A handpan is a convex steel drum, played with the hands. It was created in the early 2000s and generates melodic and rhythmic warm, resonant tones. The first time you use a handpan, it often feels wonderful. Many musicians view it as a moment of discovery, an unanticipated bond with the instrument that encourages heart and intuition rather than mechanical proficiency. Due to their soothing tone and ease of use, handpans are becoming popular, particularly among beginners.
This article offers an unbiased assessment of the top beginner-friendly handpans by musicians, emphasising playability, tone, and quality from the player’s perspective. I decided to examine and compile some of the top beginner handpans to help individuals who are just starting with this soulful instrument, as I am a musician who is constantly experimenting with different tonal landscapes.
How to Choose a Handpan as a Beginner
It is crucial to select a handpan that meets your demands before you experience the first fulfilling moment when melodies begin to pour from your fingertips. Not every handpan is made equally, and for a beginner, sound quality and ease of use are crucial. Here are some things to consider:
Scale Selection
Begin with a well-liked, accommodating scale such as Amara, Celtic Minor, or D Kurd. Even when played simply, these scales have an emotive and harmonic feel.
Note Count
8 to 9 notes are ideal for beginners. It is sufficient to engage in creative exploration without feeling overburdened.
Material
Stainless steel pans are ideal for beginners since they are easy to maintain and more resistant to rust.
Build Quality & Tuning
Pick an instrument from a reputable manufacturer or retailer. Inadequate tuning might hinder your ear training and make learning tedious.
Comfort & Design
Choose a pan with a calming tone, responsive note regions, and a comfortable fit on your lap or stand.
Finding a handpan that feels nice to play and motivates you to keep going is more important than choosing the most ostentatious or costly one. You will know the journey was worthwhile after you have mastered the initial note flow.
Best Beginner Handpans
These are a few of the top handpan for beginners, carefully chosen for their value, sound quality, and ease of use.
Cosmos Handpan
For novices looking for a handpan that strikes a compromise between affordability and genuine handpan resonance, the Cosmos Handpan is a great choice. With its natural matte finish and fine hand-tuning, this handpan's nitrided steel construction minimises glare when used outside.
Its lightweight, compact design and approximately 21-inch circumference make it convenient to transport to meditation sessions, practice sessions, or outdoor performances.
The smooth, warm, and deep tone produced by the Cosmos Handpan is renowned for having the ideal amount of sustain. Its D Minor scale is well-liked by novices due to its harmonic adaptability and serene atmosphere. You can use either fingers or soft mallets to play it with ease. This handpan provides a stimulating and forgiving sound experience, whether playing predetermined patterns or improvising.
Guda Drum
The GudaDrum is a remarkable, high-end percussion instrument with an unparalleled handcrafted design and meticulous attention to detail. With its clear, warm, and well-balanced wood overtones, this steel tongue drum creates a unique, dry sound devoid of distortion and metallic tones, occasionally found in less expensive steel drums.
It is perfect for outdoor performances as it has a small profile of only 3.3 inches and a weight of roughly 4 pounds. You can use hammers or your fingers to play. Older Guda versions and other melodic instruments and percussion make a great combination with the Guda Drum. This makes it an excellent substitute for individuals who are beginning to play this instrument.
Novapan Handpans
One of the most engaging and simple musical instruments is the Novapan Handpan. The exquisite, angelic tone produced by the 9 and 12-note stainless steel handpans is appropriate for any setting. This handpan's tone is significantly more pronounced and possibly even more "angelic" due to the higher tuning in E. For musicians on the road or who want to protect their instruments, the soft cases with handpans are perfect.
The soft cases included separately are perfect for those who need more protection for their handpan. There are two tuning options for Novapans: 440 Hz and 432 Hz. The Generation 4s come with a stool and a busking microphone. Both novice and seasoned musicians will love Novapan Handpans.
Amara Handpan
Another good option for beginners is the Amara Handpan, particularly for players seeking a dark and emotionally charged scale. The Amara scale in C Minor is ideal for ambient sessions, sound therapy, and solo playing since it has a broad tonal range that creates intense, meditative emotions.
This handpan is a long-term companion for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts because it is made of stainless steel, which resists rust and is designed to tolerate humid conditions. For the price range, the build quality is remarkable, providing excellent tone clarity and tuning stability. With just nine notes, the arrangement offers enough melodic possibilities for exploration without being too demanding for novices.
As Teman Handpans
If you want more than a basic design, As Teman handpans are worth the investment, even though they are on the more costly end of the low-cost market. Here, you have a choice of 12 dynamic design options. Steel that has been fire-treated is used to make the 22-inch As Teman Handpan D Minor drums. An exquisitely braided rope is used to seal the drum, and the steel has been decorated. Its fine craftsmanship and advanced tuning techniques guarantee a high-quality, long-lasting sound.
More and more people are using As Teman Handpans because of their excellent, unique, and fashionable designs to express their individuality. You also get a carry bag, stand, cleaning cloth, and mallet when you buy the two-piece drum. In essence, a single, handy package includes everything you require.
Conclusion
Making your first handpan choice is an exciting and very personal introduction to the realm of intuitive music-making. What counts is finding a handpan that speaks to you both acoustically and spiritually. A well-selected instrument will encourage you to freely explore, try new things, and express yourself. Even a novice can produce profoundly poignant melodies that mirror their inner rhythm with time and effort.
Therefore, start with the handpan that makes you feel something, take your time, and trust your ear. The perfect instrument in your hands is the best approach to start your musical adventure, which is just getting started.
