapan vs. a Non-Expert Site
| Advantages of buying from Zenapan | Risks of buying from a non-expert site |
|---|---|
| Quality assurance and durability thanks to a rigorous selection of materials. | Risk of acquiring an inferior instrument that could deteriorate rapidly. |
| A varied musical scale and personalised advice on choosing the ideal instrument. | Limited choice and lack of advice for beginners. |
| Satisfaction guarantee and responsive after-sales service. | No guarantee or reliable after-sales service. |
| Precise tuning to 432 Hz or 440 Hz, depending on your choice. | Inaccurate tuning can affect the sound quality of the instrument. |
| Transparent and competitive prices, with options for new and checked used handpans. | Potentially attractive prices but lack of transparency and risk of hidden charges. |
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7. The quality of our advice
A Handpan manufacturer knows what he's talking about. The articles on their website should answer all your questions in clear language.
Always remember the words of Boileau: "What is well conceived is clearly stated, and the words to say it come easily". In other words, when you're dealing with a professional, he knows what he's talking about, and knows how to explain it to you.
When you come across a website offering handpans to buy, and it hasn't explained to you what an octave or diatonic is, or what nitrided steel is, it's best to change websites.
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8. Summary of the key criteria for choosing and buying a handpan
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Musical scale | Choose according to the style of music you want to play. Major and minor scales are ideal for beginners. |
| Materials | Nitrided steel offers deep resonance and increased longevity. Stainless steel is less prone to rust. |
| Tuning(Hz) | 432 Hz for a more relaxing experience, 440 Hz for easy integration with other instruments. |
| New or used | New handpans guarantee maximum quality. Second-hand options can be economical but require careful checking. |
| Estimated price | Prices vary widely according to brand, quality and seller. Prices generally start at around £1,000. |
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Things to remember
Buying a handpan is much more than just a material purchase; it's an invitation to travel to the heart of vibrations and harmony. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore the world of percussion or an expert looking to add to your collection, choosing a handpan is in line with your personal quest for well-being and artistic expression. Let yourself be guided by the scale and notes that resonate with your soul, and embark on an unparalleled sonic experience.
Don't wait any longer, discover our exclusive selection of handpans and find your ideal musical companion today!
FAQs
1. Where can I find reputable handpan makers in the UK?
Reputable handpan makers in the UK can be found through online searches, specialised music stores, or recommendations from fellow musicians. Look for makers known for craftsmanship and quality.
2. What should I look for when buying a handpan?
When buying a handpan, consider factors like sound quality, material used (typically steel), tuning stability, and the maker's reputation. Ensure the instrument meets your musical preferences and playing style.
3. How much should I budget for a quality handpan in the UK?
Budgets for quality handpans in the UK can vary depending on the maker and specifications. Expect to invest between £1,500 to £3,000 for a well-crafted handpan that delivers good sound and durability.
4. What are the best handpan scales recommended for beginners?
Beginners often find scales like D Major, A Minor, or Pentatonic scales easier to learn due to their intuitive note arrangements and harmonic qualities. These scales offer versatility for various musical styles.
5. How do I ensure I'm buying an authentic handpan in the UK?
Ensure authenticity by purchasing from recognised makers or authorised dealers who provide certificates of authenticity. Avoid purchasing from unverified sources to ensure quality and craftsmanship.
6. Are there online platforms or communities in the UK for buying and selling handpans?
Yes, platforms like online forums, social media groups, and specialised websites cater to buying and selling handpans in the UK. Engage with these communities for advice, reviews, and opportunities to purchase handpans directly from makers or sellers.