Every person asks at least a one of the following questions before purchasing a Handpan:
How much are/should be Handpans?
Handpans range between the prices of $700 to $2000+. It wasn't long ago that looking for a handpan would cost you upwards of $3000 and even secondhand handpans going for nothing less than $2000. Since its establishment, NovaPans Handpans has been priotizing the highest quality handpans at the most affordable prices. Since 2016, NovaPans has sold 3000+ handpans and taught 5000+ handpan owners (see NovaPans series of free handpan lessons on Youtube).
What is a Handpan?
A handpan is the name of the instrument used to describe the evolution of the Hang Drum, an idiophonic musical instrument (one which uses the vibration of its surface material that isn't strings or a membrane to make its sound). The handpan is made of metal (steel) and has typically 9 or more notes that are pressed and tuned into it upper and lower shell (dome shaped). Each of these notes when struck produces a beautiful tone that resembles that of a chime or bell hence why the handpan is more times than not used for sound healing purposes.
Where does the Handpan originate from?
The Handpan, or Hang Drum, was invented in Switzerland in the year 2000 by a Swiss couple who first coined the term. Their company and Hang Drums were named PANArt. Since the year 2000, tens to now hundreds of new makers and factories have formed now providing handpans in all keys, scales, color, designs and with various added valued added services such as teaching and accessories. Where prospective buyers would originally be expected to make an upfront deposit or payment for their handpan and wait several months to acquire their handpans (also with limited return and refund options), now buyers can purchase and receive their handpans in as little as a couple days to a couple weeks. NovaPans is one of those options.
What is a metal drum called?
The metal drum which looks like a UFO or a cooking wok is probably the Handpan or Hang Drum (same thing) you've been thinking about. You may have also noticed similar-looking steel drums with what appears to be cuts or slits for notes; these aren't quite handpans but instead, tongue drums and tend to be smaller in diameter yet still relatively high.
Where are Hang Drums from?
They used to only be from Switzerland where they were invented. Now you find there are manufacturers from practically every continent.
What instrument does Hang Massive play?
The Handpan you see Hang Massive play is otherwise known to be in the key of D Kurd and happens to be the most popular key/scale chosen on the handpan - probably because of Hang Massive's popularity!
Who invented hang drums?
A Swiss couple in Switzerland by the names of Felix Rohner and Sabina Scharer.
How does a hang drum work?
By applying pressure on the notes of the handpan you are able to produce tones, sounds like you would playing a steel pan drum. When playing the handpan for the first time it's best to attempt to hit softer than you might expect as the handpan is a fragile instrument and doesn't require being hit so hard in order for the sound to be created. Do definitely check out our series of free handpan tutorials on learning the handpan covering everything from sound creation to advance rhythms, found here.
What is a hang drum made of?
Different manufacturers use different metals but many now lean towards using stainless steel as the norm for higher-end and better-to-maintain models. Our Generation 7 Handpans are made of stainless steel while our other models, the Generation 3s and Generation 4s are produced out of Nitrided Metal, a slightly more flexible metal that allows for greater pitch bends however at the same time rusts a lot more easily than a stainless steel model (hence why consistent maintence using a handpan oil is recommended).
For any more questions or enquiries, please do either Contact Us or read our read more under More>Handpan Advice on our website.