The hang drum, or pantam, or handpan, is a mesmerizing musical instrument that has bewitched musicians, meditators and sound nerds everywhere. It is more than a musical tool, but art in its own right and a means to access a world of rhythmic and melodic possibilities. But all is not fair in the Twilight Zone, and there’s a price to be paid for that artistry, which has people wondering how much a handpan costs and what factors affect the price. We’re diving deeper into the costs, options, and considerations of handpans.
The Price Range of Handpans
Handpans of typically good quality cost around $1,500 – $3,000 USD. Quality materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail have resulted in instruments of this price range sound the way they should, which is good. These handpans are being manufactured in areas known for their craftsmanship, including the United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Bali, and many places throughout Europe.
The original handpan, Sound Sculpture Hang Drum, designed by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in Switzerland, is available from PANArt for about $2,588 USD (CHF 2,500). The handpan is a prized possession of enthusiasts, but now several other manufacturers make handpans based on these Hang Drums’ designs at more affordable prices.
Why Are Handpans Expensive?
Handpans are not manufactured on a huge scale; they are fraught with handwork. Each instrument is labor intensive, requiring expertise and attention to detail in its production hours. The notes and scales are struck out manually using hand hammering, and then each piece is individually tuned to produce the desired harmonious note. As with any craftsmanship, the cost is driven up by the skill and time needed to make it.
The price of handpans is also due in part to the material used to build them. Typically made of high-quality stainless steel or nitrided steel, it makes for a solid, durable instrument that can resist rust and maintain its tuning over a long period of time.
And since handpans are rare and artisan, they don’t tend to be found in a local music store. The price tag of these is well covered by their exclusivity, and the shipping costs to wherever they are to be shipped (as well as secure packaging to protect the instrument during transit).
Beware of Cheap Replicas
When shopping for a handpan, you might discover handpans that start at $600. Of course, they are often mass-produced replicas, primarily made in factories in China from low-quality materials. Handpans like those are usually machine-made, don’t have the precision of handmade gears and could be painted with potentially toxic paints. These would look like handpans but don’t sound or play like one. They are cheap copies that don’t produce those deep, resonant tones you’d get from a real handpan.
Before the purchase you need to research the seller well to avoid disappointment. When purchasing one, look for reviews, certifications, and guarantees for a well-made, authentic instrument.
Cheaper Alternatives: Steel Tongue Drums
If the price is too much, you can go with a steel tongue drum, which will be cheaper. In addition to other names, tank drums or hank drums have a similar sound profile to handpans but are more affordable, around $150 to $800 USD.
We could have written an entire article on the six steel tongue drums we’ve used and loved, which are widely available and usually feature some beautiful artwork, but they are an excellent introduction to the world of percussive, melodic instruments. Although not exact copies of what it’s like to play a handpan, they are a great way of taking that similar musical experience for a fraction of the cost.
The Handpan as an Investment
Buying a handpan is more than just purchasing an instrument; it’s an investment in a piece of artisan manpower. Handpans that are high quality and made by a reputable maker keep their value. While the cost of a handpan matters to musicians and enthusiasts, for them, it’s more about the connection to the music itself, the meditative aspect, listening to these beautiful sounds and just the simple joy of playing an instrument that resonates so deeply with the player and listener.
Notes, Scales, and Customization
The scale and available customization also make a difference in the cost of a handpan. Most handpans have a specific scale, such as Kurd, Celtic or E Minor — when played, their tones range from soothing and deep to lively and bright. The Ding is the central note, and additional notes are added around it to make a harmonious soundscape.
Handpans come in many configurations and have anywhere between 9 and 12 notes. For larger or more complex setups with more notes to include, the work and precision to put those all together will get more expensive.
Where to Buy a Handpan
This being said, Handpans are generally not something you can pick up at your local music store, so to get your hands on one, do your research and contact a Handpan maker that produces them or head to a specialist online store. In most cases, dependable manufacturers and retailers will supply a detailed description of their instrument, including the materials used, tuning scale, and even sound samples. Some even cover the shipping cost to almost anywhere on the planet. Example: https://www.cosmoshandpan.com/
When shopping for a handpan, consider these tips:
- Research Reputable Sellers: Check out reviews and people impressed by this seller.
- Request Sound Samples: Many manufacturers out there record their handpans so that you can try to hear the instrument’s tone and quality before buying.
- Verify Craftsmanship: Make sure well-trained artisans handcraft the instrument.
- Secure Packaging: Ensure the seller uses sufficient packaging to guard your instrument against shipping damage.
What Makes The Handpan Unique?
What makes the handpan appealing is more than its sound and craftsmanship. Like other software, it is an intuitive instrument to play; no prior musical knowledge is needed. Every handpan is tuned to a single scale, so you can never play the ‘wrong’ notes. This makes the keyboard perfect for beginners as well as professionals.
Handpans are also commonly used in therapeutic and meditating practices. They promote relaxation and emotional well-being. Soothing tones are highly sought-after therapy for yoga practitioners, as are sound healing and related mindfulness exercises. Handpans are a tool for self-expression and inner peace for many.
Conclusion
A handpan’s cost can be significant, but it accounts for the artistry, handcrafted design and the unique opportunity it brings you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, you will find that at the right price if you’re looking for a high-quality handpan or alternative (like a steel tongue drum).
