Purple Handpan

Immerse yourself in the harmonic innovation of the handpan

The handpan’s notes owe their magic to the 1:2:3 harmonic ratio between the fundamental, octave, and fifth—a simple but powerful equation for captivating sounds. This tuning practice dates back to the 1960s, when steelpan tuners such as Winston Spree Simon and Ellie Mannette, the “father of the modern steelpan,” began incorporating additional harmonics called “shoulder tones” on the edges of the notes. For example, on a fundamental note E3, the octave harmonic E4 is doubled by an ideal shoulder tone at E5 (the second octave), creating a uniquely rich sound. In the 1990s, PANArt briefly experimented with these principles on its Hang prototypes, but it was in 2013 that Victor Levinson, founder of SPB, was the first to systematically tune these shoulder tones on the central note, closely followed by Ezhan of Echo Sound Sculpture. Mark Garner refined the technique in 2013. Thanks to these developments, today’s handpan offers exceptional harmonic richness, used in music therapy and meditation for its relaxing effects. Discover this depth of sound by ordering your handpan.

Discover the step-by-step craftsmanship of the handpan

Each handpan is crafted in a specialised workshop, where two steel shells are shaped and assembled before being carefully tuned with a hammer by experienced artisans. This process, initiated in 2009 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in Bern, requires very rare expertise and can take several days. The upper shell, called the “ding side,” and the lower shell, the “gu side,” are treated separately to optimise resonance. The notes are created by dimples aligned around the “ding,” generally offering seven or eight distinct tones. This craftsmanship gives each instrument a unique identity, both visually and sonically. PANArt models remain the benchmark, while new luthiers now offer original finishes and exotic ranges. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, knowing the origin of your instrument deepens your connection to its magical sound. This transparency in the manufacturing process guarantees the quality and authenticity of your handpan. The result is long sustain and incomparable harmonic richness. Order your handpan today and enjoy an instrument crafted according to the most demanding traditions.

Discover how the handpan dispels unease with its vibrations

The handpan is a modern idiophone created in Switzerland in 2000, the result of innovation by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, which has revolutionised relaxation and meditation practices. Composed of two welded steel half-shells, its convex shape diffuses sound waves at 360°, creating a uniquely immersive sound bath. Unlike unwanted infrasound emitted by poorly adjusted fans—which once caused discomfort and fuelled legends of “haunted” houses—the frequencies produced by the handpan are carefully calibrated to a 1:2:3 ratio to create a sense of wholeness. Music lovers appreciate its use in sound therapy, where the resonance of each note promotes physical and mental relaxation. Today, you can find handcrafted handpans on the Instruments du Monde website, which offers personalised service and hand-hammered notes. Whether you’re enriching yoga sessions, meditation moments, or art therapy workshops, the handpan is a valuable ally for reducing stress and boosting well-being. Enjoy this unique sound experience—get your handpan today.

Enjoy your handpan at the Panradis of the Handpan Festival

Thanks to its compact size and manageable weight, the handpan can be easily carried in your bag to the Handpan Festival, nicknamed the “Panradis.” Founded by Cédric, a 43-year-old construction entrepreneur who lives in Sauvian with his wife and two daughters, this annual event offers a unique human experience. Cédric, who started an earthworks business three months before the 5th edition, installed permanent infrastructure with drinking water and electricity on the site to accommodate more than 7,500 festivalgoers. Before the festival, a Handpan Family event is held over two days in a more intimate atmosphere. Lithotherapy practitioners, sound journey workshops, and handmade jewellery stands make up the world of the 7 chakras. During the first edition, on 19, 20 and 21 September 2014, 800 people discovered this musical setting, while artists such as Alchimix, Balaphang, and Archer & Tripp performed on stage. Didgeridoo and jaw harp workshops, led by Jeremy Nattagh, complete the programme to offer a diversity of sound. Bring your handpan and experience this family-friendly musical adventure. Discover your instrument in a new light and join this community today by purchasing a handpan.

Legal warranty: when you order from Instruments du Monde, a French brand, you're covered by the consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law, plus our own 2-year warranty on all our items.

Returns and exchanges: not satisfied with your order? Not sure if this product is right for you? We’ve got you covered! Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery, and you don’t need to provide a reason. Shop with peace of mind.

Free delivery: if you live in Australia, delivery is free on orders of A$79 or more.

Dispatch time: ships within 48 working hours.

Delivery time: orders are delivered to Australia within 3–14 working days. This time frame may be extended to 30 days for other countries.