When it comes to the mesmerizing handpan, however, enthusiasts know this instrument often comes at a price. But as more and more makers enter the market, handpans and other handpan-inspired instruments are getting more accessible. This guide has everything, whether you are in the market for a budget-friendly steel drum or looking for a high-end custom handpan, or somewhere in between with a digital solution or hand drum.
This post breaks down the best handpans, handpan drum steel drums, and similar instruments for all kinds of budgets. Now let’s look at how we can get started with our world of handpan instrument without having to lay out too much cash.
Budget: $0 – Digital Pantam App
If you can’t afford to own a physical handpan, then the Digital Pantam App is a great free alternative. This app makes it possible to simulate playing a handpan on your touchscreen device, which is available on the Google Play and Apple app stores.
Features: percussion sounds, handpan scales, metronome, and even recording and playback options.
Why It’s Great: It’s a great way for beginners to learn about the layout and sounds of a handpan without having to spend a dime.
Budget: PanSamples by Connor Shafran | $10
If you’re a music producer looking to utilize handpan sounds in your productions, Connor Shafran’s PanSamples handpan sample library is an affordable and easy way to go about it.
Compatibility: Made for Ableton Live, but usable with any DAW.
Why It’s Great: That’s some amazing value for money, this library at just €7, and they also provide realistic handpan tones for composers and producers.
Budget: Cinematique Instruments Pandrum costs $120.
Cinematique Instruments’ Pandrum virtual instrument takes the digital handpan experience to another level. It is unparalleled in its versatility and built on samples from six handpans and two steel tongue drums.
Features: There are 18 preprogrammed scale modes, tone shaping tools, and presets to encourage creative flexibility.
Why It’s Great: It is ideal for composers to explore the variety of handpan soundscapes that cannot be only with the sound of acoustic instruments, which is possible due to such a leveling.
Budget: $600 – Cosmos Handpan
If you are ready to invest in a physical instrument, you cannot go wrong with Cosmos Handpan. it’s a traditional handpan, they have a tonal quality.
Why It’s Great: The sound of rich, full-bodied tones and the intuitive, natural design of these handpan make them perfect for aspiring players without the high price tag.
Budget: RAV Vast Steel Tongue Drum: $800 – $830
The RAV Vast Steel Tongue Drum is one of the most highly regarded steel tongue drums in the family. With its diatonic scale setting and harmonic overtones, it has a sound unique and ethereal.
Why It’s Great: As an alternative to handpan instruments, it is extremely accessible and has a breathtaking richness of tonal and harmonic complexity.
Budget: Aura Handpans Beginner Series $900
The Aura Handpans Beginner Series is an affordable starting point for people looking for a genuine handpan drum. This series is crafted from untreated low carbon steel, and they offer inexpensive but excellent quality.
Features: Includes 10% off future Aura purchases and eight seven-note sound models.
Why It’s Great: Aura has a reputation as a handpan world name, and the beginner series is the perfect pan for someone who is new to playing handpans.
Budget: Colin Foulke’s Xenith7 is priced at $1,200.
Colin Foulke’s Xenith7 Handpan is affordable but well crafted. It is built on nitrided steel with a vibrant sound and innovative design.
Features: Tuned port, finished metal rim, and a soft backpack case, Helmholtz tones.
Why It’s Great: This is great for intermediate players and has 10 seven-note models to choose from.
Budget: $1,500–$2,000
If you’re shopping at this price point, expect to be able to choose handpan makers of good repute. Here are some recommendations:
· Tacta Handpans
· Spirit Handpans
· Daniels Made Handpans
· Axiom Instruments
· Makai Instruments
· PanSmith Handpans
All of these makers are known for their durable, wonderfully tuned handpans that span skill levels from novice to advanced.
Budget: $2,000–$2,500 for Hang Instrument
With more spending power comes more choice. Makers in this range offer much clearer and more customized handpans.
Recommended Makers:
· MAG Instruments
· Oasis Sound Sculpture
· Ayasa Instruments
· Elaia Handpans
· Arcana Musical Instruments
Though these tend to include features such as custom scales and additional harmonic overtones, they’re suited for an advanced player.
Budget: Custom handpans cost $2,500–$3,000.
If you are on a $2,500–$3,000 budget and would like to get involved with the builder and build a custom handpan, that’s also a good option. With this you are able to pick your scale, layout, and also your special features like mutant notes or more notes on the bottom shell.
Why It’s Great: With a custom handpan, you are exactly creating your instrument to fit your wants and style.
Budget: Pantheon Steel Halo—$3,000–$4,000
The Pantheon Steel Halo and Halo+ are both iconic American-made handpans. These instruments are known for precision tuning and creative design and are highly sought after.
Features: We can record up to 12 notes from one shell (Halo+), the greatest clarity and resonance.
Why It’s Great: Pantheon Steel are the creators of the term “handpan” and possess the instruments that are the benchmark for quality and innovation for their genre.
Budget: Yishama Pantam said that they are spending anywhere from $4,000 to $5,000+.
The Yishama Pantam is the top handpan as far as workmanship is considered for the individuals who spend some time considering the expense. Yishama is based in Israel and, to date, produces some of the most diverse, exquisitely designed instruments.
Features: unique designs, ultra-low scales, and 22-note so-called “super mutant” instruments.
Why It’s Great: Yishama is the gold standard of handpan building, as they build the most sonically rich, artistically beautiful ones.
Conclusion
From a first-time explorer of the mystic handpan music world or an experienced player looking for a pearl to grow or the best quality to already have, there is a handpan for every budget. All levels and price ranges are covered in this guide, from the free Digital Pantam App to the luxurious Yishama Pantam.
