How the handpan makes its sound

Where does the sound come from?

A handpan is made of two domed steel shells joined together like a saucer. On top, each note is a slightly hollowed, hammered area called a tone field. When your finger touches it, it vibrates and the whole instrument resonates.

The tuner doesn't only tune the main note. Within the same tone field, they also tune two overtones: the octave and the fifth above. This balance gives the handpan its round, singing tone.

The role of the shell

The air inside the instrument resonates with the opening underneath. This resonance strengthens the low frequencies and adds depth to the sound.

Your first notes

Start with a light touch, using your fingertips, then let the note ring. Try pauses, different sequences and a steady pulse: that is often how the first melodies are born.

• The touch: your finger bounces off right away, so the note rings longer.
• The ding: the central note, the lowest one, at the top of the instrument.
• Percussion: tapping the shell between the notes gives you rhythmic sounds.

A musical moment for yourself

Playing music can become an enjoyable part of your day, and everyone experiences sound in their own way. A handpan is a musical instrument: it is not a medical device and does not replace any treatment.

432 Hz or 440 Hz?

These are two reference pitches. 440 Hz is the most common standard and makes it easy to play with other instruments. 432 Hz is an alternative tuning, slightly lower. The right choice mostly depends on the sound you prefer: compare the audio samples of our models.