Handpans
handpan, hang drum, hang, pantam
a modern instrument
Handpans are an evolution of the Trinidadian steel pan that began with the Hang, a handmade sound sculpture created by a company called PanArt in Bern, Switzerland in 2000. Felix Rohner and Sabina Scharer were making steel pan drums inspired by the Trinidadian steel drum and a conversation with a visitor about making something that could be played with the hands led to the conception of this modified instrument. In 2013 PanArt stopped making the Hang.
Since then, makers have sprung up all over the world creating their own unique offerings. This expanding family of instruments are called Handpans. They are basically the same fundamental design, but each maker brings their own unique and delightful set of skills to the crafting and tuning of their instruments.
Because they are all hand made and hand tuned, the production capacity is limited and waiting lists are long, sometimes up to 12 months. The online trade is fraught with scammers offering tantalising bargains and homemade pans that are a reasonable first effort, but lack the harmonic resonance instilled by the seasoned hand of a tempered master. It appears to be an alchemists trade, with a knowledge of some mysterious elemental magic a prerequisite for success.
The handpan is technically an idiophone, a class of instruments defined by the fact that the whole instrument resonates when struck, such as the singing bowl, wood block or triangle.
Clockwise - 9 note D-Minor Terrapan, An F Luna Sequoia by Dave Beery and a C Major Pentatonic from Tzevaot
Handpans come in discrete scales, often modal in nature, with the notes or "tone fields" arranged around a central top note, usually tuned to the lowest note. The tone fields have inward facing "dimples" in the center and the top notes dimple often faces outward and is affectionately known as the "ding". Each tuning has its own character and emotional range, and each individual pan its own character, comprised of its timbre, resonance, warmth and sustain.
Handpans are made using a variety of different methods, some are hand hammered from flat sheets, and others are made with machine formed shells either spun, deep drawn or hydroformed into their final dome shape. The tone fields are stamped or pressed into the dome, and they are all tuned by hand using specialised hammers.
Also its hard not to point out that they look like UFO's.
makers
The list of makers from around the world is growing rapidly. Like any instruments, there are the amazing pieces of art, and there are cheap rubbishy knockoffs that sound like you're banging on a bin lid. I've personally experienced the whole gamut. I can recommend the makers listed below. I've dealt with them personally, they have come through with the goods, and i've been happy with the product.
CFaulke
The AEther is one of my personal favourites.
An amazing robust instrument of the finest quality craftsmanship. High end indeed.
Pi Sonicpan
The original Australian Handpan, made from Australian steel. These pans are smaller than most, at 500mm in diameter and are great for travelling around with and come with a really clever compact carry case. They are extremely good value for money and are often available without much of a wait.
Terratonz
Based in Georgia, USA. This family company produce pans that are fully hand crafted. The steel is nitrided and the pan responds really well to a light touch.
Meridian
The best photographed pans on the internet. These things are real works of art, with bronze trim and polished ding, they look like a million bucks, and they sound even better.
Pantheon Steel
Halos. Long held to be the heir to the throne of the Hang. With a number of new tuners coming on board, the once excessive wait has gotten much better, and there are regularly flash sales on their website if you don't mind paying a bit extra.
Spacedrum
These larger pans are heaps of fun, with a bright sound. The wait time is around 6 months, but they are a very reasonable price, and have been around for a while.