The handpan can be defined as a percussion instrument who has the ability to produce harmonic sounds and allows the player to charm their entire audience. It is, by itself, an extraordinary, splendid, formidable, and magical instrument.
But beyond all these qualifiers and all its denominations, the handpan has a history and a past that are as interesting as they are exciting. Let's discover together the secrets of the handpan and his illustrious journey.
Also to read: Quelle est la différence entre un Handpan & un Tongue Drum ?
1. The Hang drum is an instrument that is both traditional and contemporary
The first power of the handpan He manages to skillfully connect the traditional world and the modern one. It is an instrument that is played by hand and whose learning has been passed down from generation to generation.
In other words, the way to play it has not undergone a real change over the years. However, it continues to produce melodious soundscrystalline and very original.
Moreover, the great characteristic of its sounds is that they are very pleasant to hearing. The hang drum, despite all the history it is filled with, has managed to adapt very easily to the present era.
He has traversed several civilizations and is full of many stories.
Regardless of its sound characteristics, the handpan owes part of its fame to the wonderful stories associated with it. This gives it cultural grandeur and a very important place in history.
It is therefore not simply a musical instrument, but also the expression of a reverence for musical art. Its creators They worked for years on handcrafted instruments and metal alloys to create this fantastic tool.
It adapts perfectly to the present century and conforms to individual needs.
The hang drum is considered a recent musical instrument, as its design dates back to just 2001. On this basis, it is relatively young, unlike other instruments of the same kind.
Its originality comes from the fact that it draws its source from a fusion of ancestral sounds indian drum, et de la Caribbean percussionOne of the reasons it offers such a good tone is the fact that the two instruments it draws its sources from are highly valued by practitioners of artisanal music.
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2. The Handpan results from a very impressive technological mechanism
The second thing you may not know is that the handpan was born after several years of research and hard work by its designers. It thus symbolizes their taste for innovation, but also the arduous work of several generations of workers.
Indeed, the manufacturers the most seasoned often have a great know-how in the design of steelpansThey rely on their previous dominations to develop, hang drums with a completely sleek design.
The sense of innovation that the manufacturers have demonstrated over several years of design has allowed for a plurality of Handpan styles to date. The design goes through a process comparable to the work of thesteel.
But this is obviously not the only material, and this is what highlights the notion of style. Nowadays, you will encounter many styles of hang drum around the world. There is the American style, the Swiss one, or even the German one.
Observing the style more closely switzerland, you will realize that it is quite original. It is a model established in the 2000s by Felix Rohner and is made from a nitrided steel.
Subsequently, some handpan manufacturers began to produce them in stainless steel. The instrument has the particularity of having a sound that is not only soft, but also etherealTo learn more and, if possible, to acquire it, you can follow the link handpan or hang drum.
3. The Handpan has wonderful sound properties
The hang drum is equipped with several notes allowing it to produce a fabulous mix of sounds that amaze the audience. Designed to be very noticeable to the touch, it is the result of a relatively complex manufacturing process. Similarly, the tuning techniques implemented are quite ingenious.
a. Better sounds, thanks to steel
The steel used in the design of hang drum is a real asset for them. Indeed, in most cases, designers use a nitrided steel alloy. By doing so, they have little chance of making manufacturing errors, because the metal is easier to adjust.
Enjoy for yourself, the wonderful sound of the handpan through this video
In other words, the stainless steel alloy is easier to work with, and thus allows for perfect work on each note. By choosing this material, we offer the opportunity for the handpan, to offer a sound quality completely different and unique.
It is possible, as several layers of sounds with ethereal effects are created. In the end, we obtain an instrument that is not only ergonomic but also has a completely unique design. refined.
b. The different ranges of the Hang drum.
You have the choice between several ranges, allowing you to feel different emotions and diversify your creativity. It is up to each person to control and choose the range who best matches their ears.
As with all other musical instruments, you have the option to create both melancholic and joyful melodies. The great players They even manage to obtain mysterious and hypnotic melodies after intense training.
This great variability of emotions gives it notoriety with all its audience. If you want a handpan in ré mineur about and easy to handle, we recommend the black handpan with ten notes.
4. The Hang drum has international success
The other thing you surely don't know is the global success of the handpan. This success is mainly related to its properties that could be described as noisy, yet orderly and pleasant. To put it simply, the success of the hang drum instrument has exceeded all expectations.
Of singers From the four corners of the world now wish to have their own instruments, provided that they are authentic and original.
In recent decades, the instrument has taken on an international role, thanks to the various wonders it reflects. Aside from the musicians, it is possible to count millions of admirers.
Even if they don't have the opportunity to play it, people love listen to it, and love to immerse themselves in its melody. The instrument ofSwiss origin, registered around the world, several communities of passionate people.
5. The Handpan: a very easy instrument to learn and handle
The Handpan is a musical instrument that may seem complicated at first, but remember that it is very easy to learn. Although he is new to the musical world, he has not faced any real difficulties in rising to the ranks of great musical instruments such as the guitar and the piano.
It is mostly practiced by fans who are in search of new experiences. The main advantage that the instrument offers to its new players is that it does not require a background to learn, which makes it accessible to a large majority.
For your first times, don't be in a hurry, and perform simple gesturesGet used to wrist twisting and practice until the movement is smooth. Don't be afraid, ZenaPan is here to guide you through its hang drum very good qualities.
No matter if you are at the beginner or intermediate level, you have templates for handpan adapted to your rank. The advantage is that you do not have to wait months in a queue like with other manufacturers.
While reading our article on the 5 best handpan in ré mineurYou will find it easier to make a choice based on your profile.
6. Features: Modern Handpan vs Traditional Hang
| Characteristic | Modern Handpan | Traditional Hang |
|---|---|---|
| Origine | Developed in the 2000s | Created in 2001 by PANArt |
| Materials | Nitrided steel, stainless steel | Specially treated steel by PANArt |
| Sound quality | His crystalline sound, wide sound range | His warm and deep, unique resonance |
| Variety of ranges | Numerous, suitable for various musical genres | Limited, often based on pentatonic scales |
| Accessibility | More widely available | Less accessible, limited production |
| Price | Varies widely; sometimes more affordable | Generally more expensive, due to its rarity |
Discover on Zenapan, the magic of the traditional hang. We offer original versions of the hang drum at unmatched prices. Each instrument is carefully crafted to capture the essence and unique characteristics of the hang, and much more. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own a piece of musical history – visit Zenapan starting today to find your perfect sound.
What to remember
The handpan is a musical treasure offering much more than simple melodies. From its ability to promote well-being through soothing frequencies, to the richness of its range allowing for boundless creative expression, each steelpan, whether it is original or a authentic Swiss hang drum, carries within it a unique story. Exploring the world of the steel hang drum is to open oneself to a transformative experience, whether through the purchase of a new instrument or the discovery of a used handpan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes the handpan unique among musical instruments?
The handpan is unique due to its construction from resonant steel and its intuitive harmonic range, offering a meditative and immersive musical experience unmatched by other percussion instruments.
2. How much does a handpan cost?
The prices of handpans vary widely, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the quality, craftsmanship, and rarity of the instrument. A second-hand handpan can be a more affordable option for beginners.
3. Where can I learn to play the handpan?
There are many online resources, including YouTube tutorials and online courses specific to the handpan. Some handpan shops also offer workshops and private lessons.
4. How to choose my first handpan?
Choose a handpan according to the scale that you like the most and that matches your musical goal, whether it's for relaxation in 432 hertz or composition in 440 hertz. Also consider the number of notes and the price.
5. What maintenance does a handpan require?
For preserving the sound quality of your handpan, clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth and avoid sudden temperature changes. Use specific oils to protect it from oxidation.
